Israeli Support for Ukraine Heating Up

An increasing number of new initiatives and events reflect growing Israeli grassroots support for Ukraine. The "Warm Gifts" project was started in early October by the Facebook group "Israel Supports Ukraine." The group posted the following appeal:

“As you already know, the war in Ukraine, despite negotiations, "silently" continues. Since February we have endured the Maidan and during the spring and summer bandages, Celox, and first-aid kits, which of course are still needed, were collected. But with the onset of autumn low temperatures have arrived and Ukrainian soldiers on the front line face one more enemy—the cold. Volunteers from Ukraine write that pneumonia and other diseases have become frequent. Together, as proven, we will be able to help once more!

For the next three weeks until 26 October humanitarian aid for Ukraine—specifically winter clothes and equipment such sleeping bags as well as medical supplies such as syringes and plasters—will be collected in seven cities in Israel to help Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. Locations and contacts include:

Tel Aviv – Toshka Rinberg
Haifa - Evgeny Khutorskoy
Jerusalem - Masha Krasnaya
Beer-Sheva - Diana Sand
Netanya - Ilia Sokolov
Bat-Yam - Yulia Ostapenko
Petakh-Tikva - Mila Margolina
[Within Israel] general inquiries can be directed to Roman Shabanov at 0542435802.

Humanitarian aid at this stage will be delivered once a week and we will report details on the first shipment. Who knows that else can be useful on the front line, so we welcome your suggestions, and we will augment our list of supplies. There is a lot of warmth in our hearts we want to share!”

In another initiative organized by the "Israel Supports Ukraine" group and the NGO "Israeli Friends of Ukraine," the Korchma restaurant at 28 Shtampfer Street in Petah-Tikva will host the "Eat Varenyky - Dress the Soldier" charity fair on 24 October at 13:00. The price of admission is fifty shekels. The fair will feature handicrafts, ornaments, and Ukrainian t-shirts for sale. Proceeds from the sale of tickets and products will be allocated for the purchase of warm apparel for Ukrainian soldiers in the ATO zone.

For continuing updates please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelUkraine/

By Shimon Briman