Update on Our Efforts to Help Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
During the past month, we have experienced unprecedented solidarity and unity in the face of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine and the influx of more than two million Ukrainian refugees crossing the Polish border with more than half of them staying in Poland. Individuals and organizations, national and international, are working together to address immediate needs, and to create mid- and long- term strategies to serve and integrate those who choose to stay in Poland.
Emergency transportation to and from the border
Jakub Lysiak, our General Tour Manager, continues to provide logistical assistance to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Caritas Poland, one of the country’s largest charities. While the number of refugees crossing into Poland decreased this week, we are “on call” and well-prepared for the next waves.
Purchasing and delivering medicine, food and supplies
The Taube Center continues to purchase much-needed fuel and other supplies for the numerous volunteer stations on the border.
With your generous support, we have delivered more than 300kg (660lbs) of medical supplies to the Polish-Ukrainian border. A part of this shipment later found its way into Ukraine where it is needed most.
Paweł Łukaszewicz, our Senior Program Manager, purchased and delivered food and personal hygiene products to a refugee center located in Nadarzyn, a small town just outside of Warsaw. The center is currently housing about 10,000 Ukrainians, mainly mothers with children and the elderly.
Day Centers for mothers and children
Our day center co-managed with Hillel Poland now offers Polish language lessons four days per week and an educational psychologist will be available starting next week. We partnered with Warsaw JCC on a hamatschen baking session for JCC members and refugees and later delivered the mishloach manot prepared to one of the Jewish Community’s refugee centers. Kaja Siczek, a member of the Taube Center Team, is creating children’s programs for all ages and recruiting informal educators from the community and from among the refugees who are eager to assist and work.
Cooperative Efforts: Developing short- and long-term strategies
The Taube Center, as a member of the Jewish Community’s Crisis Management Team, continues to work hand-in-hand with local partners among them the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the office of the Chief Rabbi of Poland. We are grateful to Rebecca Bardach, with her extensive experience in refugee assistance, humanitarian aid, and migration, for providing the Crisis Management Team members with invaluable guidance during her recent visit organized by us.
The Taube Centerf, acting both responsively and proactively, is commited to assisting Ukrainian refugees throughout this crisis period and well beyond.
Your ongoing support will enable us to continue our efforts. We encourage you to share this link to our 501c3 for those not yet on our mailing list who would like to make a donation.
