New York City has long been known as a tough but loving city that welcomes people from around the world with open arms. This includes more than 150,000 Ukrainians, the largest such population in the U.S., most of whom live in Brighton Beach and our very own East Village.
As we watched in horror Russian forces as they began an unprovoked, violent attack on the people of Ukraine, we began to think of our Educational Alliance community. As a historically Jewish organization, we know all too well the profoundly negative effects of war, violence, and their ensuing individual and collective traumas.
Our message at Educational Alliance is simple: you belong here. We believe that true belonging requires a sense of safety and stability. Though we are not on the front lines, we are always encouraged by our community’s willingness to step up and support those in their moment of need.
How to Show Your Support
Violence and war can make you feel helpless. But you can take action—from your own home or your own neighborhood—that will make an impact and support the people of Ukraine.
Here are some things you can do:
Dine local. Veselka, Streecha, or the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
Buy local. Support Ukrainian artisans by shopping at Arka, or treat someone to an edible bouquet from WOW Bouquet
Educate yourself. Librarians at the Brooklyn Public Library have compiled a list of books to understand the Russia-Ukraine crisis, or visit the Ukrainian Institute of America on the Upper East Side
Please consider donating to this list of trusted organizations that are directing aid to the people of Ukraine:
UJA-Federation of NY
HIAS
People in Need
Red Cross
UNICEF
United Help Ukraine
QUA
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and keep these words from a Jewish proverb in mind: “A bad peace is better than a good war.”