Seattle Jewish Community Ukraine Challenge

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused one of the largest humanitarian crises since World War II. Over three million people have been forced to flee for their lives. And the number is rising every day. Ukraine is home to nearly 400,000 Jews.

Our community cannot stay on the sidelines. We must act and act now.

In response to the crisis, six Jewish organizations in Seattle, including ours, have joined forces in an unprecedented partnership. We are raising funds to help Jews still in Ukraine, those fleeing the country, as well as Ukrainian refugees who resettle in Washington State.

These are extraordinary times. They require extraordinary efforts. A group of Jewish leaders in Seattle has heard the call of history and contributed over $1,100,000 to match your donation for Ukraine, dollar for dollar. The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle has generously agreed to serve as the administrative partner and will forward 100 percent of the funds raised for Ukrainian children and families.

Will you join us? Every dollar you contribute will unlock another dollar to double your impact for Ukrainians.

We are proud to be a key partner in the Seattle Jewish Community Ukraine Challenge alongside Hillel at UW, Holocaust Center for Humanity, Kline Galland, Jewish Family Service of Seattle, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

Ukrainian families need our help right now.

With your contribution, all funds designated for humanitarian aid will be sent overseas to Jewish organizations on the ground who are helping Ukrainians as they face the worst crisis of their lives. Overseas funding will provide urgently needed temporary housing, medical supplies, and food for refugees who have fled Ukraine to surrounding countries, as well as assist those wishing to make Aliyah (emigrate to Israel).

In anticipation of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Washington State, you may also designate a percentage of your gift to Jewish Family Service, the only Jewish refugee resettlement organization in Washington State. Any gifts designated to JFS will be used entirely to support Jewish and non-Jewish Ukrainian resettlement efforts through JFS. When these efforts are complete, any remaining funds not needed for local resettlement will be sent overseas for humanitarian aid.

All gifts, regardless of how they are designated, will be matched one to one. Double your impact now.

Many of us have family who were refugees from Ukraine and Russia decades ago. Some of us still have family there now. We feel a direct connection to the women, children, and elderly people who pack the trains heading toward- and hopefully safely across- Ukraine’s border right now, and with their husbands, sons, and fathers who have stayed behind to fight. For everyone, the pain, terror, and trauma on the faces of Ukrainians are impossible to ignore.

Your gift will help the people of Ukraine during these desperate times. Your gift will be doubled. Please make a gift today and we will meet this moment together … as the strong and powerful community that we are.
You can find FAQs about the Seattle Jewish Community Ukraine Challenge here.

Together we can meet the challenge and help the millions of Ukrainians in need now.

Tremendous gratitude to our local philanthropists that have made this Seattle Jewish Community Ukraine Challenge match possible:

Visionaries ($100,000)

• Carl and Joann Bianco
• Amy and David Fulton
• The Loeb Family: Dick and Frankie, Steve and Dianne, Becky, Katy and Henry Arias, Don and JoEllen,
• David and Addie
• Samis Foundation
• Karen & Gary Schwartz Foundation

Leaders ($50,000-$99,999)

• Susan Brotman
• Barrie and Richard Galanti
• Lott Foundation
• Anonymous (1)

Motivators ($25,000-$49,999)

• Eli and Rebecca Almo
• Joe and Karyn Barer
• Rebecca Benaroya
• Leslie and Michael Bernstein
• Bridge Family: Rabbi Dan Bridge and Simcha Shtull, Jon and Bobbe Bridge, Ed and Pam Bridge
• Lonnie and Susan Edelheit
• Evie and Richard Gumpert
• Rabbi Arthur A. Jacobovitz Donor Advised Fund
• Levitan Family Foundation
• Dean and Gwenn Polik
• Herb and Lucy Pruzan
• Deborah and Doug Rosen
• Cathy Sarkowsky
• Faye Sarkowsky Charitable Foundation
• The Lawson Sarkowsky Family
• Judy and Joe Schocken
• Isador Simon Family Donor Advised Fund
• Cynthia Stroum