As a philanthropic planning professional, I see how wonderful people feel when they create personal legacy plans. It is so satisfying to help people discover how they can make a lasting impact and continue supporting their community into the future.

As the needs in Ukraine are growing, your Federation and our partners are there – helping the Jewish community. Watch the video to see the impact your donations make.

Next Wednesday evening, we will celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim which tells the miraculous story of the Jews of Persia being saved from massacre. As the Book of Esther is read, we are reminded that Queen Esther comes to the realization that she was there in that moment in time for a reason. She had to act – in order for the community to be saved.

Watch an emotional video from our partners, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, about the current crisis in Ukraine.

Throughout previous generations, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Community Relations Committee (CRC) has fought against antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, defended Jewish interests, improved relationships with the non-Jewish community, protected democracy, and supported Israel.

As the war in Ukraine rages on and over a million refugees flee the country, Jewish communities call on Congress for more assistance on the ground and support for refugee resettlement in the U.S.

Ukraine is in crisis. The global Jewish community is needed more than ever.

Natalia was born in Dnipro on April 15, 1934. Her family moved to Odessa in 1938. In 1941 the family was evacuated to Siberia (in total, there were 10 family members there, and Natalia’s mother was in charge of them). She started school there and continued her education in Odessa, when the family moved back there in 1946.

This Shabbat we pray for all who are affected by this crisis, including our friends and neighbors here in Cleveland with family in Ukraine.

Donors new to philanthropy or wishing to expand their portfolios of giving may wish to consider several factors when choosing areas and charities for their funds.