With war looming on the border, the Ukrainian Jewish community is preparing for impact. Concerns include safety, food, and other supplies necessary for survival.

Looting has already had an impact on the availability of kosher food, and without imports the religious community may be left without options.

General violence is also on the rise, in a region of the world already known for antisemitism. Leaders of the Jewish schools and synagogues say they need armed guards for protection, but such luxuries are beyond their capabilities. Security can cost roughly $1000 a day.

Without security of the ability to leave, terror has been stricken into the hearts of Jewish families, including the parents of the hundreds of children who attend Uman’s Jewish day school.

Those living take the highest priority but many are also very worried for the many religious sites and kvarim in the area.

Donations are being urgently collected via The Chesed Fund to help protect Ukrainian Jews. Meanwhile the world at large is watching to see what will happen next.