World Jewish Relief recently had the honour of bringing several STEP Ukraine graduates to an event in Parliament hosted by Sarah Sackman MP. The event, called "Stand with Ukraine", brought together a wide range of people, including many Barnet-based Ukrainians and local community leaders and was a reminder of the strength that comes from unity during difficult times.

Just one month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian artist Inna and her parents fled their home in Bakhmut. With little time and space in their car, they could only take the essentials. Arriving in the UK, Inna faced numerous challenges on her journey to rebuilding her life...

In Jewish tradition, Hesed – or loving-kindness - lies at the heart of our communal life. In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re celebrating our recent Mitzvah Day which was a remarkable display of Hesed. With passion and purpose, 46 members of our STEP Ukraine team, who work as employment advisors to help Ukrainians find work, learn English and integrate into life in the UK, dedicated a day to giving back to the community in other ways.

Last night, leading members of Britain’s Jewish community gathered at the Roundhouse in London to raise vital funds for the work of World Jewish Relief. The charity, which last year worked in 21 countries, provides essential support to vulnerable people and those suffering the consequences of conflict, disaster and climate change.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we welcomed our Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, to the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow (JCC Krakow) to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.  

As we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, we simultaneously celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Alice Engel. Alice’s journey – from the horrors of 1930’s Vienna to a better life in the UK – is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

For 15 months, the hostages and their families have continually been in our thoughts. For 15 months, they have suffered unimaginable trauma. The release of three hostages yesterday, including one British-Israeli, was an emotional first step, but we anxiously await the return of the remaining 30 people set to be released during phase one of the ceasefire. At the same time, we mourn deeply all those who have lost their lives, and we hope and pray for the safe return of the hostages that remain in Gaza. The last 471 days have caused immense suffering for Israelis and Palestinians, and we hope that this ceasefire will allow for peace and security in the region, the return of all remaining hostages, and essential humanitarian aid to continue at pace in Gaza.

New Year is a big deal in Ukraine. Normally, some of the light displays would rival those on Bond Street or New York’s 5th Avenue. And you can tell the country is doing its best to maintain as much of that normality as possible – winter lights are set up and people are trying to keep the festive spirits as high as possible. In the centre of busy Kyiv, you could pretend it’s all fine. But this well-intended façade hides the reality. Read our teams reflections from a recent visit to Ukraine.

Wildfires have been devastating large parts of Los Angeles since January 7, destroying homes, lives, and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community who have lost personal and communal property, alongside all those who are affected beyond the community. In response, World Jewish Relief is contributing to relief efforts to support displaced people and provide day camps for children.