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.

In recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, World Jewish Relief is proud to highlight the significant strides made in dementia care across Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus through its partnership-driven programmes. Since 2015, the charity has worked tirelessly to address the growing need for better dementia support in Eastern Europe, particularly within vulnerable Jewish communities. The latest evaluation of this work, conducted by Israeli consultancy Key Impact, shows resoundingly positive outcomes.

It’s been a year since the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake which struck Morocco, killing almost 3,000 people. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have reached 13,184 people, providing life-saving supplies and shelter in the first days of the disaster. We’re now working alongside our local partner, MBLA, to help people develop sustainable livelihoods. Hear insights from the ground after a recent visit by one of the World Jewish Relief team.

World Jewish Relief is delighted to announce the remarkable success of its "Shoulder to Shoulder" campaign, which has achieved its ambitious £500,000 target in just 36 hours. This urgent initiative, aimed at providing crucial support to those affected by crisis, conflict, and disaster worldwide, has received overwhelming support from the community.

Arriving into the Rohingya refugee camp in southern Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, it’s hard to imagine that nearly a decade ago, this expansive settlement was instead a thick, lush forest. Beginning in 2017, trees and greenery conceded to bamboo and tarpaulin infrastructure, forming the world’s largest refugee camp, home to the world’s largest ‘stateless’ population, caught in the world’s largest protracted refugee crisis.

In support of Israel's humanitarian approach, World Jewish Relief will be supporting field hospitals providing life-saving maternal and infant healthcare in Gaza, through a US-based global humanitarian responder.