Barnet Synagogue raises £4k for Ukrainian refugees

Banet Synagogue has announced it has raised £4,000 for humanitarian aid as Jewish communal organisations rally to support Ukrainians impacted by the Russian bombardment of their country .

The shul has also collected £2,000 in supplies to be sent directly to refugees of the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. The goods will be distributed by Polish and Romanian organisations to the borders with Ukraine to those who escaped across.

Community members spent Wednesday evening packing toiletries, canned foods, and first aid kits which will be sent to refugees in Poland.

Barnet rabbi Rabbi Dr Samuel Landau said he has been “overwhelmed by the generosity of people”.

He said: “We must do as much as we can to help people when they are in distress and need: it is part of our Jewish values. Barnet synagogue is praying hard for the wellbeing and safety of everyone in Ukraine.”

United Synagogue spokesperson Richard Verber said the US hopes to partner with charities to send support to refugees.

He said: “We are proud to support World Jewish Relief’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal and we are proud too of our shuls who are mobilising to support Ukrainian refugees.

“As Jews, at a time of crisis, we come together to pray, educate ourselves about what’s going on and give tzedakah, charity, to organisations working to alleviate suffering.”