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Source: https://www.israel21c.org/for-israelis-the-outpouring-of-aid-to-ukraine-is-personal/
Israeli Organizations Are Helping Ukrainian Refugees
(Israel21c) Abigail Klein Leichman - Dr. Albina Rotshtein of Israel was busy caring for Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border as part of NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief's medical mission from Israel when her parents, her sister and her sister's two children crossed into Poland from Ukraine. Although Israelis always rush to help victims of disasters anywhere, this time it's personal. Roughly half a million Israelis are of Ukrainian descent. Hagit Krakov, head of mission for IsraAID in Moldova, is of Moldovan heritage and most of her relief team has roots in the area as well. Ethan Schwartz, IsraAID's spokesman, said, "We've met many people who have family in Israel." Israeli NGOs "have chutzpah - they are small but hands-on and work with international organizations to know where the needs are," says Dana Manor, deputy director of the Society for International Development (SID)-Israel. Israel's Foreign Ministry has established a coordination center to deal with the many initiatives to help Ukrainians. Other Israel-based NGOs helping refugees include ZAKA, SmartAID, Rescuers Without Borders, Dream Doctors, Yad Ezer L'Haver, Brit Olam and Shalom Corps. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal, United Hatzalah and Jewish groups and donors from around the world are bringing Ukrainian Jews to Israel. Hundreds of Jewish and Christian volunteers are assisting refugees on the ground and through a hotline. TytoCare provided 50 telemedicine devices for Ukrainian children. Rakuten Viber initiated free calls and information-sharing channels in the countries with the largest influx of refugees. Latet donated food, blankets and winter equipment. Sheba Medical Center, Clalit HMO, medical personnel from Schneider Children's Medical Center and Hadassah University Medical Center flew over to aid refugees.