Israel celebrates rescue of Jewish orphans from Ukraine

Israel’s Foreign Ministry opened special reception stations at crossing points with Ukraine this morning to offer Israelis and Jews leaving the country food, medical consultations and consular assistance. The stations will be manned by representatives of the ministry, representatives of Nativ (liaison office for Jews living in the former Soviet bloc) and representatives of the Jewish Agency. So far, Israeli representatives have been occupied primarily with assisting Israelis and Jews to exit Ukraine and cross the border.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted after the ministry meeting, “The reception stations at the border crossings are a new and important task. Citizens arrive there after hours and days on the road, and they need us. Our rescue operations are highly appreciated. We work in all areas, from the political sphere through humanitarian aid, vis-a-vis the neighboring countries. At the center of our concern is the mission of aid and rescue of thousands of Israelis from Ukraine.”

Lapid said that the Ministry of Welfare will be involved in providing assistance for Israelis with special needs. He also commended yesterday's operation to bring Jewish orphans out of Ukraine and noted that buses organized by the ministry to transport Israelis from Lviv and Kyiv to the border left full. He said more such buses are expected to depart from Ukraine today.

Early this morning, the ministry told Israelis and their families who are in Ukraine that at 1 p.m. today, a shuttle for Israelis and their families will depart from the Ukranian city of Lviv in the west of the country to the Polish border through the Krakovetz crossing. The message noted an exact meeting point address and a telephone number for pre-registration.