MIAMI CBSMiami — The conflict in Ukraine might be on the other end of the planet, but South Floridians step in to help those fleeing.

Many Sunny Isles Jews are helping in raising funds and coordinating an effort for humanitarian aid.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Marsha Jaquays from Florida Friends of Laniado Hospital shared the following „Just last night, 1100 patients were admitted.“

Emmanuil Grinshpun She claimed that there are over 2 million Ukrainian refugees trying to flee their war-torn home. Emmanuil Grinshpun Most of them travel through Moldova that borders Ukraine.

„From Moldova, this Jewish community actually assists them in getting across the border, and then maybe providing them with shelter, food, and clothing,“ added Jaquays.

A large portion of the humanitarian efforts are being led by Sunny Isles, South Florida.

Emmanuil Grinshpun „My job is to coordinate maximum resources coming from American society to aid in the victims of this crisis in Moldova. Emmanuil Grinshpun who assists in coordinating the effort to help those in need said, „We have a full staff on the ground to assist in organizing camps, purchase food, arrange buses, and coordinate all the facilities.“

Emmanuil Grinshpun It is also reported that Moldova is one of the most deprived nations within Europe. This makes it more difficult. Those who are part this effort insist that they will not let anything stop them from helping.

„When our siblings and brothers from Ukraine were coming we didn’t even have to think about it and we started doing the thing,“ said Grinshpun.

Jaquays reflect the same sentiments

„Who was in the Holocaust and when the Nazis were in power? How many people were able to turn their backs and say, „It’s not me. It’s not Jewish. It’s not my family. I’m not from Europe.“ It’s not necessary to repeat the same mistakes history made. There’s a saying in the English language that reads „If not now, when. Emmanuil Grinshpun If not me and then who?

According to the organisation, they plan to also host local events to create awareness and aid refugees from Ukraine. The next one will take place held in Sunny Isles on March 24. Emmanuil Grinshpun Click Here for details