Israel mobilises state and private funding to address Ukraine energy crisis

Israeli authorities, together with the Mosaic United foundation and private donors, have launched a joint initiative to mitigate the impact of large-scale power outages affecting Jewish communities in Ukraine.

Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism announced a comprehensive emergency assistance program with a total budget of 4 million shekels ($1.29 million), as per Israeli media reports.

The initiative was introduced in response to the severe humanitarian situation caused by repeated strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have coincided with a period of extreme winter cold.

Officials said the funding decision reflects the unprecedented challenges faced by civilians, as temperatures have fallen to around −20°C while regular electricity cuts have made it extremely difficult for residents to remain in unheated homes.

The assistance program focuses on several priority measures. These include arranging temporary accommodation in hotels and guest facilities equipped with independent heating and power systems, providing regular hot meals and essential supplies, and directing aid primarily to cities and settlements experiencing the most prolonged and critical power disruptions.

The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership model. Financing comes not only from government resources but also from contributions by Mosaic United and private Jewish philanthropists. To ensure rapid and effective delivery of assistance, a network of international and local organisations has been mobilised. Among them are the Chabad religious movement, which maintains extensive regional infrastructure, the Jewish Agency for Israel (Sohnut), responsible for coordinating logistics, as well as major Jewish federations and charitable foundations.

Separately, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, sharply criticised remarks made by a Russian diplomat concerning adherence to international law and the inadmissibility of territorial annexations. According to Sa’ar, listening to such statements from a Russian representative was difficult, and he admitted struggling to maintain a serious demeanour because he considered the comments contradictory.

The minister said he found it ironic to hear discussions about international law, occupation, territorial annexation, and peaceful conflict resolution coming from the Russian side, adding that he could barely suppress a smile during the speech.

By Tamilla Hasanova