Israel's Agudah Launches Emergency Fundraiser for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians
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The Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel – Agudah – has launched an emergency fundraiser to support members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine. The funds raised will go to two local LGBTQ+ organizations in Ukraine, KyivPride, and the Sphere Women's Organization, and be used to provide shelter, accommodation, and supplies.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine are at an increased risk of persecution as Russia continue to invade the country. Potential targets include Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine, journalists and anti-corruption activists, and vulnerable populations such as religious and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ persons. According to several reports in the US press, Russian forces are making lists of identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps following the invasion.
"Now we are trying to take care of ourselves and our loved ones and think about what we can do for our community, for our LGBTQ+ community, in Kharkov," Anna Sharyhina, founder of KyivPride, told the Jerusalem Post. "It is dangerous here, we cannot even fully buy groceries, but we are still exploring all the options. We understand that people need shelter and additional tools, so we ask people what they need and try to help the military on a personal level as well as volunteering. If you have resources and you can help us, we would be very grateful, from the LGBTQ+ community, from all of Ukraine."
Adding to her comments, Agudah’s chairperson, Hila Pe’er, said: "Our community members are in double jeopardy and we will not stand by. As a community, we are measured by difficult times and by our ability to stand together in solidarity, and we are committed to doing our utmost to care for the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine. Each donation will affect the life of a community member and help organizations deal with the dire consequences of war."
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