Jerusalem, 9 March, 2022 (TPS) — Several cities and towns across Israel have announced that have begun to prepare for the expected wave of Jewish refugees fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The Jerusalem Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Absorption, the Jewish Agency and volunteer organizations, announced Tuesday it is preparing to absorb a large wave of immigrants following the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the municipality is working to send equipment and humanitarian aid to the refugees left behind in Europe.

The municipality established a situation room that includes representatives from the various branches of the municipality, volunteers, and representatives of social organizations, to provide a solution for immigrants and returning residents who wish to settle in the city.

The Jerusalem Municipality “will assist immigrants in exercising their rights, emotional and psychological support, parent guidance, leisure activities and an educational response to children,” it stated.

Each family will have a “mentor” to accompany them and assist them in exercising their rights and dealing with various bureaucratic systems.

Furthermore, “as part of the municipality’s policy to promote values ??of mutual guarantee and solidarity,” the municipality has invited the city residents to collect humanitarian equipment for the citizens of Ukraine, including Medical equipment, medicines, diapers, thermal clothing, thermal blankets and sleeping bags, baby food and other equipment.

The municipality is also collecting dry food, clothing, hygiene products, diapers, bedding, furniture, toys and games to immigrants who come to Jerusalem.

Similarly, the town of Efrat, situated south of Jerusalem, announced it was looking for families willing to host refuges in their homes.

“We are reaching out to residents of Efrat who are interested in hosting refugees. Please understand that at this time we do not know the size of the families or how long they will need to be hosted until other arrangements can be made,” the municipality noted.

The cities of Beer Sheva, Haifa, and other towns across Israel have announced similar initiatives.

Hundreds of refugees have arrived in the country since Sunday, and many thousands more are expected to come. Israel believes that the deteriorating situation in Russia may prompt a wave of Aliyah to Israel.