Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi Yaakov Bleich appealed for donations and prayers late Thursday as members of Kiev’s Jewish community prepared to evacuate the capital. 

There were reports of airstrikes and Russian nearing the centre of Kyiv on Friday morning as the Ukrainian death toll hit 137 people, according to local officials.

In a video message Thursday evening, Rabbi Bleich said, “We made the decision to try and evacuate to the west. However there is a curfew in place which does not allow anyone to be out on the streets or the roads starting from 10pm.

“Therefore we are sheltering in place outside of Kiev in our camp until tomorrow morning 6am [...] when we hope we will be able to hit the road and start moving towards the western part of Ukraine and closer to the Polish border. 

 “If anyone can help, please do what you can to help. Daven and donate money.”

Footage shared Thursday afternoon showed morning prayers in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city where there were reports of explosions.  

Local rabbi Moshe Moskovitz told the website Chabad.org more than 30 worshippers were gathered at the Choral Synagogue yesterday morning - including a 95 year-old regular. 

Meanwhile, over in the neighbouring country of Moldova, a local shul said it had welcomed more than 200 refugees Thursday - most of them young families.

Some 100 refugees were taken to Romania to travel to Israel while the rest remained in the capital, Chisinau.  

It also appealed for donations “to provide the needs for the refugees while they are in Moldova, and the costs of sending them to Israel when it becomes possible.” 

To support Kyiv’s Jewish community, visit charidy.com/HelpKyiv. To help Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, visit synagogue.md/en/donate-us/.