The Chief Rabbi has called for the community to do more to help Jewish refugees in Ukraine in a cross-communal open letter.

Thousands of Jews have had to abandon their homes in eastern Ukraine since the war began more than a year ago, leaving with next to nothing, while just as many are still under fire.

In the letter, which was also signed by Board of Deputies president Vivian Wineman and the senior rabbis of the Liberal, Masorti and Reform movements, leaders called the situation in Ukraine “catastrophic.”

Rabbis Danny Rich, Jonathan Wittenberg and Laura Janner-Klausner joined the call to action, organised by World Jewish Relief, agreeing that the humanitarian needs are “unimaginable.

“The UK Jewish community must – and will – do more to stand with those under fire on our doorstep and we encourage the community to support this vital humanitarian cause.”