Rabbi Lau boarding the return plane from Chisinau together with 150 refugees bro
Rabbi Lau boarding the return plane from Chisinau together with 150 refugees broUnited Hatzalah

The Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, arrived in the early hours of the morning on Thursday in Moldova to pay a quick visit to the community of Chisinau and get a look at the humanitarian relief and medical aid being provided for the refugees in Ukraine by United Hatzalah of Israel.

Rabbi Lau came at the personal invitation of Rabbi Pinchas Saltzman, the Chief Rabbi of Moldova, and on a special flight arranged by the organization that also brought with it additional volunteers and supplies for the refugees.

The goal of the visit was to offer support and strengthen the work of United Hatzalah of Israel’s volunteers in support of Ukrainian refugees at the borders and in the capital city of Chisinau, as well as support the local Jewish community. Chisinau’s Jewish community has become the central reunification center and first aid center for the Jewish refugees from southern Ukraine. In Chisinau, refugees can find accommodation, food, medical and consular assistance, provided by the community and United Hatzalah.

Rabbi Lau met with volunteers from Israel who have been stationed in Moldova for more than two weeks and have been providing round-the-clock aid to Ukrainian refugees, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. Rabbi Lau also visited locations in Chisinau that have been converted into refugee centers, such as synagogues, hotels, schools, and other locations. In addition, he toured the field hospital that United Hatzalah has set up in the city to treat refugees regardless of race or religion.

United Hatzalah’s Vice President of Operations said; "I was happy to accompany the Chief Rabbi, who came to Moldova in order to strengthen the Jewish volunteers and communities in their humanitarian efforts."

"His visit gave great support to the activities of the volunteers who are working day and night to help the tens of thousands of refugees who fled Ukraine. ‘Operation Orange Wings' continues and we will be having more rescue flights sponsored by United Hatzalah and its supporters departing from Moldova next week as well."

Rabbi Lau and Dov Maisel meeting with Ukrainian refugees and local community members in one of the specially set up refugee centers
Rabbi Lau and Dov Maisel meeting with Ukrainian refugees and local community members in one of the specially set up refugee centersUnited Hatzalah