Masorti Judaism has launched an appeal to raise funds for Ukrainian Jews affected by war, poverty and homelessness.

The Emergency Purim Campaign - part of a worldwide Masorti Olami appeal - will generate cash towards food, medicine, clothing, education, security and scholarships to send children to camp.

Masorti chief executive Matt Plen hoped the funds raised would "meet the immediate needs" of the beneficiaries.

For Rabbi Reuven Stamov, who leads the Kiev Jewish community, the appeal was about warming the souls and stomachs of refugee families and "taking their minds off the constant worry that their lives have become".