(JNS) Israel donated $500,000 to the United Nations to pay for food, medical treatment and other aid for Afghan refugees in Tajikistan, the Foreign Ministry said.

Alon Ushpiz, director-general of the ministry, said Israel is proud to be part of the international effort to help Afghan refugees after the Taliban takeover of the country, reported the AP.

This week, the United Nations announced an appeal for $5 billion in aid, including $4.4 billion to go to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other partner organizations.