An ambulance, purchased with funds raised at the “Independence Farm 2024” festival in Ramat Gan, has been delivered to Ukraine by Israeli volunteers. A story of solidarity and assistance.

On February 11, 2025, the residents of the town of Bratske (Mykolaiv region, Ukraine) received a long-awaited ambulance.

The ambulance was purchased with funds collected during the “Independence Farm” festival in Ramat Gan on August 24, 2024, and delivered by the Israeli volunteer organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine”.

The vehicle, purchased in the city of Annen (Drenthe province, Netherlands) on February 5, traveled a long way through several countries. First, it was transported to Krakow (Poland), and then delivered to Ukraine.

On February 11, 2025, the ambulance was officially handed over to the staff of the Territorial Social Service Center of the Bratske Village Council.

“Independence Farm”: how it all began

On August 24, 2024, a charity festival “Independence Farm 2024” was held at the stadium in Ramat Gan, dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

More than 3000 volunteers, artists, and guests from Israel and Ukraine participated in the festival.

The event was held under the motto “Ukraine and Israel together!”, demonstrating the unity of the two countries in the fight against common threats and enemies.

Main goals of the festival:

• Raising funds to purchase an ambulance for Ukraine.
• Purchasing and delivering portable showers for IDF soldiers.

Organizers’ quote:

“We united our efforts for a common goal – to support those in need of help.
Thanks to our guests and sponsors, the festival became a true celebration of kindness and solidarity.”

Difficulties of the journey: help always arrives on time

Delivering the ambulance turned out to be challenging. Part of the way, volunteers personally drove the vehicle to ensure its safe delivery.

On February 8 volunteers shared the story:

“As often happens on trips, there were difficulties. The people who were supposed to come for the vehicle in Krakow couldn’t make it at the last moment. It was urgent to deliver the ambulance to the border. We searched for options, reached out to acquaintances, but all to no avail.”

That’s when volunteer friends came to the rescue.

“And then around midnight, the phone rang. Alexey Kurochkin, our long-time volunteer friend, saw our travel reports and offered help. For us, it was like a miracle! Early in the morning, Alexey was with us and drove the vehicle to the border!”

On February 9, the ambulance crossed the border and headed to the town of Bratske. In Ukraine, from the border to Bratske, the ambulance was driven by Ukrainian driver Oleksandr Dyuzenko.

Transfer of the ambulance

On February 11, 2025, Deputy Village Head Nataliya Benkovska handed over the ambulance to the staff of the Territorial Social Service Center of the Bratske Village Council.

It was written on social media:

“This vehicle will become an indispensable assistant for mobile teams. It will be used to transport people with disabilities and other emergency assistance.”

“A deep bow and boundless gratitude to the charitable organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” and personally to Vyacheslav Feldman, Anna Zharova, Yana Noe Lemkin, our compatriot Inna Turbaevska and other volunteers — true friends of Ukraine from Israel, who participated in raising funds, purchasing, and delivering this wonderful vehicle to the Bratske community.”

And also “A huge thank you to Oleksandr Dyuzenko, who carried out the car run from the state border.” And “Volunteers from the Netherlands sent medicines and hygiene products with the vehicle to our community. For which we are very grateful to them.”

5000 portable showers for IDF soldiers

In parallel with the delivery of the ambulance, on January 26, 2025, the volunteer organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” delivered 5000 portable showers, produced in Ukraine, for IDF soldiers in northern Israel.

These mobile showers, designed for field conditions, significantly improved the living conditions of the military.

Israeli Friends of Ukraine: help on two fronts

The organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” has existed for over 10 years. It unites people who have not remained indifferent to the tragic events that began with the occupation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine.

Since 2014, volunteers have been actively helping Ukrainian citizens by providing humanitarian aid, medical equipment, and other supplies.

Since October 7, 2023, when Israel faced a new threat, “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” began providing assistance on their home soil as well. They organized collections for IDF soldiers, delivering mobile showers, personal hygiene products, and warm clothing.

Volunteers’ quote:

“For us, this is not just work — it’s a mission, a life goal. By helping Ukraine, we help friends and families. And now we are doing everything to support our soldiers here, at home.”

Conclusion

The story of the ambulance for the town of Bratske is a vivid example of solidarity and assistance. The vehicle, purchased with funds from ordinary Israelis, collected by Israeli volunteers in Israel, is already helping local residents in Ukraine.

The site NANews News of Israel – Ukraine continues to tell such inspiring stories that remind us that every step on the path of goodness matters.