- February 23, 2026
- 1:12 pm
- World News
February 24, 2026 marks four years since the start of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. However, the conflict itself has been ongoing since 2014. For Ukrainian society, this date is not a formality, but a milestone of survival.
The Jewish community of Ukraine and world Jewry have taken an active position over these years — both in defending the country and in providing humanitarian aid.
Jews of Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and territorial defense
About 12 thousand volunteers
From the first days of the invasion, Ukrainian citizens of Jewish origin joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and territorial defense units. According to various estimates, this involves about 12 thousand people — both Ukrainian citizens and Jewish volunteers.
Their participation is not a separate episode, but part of the overall mobilization of society. Many continue to serve for the fourth year.
For the Jewish history of Ukraine, this is a special period: participation in the defense of the state is combined with the preservation of their own identity and community infrastructure.
Humanitarian support within the country
The United Jewish Community of Ukraine provides systematic assistance to the military, hospitals, and local communities. According to official data, more than 40 tons of humanitarian cargo have been delivered — food, hygiene products, equipment.
The financial volume of assistance is measured in millions of hryvnias. Funds are directed to support units, medical institutions, and socially vulnerable families.
A separate direction remains the preservation of Jewish heritage — the protection of cemeteries, memorials, and Holocaust sites that are at risk.
International support: USA and Israel
More than 90 million dollars from Jewish organizations in the USA
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and other US organizations have collected and directed more than 90 million dollars of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
Aid is distributed through more than 50 organizations and includes:
— emergency financial support
— evacuation and accommodation of refugees
— medical assistance
— food procurement
Additionally, 7 million dollars were allocated to support about 22 thousand Ukrainian Jews.
Work with refugees remains one of the priorities. Funds are used for organizing shelters, temporary housing, and evacuation support.
Israeli aid programs
Support also comes from Israel. Among the programs is the allocation of 4 million shekels to combat the consequences of winter blackouts in Ukraine.
These funds are directed to ensure electricity, support medical infrastructure, and assist the civilian population.
In publications NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, it is noted that the interaction of Israeli structures and Jewish organizations abroad has become part of a broad humanitarian coalition.
Four years of war: what it means today
The fourth anniversary is not only a date of remembrance. It is a confirmation that the conflict remains relevant and affects regional security.
Jews of Ukraine participate in the defense of the country as servicemen and volunteers. International Jewish organizations continue to raise funds and coordinate assistance.
Assistance is measured in tens of millions of dollars, tens of tons of humanitarian cargo, and thousands of involved people.
The war continues. And for the Jewish world, the issue of solidarity with Ukraine remains not symbolic, but practical — in the form of support, funding, and participation.
