The Fellowship is on the ground in Ukraine supporting single mothers when they need it most. For these women, their children are their entire world, and their happiness and safety are what matter most. This is the case for Olena and her children, who live in Kryvyi Rih. Though life may be difficult for them, small acts of love keep the family going.
Olena has three children—Veronika (18), Denis (14), and Amaliia (13). Veronika and Amaliia enjoy art and being creative, while Denis enjoys learning and playing board games. They may have different interests, but Olena says they all have the same tender heart.
The family lives in an old, two-room house. In addition to being vulnerable to rocket and drone attacks, the home lacks gas. This means they must use firewood to keep warm during the winter. There is running water, but no indoor toilet, so their restroom is outside. The cost of both food and firewood has gone up, and Olena has found herself barely able to keep up. Whenever she buys something tasty for her children, they are always sure to leave some for her—even if she says she doesn’t need or want it.
During rocket and drone attacks, Olena and her children have no bomb shelter nearby. Their home doesn’t have a basement either. All they can do is stay as far away from the windows as possible and pray. They have hidden in the garage a couple of times, but it has developed large cracks. Olena is afraid they could become trapped beneath it if they try to hide there again. The children rarely leave home and spend much of their time online. Since many of their friends have left, Olena worries about their well-being.
The Fellowship helps in more ways than one. Olena and her family receive a bank card to purchase food and keep them nourished, firewood to keep them warm, and assistance with utilities. A local social service center also helps the children take part in community events and Jewish holiday celebrations. Olena says it is important for her children to know their Jewish history. When they attend these events, they seem to forget all about their fear and worry and instead experience the joy of belonging. This is where the family observed the High Holy Days.
Olena thinks about sweetness during this time, she says, “Probably the sweetest thing is when my children are happy, when they are joyful, and everyone is healthy. This is sweetness for the soul. We know they will always welcome us with open arms and smiles, and we’ll have lots of fun. The team is great. They do their best to give our children a wonderful childhood, something to remember and pleasant emotions.”