Tovia, who was abandoned in Odessa by his mother (at the time he was not even 3 months old) in those first hours when Russian bombs began to explode all over Ukraine, and who was taken in by the Chabad orphanage ‘Mishpacha’, celebrated an important Jewish holiday, becoming a symbol of love and hope

“In one moment of humanity, amidst the chaos of war, a young mother came and handed us her baby. She turned and walked away, without saying a word, leaving no name, no story,”

— recalls Shlomo Schneider, a representative of Chabad and the director of the Jewish orphanage “Mishpacha” (“Family”) in Odessa.

In the midst of the war that engulfed Ukraine, many tragic events drew the attention of the global community. But among the destruction, fear, and pain, one story stood out to many as a symbol of hope and love.

The Israeli portal maariv reported on March 9, 2025, the story of Tovia — a boy who was saved in the early days of the war when he was only three days old and who, three years later, celebrates an important Jewish holiday. This is not just the story of one child; it is the story of both the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, a symbol of their resilience and desire to live even in the most difficult circumstances.

Tovia’s Rescue: The Beginning of the Journey

When the war began in Ukraine, the situation became critical for many families, and thousands of people were forced to flee their homes. Tovia, a baby born at the beginning of the hostilities, became part of this tragedy. His mother, finding herself in a dangerous situation, was forced to leave her son at an orphanage and flee the bombings. The young woman handed her child to volunteers without leaving a name or providing any information about his past.

This scene took place in Odessa, where volunteers and staff of the local Jewish orphanage “Mishpacha” (“Family”) Chabad took Tovia in as their own. The volunteers did not immediately understand what had happened, but they gave the boy the name Tovia, which means “good” in Hebrew. This moment marked the beginning of a new life for the child, who later became a symbol of courage and survival.

We have already told the story of the “Mishpacha” (“Family”) orphanage – Ukrainian-Jewish orphanage opened amid Russian aggression in Odessa, Ukraine

Tovia: From the Orphanage to the Family

The child, who became part of the Jewish community in Odessa, underwent a long journey that included evacuation to Germany and returning to his home city after over a year of living on the run. During this time, Tovia became part of a large family, cared for not only by volunteers but by the many “orphans” who became his brothers and sisters.

Over the years, his life changed for the better: he became part of a large Jewish family, and his story began to inspire many. One of the most important people in Tovia’s life was Rabbi Avraham Wolf, who decided to raise him as his own son. Tovia was surrounded by care and love, which he lacked in the early days of his life.

“I have seen many children in difficult situations, but something about Tovia touched my heart. My wife and I decided to raise him as our own,” says Rabbi Wolf, barely holding back tears.

“Maybe his family was taken from him, but he gained over a hundred brothers and sisters.”

Important Event: The Traditional Jewish Celebration

Recently in Odessa, an event took place that enriched Tovia’s story. The boy celebrated his traditional Jewish “תספורת” (ritual haircut), marking an important moment in the life of every Jewish child — he turned three years old. At this moment, all the children from the Jewish orphanage “Mishpacha” (“Family”) Chabad gathered to celebrate with joy and cheer.

The ceremony was filled with emotions as Tovia sat in the center of the circle, surrounded by his new brothers and sisters. Each child took turns cutting his hair, while confetti flew in the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. When the parents and other children saw Tovia’s smiling face, their hearts filled with pride for the little hero who became a symbol of a new generation fighting for a better future.

“In one moment of humanity, amidst the chaos of war, a young mother came and handed us her baby. She turned and walked away, without saying a word, leaving no name, no story,”

— recalls Shlomo Schneider, a representative of Chabad and the director of the Jewish orphanage “Mishpacha” (“Family”) in Odessa.

Sorrow and Hope: How War Changes Lives

This entire process took place amid ongoing bombings and destruction in Ukraine. The war left destruction and pain, but it also gave a chance for healing and rebirth, as happened in Tovia’s life. The child became a symbol that even in the most difficult situations, one can find love, support, and light.

“Since the beginning of the war, we have experienced many shocks,” admits Igor Shadkin, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Southern Ukraine. “The orphanage first moved to Berlin, then returned to Odessa. At the same time, we did and continue to do everything to continue accepting Jewish children, orphans, and those whose parents cannot raise them, providing them with a warm and loving home, a safe place — both physically and emotionally.”

The Role of Israel and Ukraine: Brotherly Peoples

The war in Ukraine not only showed destruction but also strengthened the bonds between the peoples. Ukrainians and Jews, including those who moved from Ukraine to Israel, found new points of connection in this tragedy. Tovia became a symbol of this solidarity and brotherhood. His story embodies the efforts of both Jews and Ukrainians to restore life in the face of destruction.

NAnews Israel News is a source of information that highlights such important events as this symbolic moment in Tovia’s life. Our website always emphasizes the importance of strengthening ties between Ukraine and Israel, as well as reminding of the significance of human kindness in difficult times.

Conclusion

Tovia’s story inspires and touches everyone who hears it. It encourages people to fight for a bright future and is a vivid example of how love and resilience can overcome the most difficult circumstances. Tovia became not only a symbol of the Jewish community in Odessa but also a shining example of human resilience and belief in a better future for all of us.

NAnews will continue to follow the fate of this little hero and the changing situation in Ukraine and Israel, supporting that red thread of human hope and love.