After the funeral of Baba Zhenya in Kyiv: new details of the tragedy, as told by an Israeli correspondent in Ukraine

In Kyiv, they bid farewell to Yevgenia Mikhailovna Besfamilnaya — a Holocaust survivor whose death amidst the energy crisis gained international resonance. The story extended far beyond Ukraine, generating various interpretations, clarifications, and political debates.

This was reported by Eduard Dox, specifically for the publication Vesti (February 7, 2026).

What happened in the capital of Ukraine

The funeral took place on February 1. The organization was handled by the Jewish community of Kyiv.

Despite the fact that Baba Zhenya’s name was already known far beyond the country, there were few people at the cemetery. Frost, ice, transportation problems — for the elderly, this became an insurmountable obstacle.

Among those who did come was a teacher of Hebrew and Jewish traditions Raya Gechtman. She personally knew Yevgenia Mikhailovna and decided to tell journalists her version of her life to correct inaccuracies that appeared in several publications.

A simplified biography

According to Raya, the acquaintance happened by chance — in the metro, shortly before the big war. A few phrases in Yiddish, it turned out they lived nearby.

Since then, Yevgenia was invited to Shabbats, to the synagogue, to community meetings. She attended.

At the same time, claims that Baba Zhenya supposedly grew up an orphan, Raya calls a myth. The surname could have been inherited from her father, who indeed was raised without a family. He was an officer and died during World War II.

Yevgenia herself was evacuated during the war with her mother and brother. Later the family returned to Kyiv. She graduated from a sewing school and worked for many years at the “Youth” factory.

Everyday life in recent years

When they met, Yevgenia was over eighty. Raya sometimes brought groceries, visited her.

Life was not wealthy, but the order in the apartment was striking. At the same time, the ceiling remained dark — neighbors constantly flooded from above.

Yevgenia loved fresh fruits from the market and often repeated that she used to afford more. She was not quick to accept help from charitable services. Even the offer to help with bills caused her anxiety and refusal.

She remained a closed person, without close family nearby.

The day she was found

Yevgenia Mikhailovna died on January 13. Neighbors raised the alarm later when pipes burst in the house without heating and electricity, and the water source was in her apartment.

No one opened the door. Outside it was minus eighteen.

Utility services broke into the apartment and found the body.

In European media, the formula quickly appeared: a Holocaust survivor did not survive the consequences of strikes on Ukrainian energy. The news spread rapidly, coinciding with international memorial dates.

Later, Kyiv authorities, relying on forensic examination, stated: the cause was heart failure due to chronic illness. Publications began to be corrected. Russian sources focused on this version.

Why the conversation doesn’t end

The medical conclusion answers the question “how.” But the question “under what conditions” remains.

Weeks without stable heat, power outages, limited opportunities to receive help.

This is where observers in Ukraine and Israel see the essence of the story. It goes beyond a single diagnosis.

In an editorial analysis, NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes: Baba Zhenya’s fate became part of a broader conversation about how war affects the most vulnerable.

Memory with a specific address

For communities, this is not an abstraction. This is an entrance, a familiar yard, a specific apartment.

Kyiv. January. A cold house.

One can argue about the details of publications and the accuracy of formulations. But it is difficult to deny that the last days of the elderly woman’s life were spent in conditions that themselves became a test.

And it is unlikely that a child who once managed to survive the years of Nazi extermination could imagine such an old age.