- September 22, 2024
- 8:47 pm
- Israel
Volunteers from the organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” regularly support soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by bringing them Ukrainian dishes. On the trip on September 20, 2024, they brought varenyky, pancakes and Ukrainian ice cream, which brought joy to the soldiers stationed in the south of the country, near the border with the Gaza Strip. In addition to treats, there were hugs, jokes and even a friendly soccer tournament on PlayStation right on the border, they told on FB.
The volunteers also delivered food to remote locations and received words of gratitude. One of the most touching moments occurred when they visited soldiers near Tseelim who had just returned from training and were not expecting such a pleasant treat. The soldiers' reaction to the Ukrainian dishes was extremely positive.
The trip organizers thank the soldiers for their protection and trust. The volunteers are inspired by the soldiers' kind words and want to continue doing more, so they invite everyone to support their next trips with donations, because every amount helps to prepare more and cover more places.
“Support our next trips to the south to the soldiers with a donation. Any amount is important. Link – https://meshulam.co.il/quick_payment?b=2762338238ff99da784cee1b6bc65266.»
Volunteer assistance allows soldiers to feel attention and support, and Ukrainian treats add warmth and joy to their daily lives at the front.
Volunteer organization “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” https://www.israfriends.org/ was established in 2014 as a response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. The main goal of its activities is volunteer support for Ukrainians, as well as strengthening ties between the two countries – Israel and Ukraine. The organization is active both in Israel and abroad, providing assistance to Ukrainian soldiers, displaced persons and refugees.
Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” has become an important bridge for humanitarian aid, as well as cultural and moral support. As part of their projects, volunteers collect and deliver essential items, medical supplies, clothing, food and other important resources. Particular attention is paid to military personnel, many of whom are on the front lines, defending Ukraine and Israel in the face of ongoing threats.
One of the organization’s key initiatives is to organize regular trips to IDF soldiers stationed at the most dangerous points along the border. During these trips, volunteers not only bring food and essentials, but also create an atmosphere of support and warmth through traditional Ukrainian dishes such as varenyky, pancakes, and Ukrainian ice cream. These gestures strengthen the soldiers’ spirits and remind them that behind their work and sacrifice there are grateful and supportive people. In some cases, volunteers organize impromptu sports matches and other entertainment, which helps the soldiers escape the tense reality of war, at least for a while.
The organization not only provides material assistance, but also plays an important role in cultural exchange and rapprochement between the Ukrainian and Israeli communities. It facilitates exhibitions, cultural evenings and other events aimed at popularizing Ukrainian culture and strengthening relations between the peoples. Volunteers strive to show that, despite all the difficulties, support and solidarity can make life in war more bearable.
The Israeli Friends of Ukraine is also actively raising funds to continue its activities. Any amount, no matter how small, allows the organization to prepare more food, purchase more essential items, and visit more places on Israel’s southern borders where IDF soldiers are concentrated. An example of such trips is the latest mission, when volunteers visited soldiers in the Tze’elim area. The soldiers, returning from training, did not expect such a warm welcome, and their sincere gratitude underscored the importance of these trips.
Relations between Ukraine and Israel, supported by volunteer work, symbolize international solidarity and mutual assistance. Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, appreciates the support of its friends abroad, and in Israel, the Ukrainian community and local residents express their gratitude through concrete actions. Volunteer work by organizations such as “Israeli Friends of Ukraine” not only helps people in difficult circumstances, but also strengthens humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Such initiatives also serve as a reminder of the importance of collective efforts in the fight for justice and human rights, no matter where the conflict is taking place. The support of Ukrainians from Israelis demonstrates that even in the face of external threats and challenges, it is possible to remain united and caring about the pain of others.
