- December 18, 2025
- 12:53 am
- Ukraine
“This is my way of saying thank you to G-d that we have food and shelter,” – says Mordechai.
The story of Mordechai Kreuser is a shining example of human solidarity and selflessness. An Israeli citizen who came to Transcarpathia to revive the Jewish community became a savior for thousands of Ukrainian immigrants.
For the third year now, he has been providing them with free kosher meals, bringing light during the difficult times of war.
A report about Mordechai Kreuzer showed Ukrainian TV channel ICTV .
Mordechai Kreuser came to Mukachevo in 2022 with an ambitious goal: to open a kosher restaurant and breathe new life into the Jewish community. However, Russian aggression changed his plans.
When the war began, Mordechai used his funds to set up charity canteens in Mukachevo, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernigov.
At the beginning of 2022, about 500 people came to the dining room in the Mukachevo synagogue four times a week, now – 250.
“This is my way of saying thank you to G-d that we have something to eat and a place to sleep. I came here for a different purpose and found myself among hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the war and becoming its victims. I feed the hungry and this is my way to help them.” – says Mordecai.
Help with numbers
At their peak, Kreuser's canteens fed up to 500 people daily.
| City | Number of people (2022) | Number of people (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Mukachevo | 500 | 250 |
| Ivano-Frankivsk | ~300 | ~150 |
| Chernigov | ~200 | ~100 |
Over time, the number of visitors has declined due to fewer migrants, but the need for hot meals remains high.
Why kosher food?
Kosher dishes are not only a tradition, but also a sign of respect for every person, regardless of their faith.
Features of Mordecai's cuisine:
- Suitable for people of all religions.
- Meets strict kosher standards.
- It is being prepared with the participation of volunteers, including displaced people.
Volunteer work
The Kreuzer canteen is staffed by four women who are themselves displaced people.
Stories that touch the heart
One of the visitors to the canteen was Nadezhda from Mariupol, who spent 40 days under occupation without food or water. As a result, she lost her sight and hearing.
“These people cook with warmth and kindness. Here I felt that I could live again,” — Nadezhda shares.
Problems and challenges
Today, charity canteens in Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernigov have closed due to lack of funds. However, Mordecai continues to seek support.
“I had a calling from my heart. I cannot remain indifferent, even if the funds are not enough.” – he says.
Kreuzer appeals to wealthy people with a request to open their hearts and support those who are in trouble.
The role of the initiative for relations between Israel and Ukraine
The Mordechai project is not only humanitarian aid, but also an important symbol of cooperation between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples.
Our website NAnews – Israel News continues to tell stories that unite Israel and Ukraine.
Conclusion
Mordechai Kreuser's initiative demonstrates the power of the human spirit and the potential for uniting peoples. His story is an example of how you can overcome boundaries while supporting those who need it most.
“The war will pass, but the memory of good deeds will remain,” – Mordechai is sure.
Let's support such initiatives together and make the world a better place.
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