As winter descends upon the former Soviet Union, the cold comes swiftly and severely. For many elderly Jews living in Ukraine, the bitter chill is more than just uncomfortable. It is life-threatening. In villages where poverty is entrenched and infrastructure is crumbling, survival becomes a daily struggle. For Olga Melnikova, a 79-year-old widow, the harsh realities of winter are compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the war. Her story is emblematic of thousands of elderly Jews who live on a knife's edge between survival and starvation. Stories like Olga's underscore the urgent need for compassion and aid in the Former Soviet Union.
Olga lives in a small village where poverty has consumed nearly every household. Most residents lack basic amenities that many in the West take for granted. There is no indoor plumbing, forcing families to pump water from outdoor wells in subzero temperatures. Bathrooms are outhouses, requiring elderly residents like Olga to brave the freezing winds just to meet their most basic needs. In the depths of winter, when temperatures plunge well below zero, these simple tasks become exponentially more dangerous.
Olga's home is modest, but it is not warm. Heating requires fuel that she cannot afford. Her pension is meager, barely covering food and medicine, let alone the cost of keeping her home habitable during the long Ukrainian winters. Each day, Olga faces a difficult choice between buying bread or paying for heat. Without help, the cold could claim her life.
The situation in Ukraine has been worsened by years of conflict. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, millions have been displaced, infrastructure has been destroyed, and communities have been left in ruins. For elderly Jews like Olga, the war has intensified their vulnerability. Supply chains are disrupted, medical care is scarce, and the social safety nets that once offered some relief have come undone.
Holocaust survivors and their families, already carrying the weight of generational trauma, now face the burden of war. Many live in fear, haunted by memories of past persecution and anxious about the future. Fellowship President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein has spoken candidly about the crisis. "Brutally harsh conditions will leave deeply impoverished and vulnerable elderly Jews in dire need," she stated. "Many will not survive without our help, which is why we must respond immediately."
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Thankfully, Olga is not alone. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has stepped in to provide lifesaving aid for thousands of people like her. When all seemed lost, Fellowship staff arrived at her doorstep with a nourishing food box, emergency lighting, and a new warm blanket. For Olga, these gifts were more than material provisions; they were symbols of hope. She treasures the blanket, wrapping herself in its warmth as a reminder that she is not forgotten.
The companionship of Fellowship staff also warmed her heart. In a village where isolation is common and loneliness can be as harmful as the cold, their visit lifted her spirits. "The Fellowship was there for me when I thought I had no one," Olga said. "They gave me food, warmth, and friendship. I will never forget their kindness."
Olga's story is just one among thousands. Across Ukraine and the former Soviet Union, elderly Jews are struggling to survive. Many are Holocaust survivors who endured unimaginable suffering in their youth, only to face hardship again in their old age. Others are descendants of survivors, carrying the weight of generational trauma while navigating poverty and war.
The Fellowship has made it its mission to respond to these needs. Thanks to the generosity of Christian and Jewish supporters worldwide, The Fellowship has delivered food, medicine, heating supplies, and emotional support to countless families. In Israel, the organization has also provided aid to communities devastated by terror and war, including trauma counseling and resilience centers for hostages and their families. The scope of its work reflects a holistic approach to healing, addressing both physical survival and emotional resilience.
The Fellowship's impact is made possible by millions of faithful supporters who have chosen to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Their generosity has built bomb shelters in Israel, evacuated families from war zones in Ukraine, and delivered food to the hungry in villages like Olga's. Their prayers have sustained communities in times of despair, and their donations have saved lives.
This partnership between Christians and Jews is more than humanitarian—it is spiritual. It reflects a shared commitment to compassion, justice, and the biblical call to "comfort ye, comfort ye my people" (Isaiah 40:1). For Olga, the support she receives is not just aid—it is a reminder that she is part of a global family that cares for her.
While Olga's immediate needs have been met, the broader crisis continues. Winter will claim more lives if aid does not reach those in need. The war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, and its ripple effects will continue to devastate communities. In Israel, the trauma of terror and captivity remains raw, and the need for resilience and healing is urgent.
Olga's story is a testament to the power of compassion. It reminds us that even in the harshest conditions, hope can be restored through acts of kindness. But it also challenges us to do more. The elderly Jews of Ukraine cannot face the winter alone. They need food, medicine, heat, and companionship. They need us.
By supporting the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you can help ensure that Olga and others like her survive the cold, endure the conflict, and find comfort in their final years. Your gift will provide not just material aid, but also a message of love and solidarity: that they are not forgotten, and that their lives matter.
To learn more or make a donation, click here.
Robin Van Etten is a seasoned nonprofit professional with 25 years of experience in direct response marketing and fundraising. She is currently the US CEO and Global Chief Operating Officer at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a nonprofit humanitarian organization serving the needs of the Jewish population around the world. In 2025, she was named a Notable Leader in Philanthropy by Crain's Chicago Business.
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