February 23, 2026
By HIAS Staff
The enduring resilience of the Ukrainian people continues to be a testament to their strength in the face of relentless conflict. Since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, an estimated 5.6 million Ukrainians have been forced to seek refuge outside their homeland, with an additional 3.7 million displaced internally. The persistent threat of drone strikes and the volatile nature of shifting frontlines have plunged millions into poverty, forcing many into precarious living situations. Despite the profound trauma and devastation, the spirit of the Ukrainian population remains unbroken.
HIAS, in collaboration with its network of local partners, has been at the forefront of providing essential humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Ukrainians and refugees across Europe, Israel, and the United States. The organization’s comprehensive support encompasses emergency aid, including critical cash assistance, housing solutions, and hygiene kits. Beyond immediate relief, HIAS is dedicated to fostering long-term recovery through vital services such as mental health care, economic empowerment initiatives, and robust protection services designed to safeguard vulnerable populations. Furthermore, HIAS actively engages Jewish communities worldwide, fostering a spirit of welcome for Ukrainian refugees and advocating for their fundamental rights.
While previous reductions in humanitarian aid funding, notably from the Trump administration, have presented challenges to HIAS’s operational capacity in certain regions, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainians. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations operating in proximity to conflict zones, HIAS continues to deliver life-saving assistance. Crucially, with the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), HIAS Europe and its frontline partners are significantly enhancing access to a spectrum of critical services. These include individualized and group counseling, art therapy, vital economic assistance, targeted violence prevention programs, essential legal support, trauma interventions, and the provision of basic necessities.
HIAS and its dedicated partners are instrumental in helping displaced Ukrainians find safety, begin the arduous process of healing from the war’s profound effects, and lay the groundwork for rebuilding their lives. The stories of individuals like Inna, Zhanna, Lidiya, Sofia, and Anna underscore the tangible impact of this collaborative effort.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
Inna and Zhanna: Stitching Together a Future Amidst Devastation
Inna and Zhanna, sisters hailing from the resilient city of Kherson, have navigated life’s challenges hand-in-hand. Their initial encounter with the Kherson Regional Center "Successful Woman" (SW) safe space, a project supported by the GFFO and implemented with HIAS’s assistance, was born out of a desperate need for respite. They sought a quiet place to recharge their devices, find a moment of calm, and connect with others who understood the profound impact of the ongoing conflict.
What began as a temporary sanctuary soon evolved into a vital hub for recovery and empowerment. The sisters actively engaged in group activities, successfully completed a comprehensive mental health care course, and became consistent participants in support groups. The introduction of a sewing and tailoring course proved to be a turning point. Inna and Zhanna were among the first to enroll, approaching each session with unwavering dedication. They fostered a mutual sense of encouragement, their conversations increasingly turning towards a shared dream: the establishment of their own small sewing studio.
This hopeful vision was brutally interrupted when renewed shelling struck their neighborhood. Forced into an emergency evacuation, the sisters arrived at the safe space in tears, their home and all their possessions lost in an instant. Like many who fled Kherson, they escaped with only a single bag, their belongings and their future seemingly in tatters.
However, the "Successful Woman" project provided a crucial lifeline. The sisters were equipped with a sewing machine and an overlock machine, essential tools to commence their entrepreneurial journey. Today, Inna has already completed her first garment and is actively taking on small orders. With each carefully stitched seam, the sisters are not only rebuilding their lives but also weaving threads of hope back into their future. Their story is a powerful testament to the human capacity to persevere and create anew, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Lidiya: Finding Solace and Rediscovering Creativity in Kharkiv
Lidiya, a 77-year-old resident of Kharkiv, vividly recalls the harrowing first day of the full-scale war. She was in a hospital with her granddaughter when the city was engulfed by the cacophony of sirens, ambulances, and fire trucks. The palpable spread of panic was a stark indicator of the unfolding crisis. Fortunately, her daughter-in-law was able to facilitate their evacuation that same day. While her village was spared the worst of the large-scale destruction, the ominous thud of explosions landing mere hundreds of meters from her home served as a constant reminder of the pervasive threat.
Since early 2023, Lidiya has been an active participant in the transformative training sessions conducted by the mobile teams of "Angels of Salvation." This initiative, generously funded by the GFFO and implemented with the crucial support of HIAS, dispatches teams across the Kharkiv region to deliver essential mental health support. Their work focuses on equipping displaced Ukrainians with the tools to manage stress, process deeply ingrained trauma, and bolster their emotional well-being amidst the ongoing conflict.
For Lidiya, these sessions have become an indispensable "breath of fresh air." They provide a much-needed avenue for restoring her emotional equilibrium and reconnecting with cherished friends from her community. "You come in feeling like a hedgehog curled into a ball, but after the sessions you calm down," she shared, illustrating the profound psychological shift experienced by participants.
The program encourages participants to engage in introspection, share their lived experiences, and utilize creative modalities such as drawing, writing, and poetry as integral components of their recovery journey. Inspired by these activities, Lidiya has rediscovered her passion for writing poetry, a beloved pastime from her youth.
Perhaps most importantly, these sessions serve as a powerful antidote to isolation, assuring individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. They offer invaluable opportunities for learning, creative expression, and engaging in meaningful dialogues. This comprehensive support is particularly vital for older adults who often face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. "Life goes on. We’ve learned to be strong. But it’s very important not to be strong alone," Lidiya emphasized, highlighting the collective strength found within the group.
Sofia: Empowering Young Voices for a Safer Future
At 15 years old, Sofia emerged from a violence prevention training session with a newfound clarity and a fortified sense of self-assurance. The workshop, facilitated by Power of a Woman (PoW), a key partner of HIAS funded by the GFFO, profoundly broadened her understanding of issues she had previously only partially grasped.
Sofia was acutely aware of the prevalence of harassment, online abuse, and unhealthy relationship dynamics that girls her age frequently encounter. She also recognized the insidious ways in which stereotypes are perpetuated across generations. Her aspirations lie in envisioning a world where personal boundaries are universally respected, and where girls can grow up with the unwavering knowledge that they possess the same rights and opportunities as their male counterparts. In such a world, young women would feel empowered to disengage from harmful relationships without shame and confidently chart their own futures.
During the training, PoW facilitators meticulously explained the various forms of violence and underscored the critical importance of personal boundaries and consent, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects. They also provided practical, actionable guidance on how to respond safely and effectively seek assistance when confronted with such situations.
Sofia also posed a poignant question regarding self-worth, probing how gossip and bullying can erode an individual’s sense of value. The workshop’s psychologist offered a simple yet profoundly impactful demonstration. Holding up a 200-hryvnia banknote, she crumpled it and stepped on it before asking the participants whether its intrinsic value had diminished. "No matter what happens to it, its worth remains the same," the psychologist declared. Sofia later reflected, "I will remember this example for the rest of my life… What matters is knowing who you are and valuing yourself." PoW continues its vital work, equipping young individuals like Sofia with the essential tools to identify, prevent, and actively challenge violence.
Anna: Dignity and Support for the Roma Community
Anna*, a 40-year-old mother of three from the Roma community, has encountered a multitude of adversities throughout her life. Her educational opportunities were limited, preventing her from learning to read or write. Prior to the war, she relied on seasonal work assisting small farmers, but the exodus of businesses from the region significantly curtailed these opportunities. Without formal education, securing stable employment has become an even more formidable challenge, leaving her family grappling with financial hardship and struggling to afford basic necessities.
Power of a Woman (PoW), operating with funding from the GFFO and the support of HIAS, has provided Anna with indispensable supplies and access to crucial training programs focused on violence prevention and response. "We face violence every day without even realizing it," Anna stated, acknowledging the pervasive nature of the issue.
The dignity kit she received transcended mere material assistance; it significantly improved her access to essential hygiene products and enhanced her living conditions. Through PoW’s awareness sessions, Anna gained critical knowledge about various forms of violence and learned about the necessary steps to take when she or others encounter such situations. "I felt cared for. We are usually ignored, and no one ever asks if we need support," Anna shared, her voice conveying a deep sense of gratitude. "We felt that we are not alone, that someone truly cares about us."
Broader Context and Implications
The ongoing war in Ukraine, initiated by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has precipitated a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. The displacement figures alone paint a stark picture of the conflict’s devastating reach, forcing millions to abandon their homes and livelihoods. The sustained aerial bombardments and the volatile frontlines have not only inflicted physical destruction but have also had profound psychological and economic consequences on the civilian population.
The intervention of organizations like HIAS, in conjunction with their local partners and international funding bodies such as the German Federal Foreign Office, is critical in addressing the multifaceted needs of those affected. Their work goes beyond immediate relief, focusing on empowering individuals and communities to rebuild their lives and foster long-term resilience. The emphasis on mental health support, economic reintegration, and protection services is particularly crucial in a post-conflict or ongoing conflict environment where trauma, loss, and vulnerability are widespread.
The challenges posed by reduced humanitarian aid funding in the past highlight the precarious nature of such support and the imperative for sustained international commitment. The strategic approach of HIAS, working through local partners who possess intimate knowledge of the affected communities and their specific needs, ensures that assistance is delivered effectively and efficiently.
The stories of Inna, Zhanna, Lidiya, Sofia, and Anna are not isolated incidents but representative of the broader experiences of millions of Ukrainians. Their journeys underscore the importance of holistic support systems that address not only immediate physical needs but also the critical psychological and social dimensions of recovery. The focus on violence prevention, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children, is a proactive measure that aims to create safer environments and mitigate future harm.
As the conflict continues, the need for humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery efforts remains paramount. The resilience of the Ukrainian people, coupled with the dedicated work of organizations like HIAS and its partners, offers a beacon of hope in a time of profound adversity. The ongoing efforts are crucial in helping individuals not only survive but also to reclaim their dignity, rebuild their futures, and contribute to the eventual recovery and reconstruction of their nation. The international community’s continued support is essential to sustain these vital initiatives and ensure that no one is left behind.
