American Jewish volunteer in shock: on the front lines in Ukraine - solidarity and support for Jews, in New York - hatred and anti-Israel hysteria. NY Post report

American Jewish drone operator Sam Nahins, who volunteered in Ukraine, told the NY Post why he felt safer on the front lines than among antisemitic slogans in New York. The article features his perspective on Ukrainian-American brotherhood and the unique role of Help is on WayUA.

New York Post: An American Jew Found Respect in Ukraine and Faced Hatred in the US

New York Post is one of the largest American newspapers, founded back in 1801. Today, its circulation exceeds 625,000 copies on weekdays and 386,000 on Sundays. Since 1993, the publication has belonged to News Corporation of the famous media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
It was for this newspaper that on July 26, 2025, 32-year-old Jew and US Air Force veteran Sam Nahins shared his experience volunteering in Ukraine and his impressions upon returning to the campus of Columbia University in New York.
From the Front in Ukraine to Protests in New York: A Personal Story
Sam Nahins is a Columbia University graduate student and former US Air Force drone operator. In May 2025, he volunteered on the front lines in Ukraine, working with the humanitarian organization Help is on WayUA. As part of the 25th Ukrainian battalion, Sam spent three weeks under shelling and drone attacks. However, according to him, in Ukraine, he felt much calmer and more confident than in America.
"In Ukraine, I always knew who my enemy was. Here, in New York, it feels like people hate each other," says Nahins.
Upon returning to New York, he found himself literally trapped — in Butler Library, he was blocked by protesters from the radical group Unity of Fields, known for its anti-Israel and anti-American slogans. On campus, Nahins was insulted and called a "colonizer" and "child-killer" — just for serving America and helping Ukraine.
"My reason for going to Ukraine was simple: I piloted US Air Force drones, flying remotely in the Middle East, fighting ISIS and Al-Qaeda. I served in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. But I had never been in a combat zone.
I was shelled and attacked by drones when I was with the 25th Ukrainian battalion. But I was in safe hands. No one tried to stab me in the back — at least I knew who my enemy was.
It turned out that in Ukraine I felt calmer than in New York."
Contrast: Attitudes Toward Jews and Americans in Ukraine and the US
In an interview with the New York Post, Sam admits:
— In Ukraine, people wave American flags, respect volunteers, and value the contribution of Israel and Jews.
— Among students in New York, on the contrary, antisemitism has become commonplace, and support for Israel is called a "crime."
"On the front, even under fire, I felt unity and support. In New York, I no longer feel needed by my hometown," he notes.
Among other things, Sam recalled: on Veterans Day at the university, they celebrated "Martyrs' Day" — for him, this was a shock, as a Jew and a patriot.
Statistics: According to surveys, over the past two years, the number of antisemitic incidents on US campuses has nearly doubled. At the same time, 70% of Ukrainians, according to various sociological services, have a positive attitude towards Jews and Americans.
Who Are Help is on WayUA and Why Is This Important
Help is on WayUA is a non-profit organization founded by US veterans to provide rapid humanitarian support to those affected by the war in Ukraine. The fund operates on the principle of maximum transparency: all donations go directly to aid, and bureaucracy and overhead are kept to a minimum.
The team consists of experienced military personnel who personally handle the delivery of humanitarian cargo and organize aid both in Ukraine and for refugees abroad. Special attention is paid to creating support centers for displaced persons and the long-term recovery of families who have lost everything due to the war.
Help is on WayUA actively cooperates with volunteers, administrative staff, and specialists to quickly respond to real needs on the ground. Their mission is to help without delay and unnecessary words, setting an example of honesty and efficiency.
More information is available on the official website.

NAnews — News of Israel: How Jews and Ukrainians Become Brothers

This story of Sam Nahins is yet another confirmation: the respect and support given to Jews in Ukraine is not uncommon. For the NAnews — News of Israel website, such examples are important: they show that Israel and Ukraine can be true allies in difficult times.
In the midst of war, as Europe and the US face growing xenophobia, Ukraine sets an example of solidarity and true unity, where nationality and religion take a back seat.
Conclusions for the Jewish and Israeli audience:
- American Jews and Israelis in Ukraine feel support and respect.
- Antisemitism in Western universities is an alarming challenge for all Jewry.
- The experience of the Ukrainian front is an example for Israel and the diaspora of how to value solidarity even in times of crisis.
Read more analytics, stories, and news on NAnews — News of Israel. https://nikk.agency/en/american-jewish/