Generators, drones and Tigilim for defenders: how the Jewish community of Ukraine supports the front

The first thing many remember about the war is silence. That very deep silence that comes after the explosions of rockets, when it seems that the familiar world has disappeared overnight. For more than two years now, Ukraine has been living in such a reality, where under one flag stand Ukrainians, Jews, Russians, Tatars, Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians, and many others. Here, no one asks anymore about the nationality of your neighbor or volunteer—the war quickly erases formal boundaries between people.
During these months, almost everyone who remained on their native land or was forced to leave has learned to distinguish the whistle of a "Shahed" from the sound of a regular motorcycle. Almost every family has someone who went to the army, joined the territorial defense, became a volunteer, collects generators, food, or money for drones. Russian missiles fall on residential buildings in Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kyiv—and in the lists of the dead and wounded there is no division by nationality. Shared grief, shared fear, but also shared resistance.

The Jewish community of Ukraine has become an example of real support

Generators, drones, and Tehillim for defenders: how the Jewish community of Ukraine supports the front NAnews news of Israel July 29, 2025
At such moments, it is best seen who is nearby not in words, but in deeds. The Jewish community of Ukraine has become an example of real support—both at the front and in the rear. Someone in uniform reads Tehillim right in the trench, someone finds the time and strength to help assemble a package for a unit, and someone simply supports with word and deed. All this is not beautiful phrases for a report, but the ordinary daily life of people whom the war has made one team.
Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine on its official resources regularly highlights the participation of the Jewish community of Ukraine in the defense of their country against Russian aggressors.
More than once, a religious Jew turned out to be the only one who could support an entire platoon at the front, or, conversely, Ukrainian neighbors helped with food and housing those who had to flee from shelled cities. Everyone here has their own personal story of war. But the result for everyone is the same: no one was left aside.
Chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and the "Kara-Dag" Brigade on the Kharkiv Direction
On July 29, 2025, Yakov Sinyakov, chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, together with National Guard chaplain Viktor Tkach, visited the fighters of the 15th operational brigade "Kara-Dag" named after Bohdan Zawada. This is one of the units that hold the defense in the Kharkiv direction—where almost every day something explodes, where the front line is hot.
Generators were brought—without them it is impossible to survive in the field, especially when there is no light for weeks. Sinyakov and Tkach held a short prayer with the soldiers, supported them with kind words. The soldiers were given pocket Tehillim books in Russian—they can be kept with you when it gets really tough. All this are gestures of support that in reality are valued much more than any official praise.
Visit of the Chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine to the Defenders on the Pokrovsk Direction
Not long ago, on July 25, Sinyakov went to the Pokrovsk direction. There, where tankmen and other soldiers almost never leave the combat zone, not only essentials were needed, but also attention, human involvement.
The Ukraine Aid Operations organization helped: thanks to them, the guys received drones, food, and most importantly—necessary things for service.
But for many of the fighters, spiritual support turned out to be no less important. The prayer that the chaplain held together with the defenders became for someone a small respite in endless anxiety. And, of course, Sinyakov gave each one a pocket Tehillim—as a personal talisman, as a reminder that they are not alone.
Meeting with Air Assault Troops of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
A day earlier, on July 24, Sinyakov visited the airborne assault troops in the Dnipropetrovsk region. There, generators are not a luxury, but a guarantee that communication and electricity will not disappear at the most necessary moment. Sweets and humanitarian aid were also brought. Prayer for everyone who gathered together for a few minutes also became an important part of this meeting.
The pocket Tehillim books that were brought, many soldiers took with sincere gratitude—they often become the only spiritual source in long trench days.
Anniversary of the 25th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade
On July 18, 2025, the anniversary of the legendary 25th Airborne Assault Brigade was celebrated in Dnipro. This day was not only a holiday, but also an occasion to remember those who fell in battle, and to support those who continue to fight.
In the hall were military commanders, volunteers, and officials, including the head of the regional administration Serhiy Lysak. A special place was given to chaplain Yakov Sinyakov, who has long and consistently supported the fighters not only with prayer, but with real help.
The company "Interpipe" and Lyudmyla Novak, who organizes help for the army, were also thanked separately.
Since 2014, they have more than once helped the unit in difficult times.
Who is the Chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine Yakov Sinyakov
Yakov Sinyakov is not just a religious leader. He is a person who, despite the danger, travels along the entire front line, supports soldiers, delivers Tehillim books, and helps organize humanitarian aid. He is the one who can come at the most difficult moment and say simple words that help not to break down.
What is the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine
The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine is not a cabinet structure, but a network of real people throughout the country. In the difficult months of the war, they do not just collect money or humanitarian aid, but participate in the life of the fighters, go to the front, help those who least expected it.
The NAnews – News of Israel website regularly tells how in these difficult days Jews, Ukrainians, and all the inhabitants of the country unite for the sake of common victory and peace. Behind each story are the fates of people who did not choose war, but did not shirk responsibility for their Homeland.
Learn more about the life of Ukrainian and Jewish communities in wartime—on the NAnews – News of Israel website. https://nikk.agency/en/generators-drones/