A lone soldier Katya from Ukraine was given a touching surprise for Israel’s Independence Day – a meeting with her family who remained in Ukraine, in the city of Odessa, which is under fire

MAGAV soldier from Ukraine, Katya, reunited with her family live on air for Israel’s Independence Day – 77. Katya had not seen her mother and brother for two years, and this unexpected meeting became a real miracle.

Surprise for Israel’s Independence Day: Soldier Katya from MAGAV met her family live on air

For the 77th anniversary of Israel’s Independence, Channel 14 ITV prepared a touching gift for soldier Katya, who serves in the MAGAV border police unit. This moment, which amazed many, became part of the festive broadcast and symbolized how important personal connections are, despite distances and difficulties. Katya had not seen her family for two years, who stayed in Ukraine, in the city of Odessa, which is under bombardment.

Touching Reunion with Family

While serving in Israel, Katya shared on air that her mother and brother stayed in Odessa, where the situation with the shelling remains extremely difficult. Katya’s mother had never been to Israel, and Katya couldn’t visit her family due to the war. The emotions Katya felt when her family appeared in the studio became the highlight of the broadcast.

Katya’s quote:
“I couldn’t hug them for two years. We kept in touch only by phone, and of course, it’s very hard to be away from my family, especially when they are going through such difficult times.”

This moment became a symbol not only of human closeness but also of how important support is in such difficult times, especially for those who have gone through the pain of war and separation from loved ones.

Israel’s Independence and the Strength of Spirit

For Katya, Israel’s Independence Day took on a special meaning. On this day, when Israel celebrated its independence, she reunited with her family. This moment reminded many that independence is not only national freedom, but also personal victories, moments of joy, and reunions with loved ones, despite all the trials.

The event moved the viewers not only because it was a great celebration for Israel, but also because of the deep human story behind this moment. In this context, it is important to remember that the relations between Israel and Ukraine have significantly strengthened in recent years, and such moments become even more meaningful for both countries.

Israel and Ukraine: Mutual Support and Strong Bonds

NAnews notes that relations between the communities of Israel and Ukraine in recent years have become a symbol of strong support and mutual solidarity. This incident vividly illustrates how even in the most difficult situations, joy and support can be found, despite political and geopolitical differences. Ukrainians, like Katya, find in Israel not only protection but also an opportunity to build their life in a new home, despite the separation from their loved ones.

It is no secret that the relations between Israel and Ukraine are an important part of both countries’ diplomatic and cultural policies. A large number of people from Ukraine live in Israel, and events like Katya’s reunion with her family become important symbols for both nations.

Sunday, May 14, 2025, became a moment that will be remembered by Katya and the viewers. Katya shared that despite all the hardships, she is proud of her service in MAGAV and the fact that she can defend Israel in such difficult times. The touching reunion became a symbol not only for her but also for many Israelis who have gone through the trials of war and separation from loved ones.

Celebrating Israel’s Independence Day in 2025 gave viewers not only a symbolic event but also a powerful emotional moment. Katya, the soldier from MAGAV, became an example of how important human connections, support, and the ability to be near loved ones in moments of joy are, even when the distance between them is great.

NAnews – Israel news will continue to cover such events that are important for everyone who cares about the peace and well-being of their loved ones, despite the borders and political circumstances that separate them.

Soldier-Without-Family in Israel

A soldier without family in Israel is a person who serves in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but has no relatives in Israel. These can be immigrants who came to the country as part of the Aliyah program, or foreigners who decided to serve in the Israeli army. Such soldiers often do not have a permanent place of residence in Israel and cannot rely on family support during their service.

Soldiers without families can come from both Jewish communities and people of other nationalities who have decided to make Israel their home. Some of them are orphans or individuals who, for various reasons, have no contact with their relatives.

Military service is not only a duty but also a serious emotional burden for soldiers without families. The absence of family and loved ones nearby makes their service more difficult. Many of these soldiers experience feelings of loneliness and separation, especially in stressful situations related to military service. To help them cope with these difficulties, the IDF and various community organizations provide soldiers with comprehensive support.

They can receive psychological help and assistance with everyday issues. Soldiers without families can also receive housing, benefits, and after service — help with employment. Additionally, during holidays, events are organized for them where they can meet with volunteer “families” who invite them to celebrations and significant events.

Soldiers without families are often admired for their courage and dedication, as they serve in the army far from home, worrying about their loved ones but not having them nearby. These soldiers become symbols of resilience and strength, as despite the absence of their loved ones, they continue to defend their country.

MAGAV

MAGAV (Mishmar Ha-Gvul — מִשְׁמַר הַגְּבוּל, abbreviation in Hebrew מג”ב) is a paramilitary unit of the Israel Police responsible for border security. MAGAV is a combat branch of the military organized under the “gendarmerie” system, meaning that its officers have police powers but act as a military organization when force is required.

The main tasks of MAGAV include:

1. Border security: The unit ensures security along the country’s borders, including controlling checkpoints and preventing the infiltration of terrorists and contraband.
2. Counterterrorism: MAGAV participates in preventing terrorist attacks and protecting strategic sites.
3. Maintaining law and order in urban areas and during public events.
4. Fighting organized crime: The unit is also involved in combating smuggling, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
5. Responding to emergencies: In the case of attacks, riots, or natural disasters, MAGAV plays an active role in restoring order and mitigating the consequences.

The mandatory service in MAGAV is equivalent to service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). MAGAV officers undergo intensive training to effectively perform their duties in high-threat environments. They can be assigned tasks both at the borders and in cities where there is a need for maintaining security and law enforcement.

MAGAV plays a key role in ensuring Israel’s internal security, with its officers performing both police and military functions depending on the situation, making their service unique and crucial for the country’s safety.

Video translation – Zion Alon
Original – https://www.facebook.com/zion.alon/videos/1204256297772196

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