- June 8, 2025
- 8:28 pm
- Ukraine
NAnews presents a news overview of the story of Tzvi Hirsh (Grigory), a 32-year-old soldier of the 34th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who died defending Ukraine on the Kherson front line.
His death is not just a tragedy — it is a symbol of unity between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples in the struggle against Putin’s aggression.
A man of light, strength, and contradictions
Tzvi Hirsh was born in Odesa, studied at the Jewish school “Or Avner – Chabad”, and was raised in an atmosphere of tradition and communal life. He began working at the age of 15 and never tolerated laziness in himself or others. His dream was to open a restaurant and earn a Michelin star, but life led him to the battlefield.
“He rarely spoke about emotions, but proved his love through actions — care, presence, loyalty,” his friends recall.
Family and children
Grigory left this world too soon. But he left behind the memory of a strong, radiant person whose will to live never faded. He became the father of two children — Lev (5 years old) and Alisa (4 years old) — parts of himself that nothing can destroy.
He dreamed of being their support, of building a future with them. Instead, he became a hero, sacrificing his life for their safety.
A hero without pathos
According to the Chief Rabbi of Odesa and Southern Ukraine, Avraham Wolff, Hirsh was an integral part of the community:
“Tzvi Hirsh gave his life with true self-sacrifice — as a Ukrainian soldier and a proud Jew. He was with us from childhood and has now departed as a hero.”
The sorrowful news was shared on June 6, 2025, by chaplain Yakov Sinyakov, who also arranged for the body to be returned to Odesa without autopsy, in accordance with Jewish law. The funeral will take place following Halacha.
Rabbi Avraham Wolff and the local Jewish community are organizing the funeral.
The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine offers its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and comrades. We share this unspeakable grief.
How Israel and Ukraine are connected through lives
The story of Tzvi Hirsh is one of many confirming the deep connection between Israel and Ukraine. On the website NAnews – Israel News, we regularly publish materials about Jews defending Ukraine and Israeli aid to the country.
We report not just on facts, but on people who embody resilience, faith, and love. Tzvi Hirsh is a symbol of such people.
Community response
The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine was the first to announce the tragedy and express deep condolences:
“Blessed is the True Judge. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.”
The Jewish community of Odesa is preparing the funeral, and words of support are coming from all over the world — especially from Israel, home to thousands of people with Ukrainian roots.
NAnews — what brings us together
The editorial team of NAnews – Israel News expresses its condolences to Grisha’s family, his children, friends, and fellow soldiers.
His story is a reminder: war is not abstract politics — it is real human lives. And in these lives, we find shared pain and a shared future — for Jews, Ukrainians, and all who refuse to accept darkness.
