Why Jews Shouldn't Forget Ukraine: The Israeli Connection and Role in the Global Conflict – Haaretz

Russia's attacks on Odessa coincided with Jewish holidays. This is yet another example of Iranian Shahed drones being used to threaten both civilians and critical infrastructure. Odessa, as a key port for grain exports, plays an important role in maintaining food security, and each new attack threatens the global market.

In their essay for Haaretz, authors Vladislav Davidzon and Marina Sapritsky-Nachum analyze how the events of October 7 in Israel and the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine are inextricable parts of one global conflict.

However, unfortunately, as indicated by “Haaretz“, Israeli media are showing less and less footage of Russian destruction in Ukraine. While the global Jewish community has turned its attention to Israel, Ukraine, and its Jewish community in particular, remains in a vulnerable position.

Jews of Ukraine: Refugees and Victims of Two Wars

The Jewish community of Ukraine found itself in a difficult situation. Since the beginning of the war, many Ukrainian Jews left the country, becoming refugees in Poland, Romania, Germany, Israel and other countries. Half of Ukrainian Jews are forced to live abroad, but continue to feel the consequences of the war.

For many Jewish families, this war has a double effect. Those who fled Ukraine to Israel now find themselves at risk of yet another conflict: the war with Hamas. The authors give the example of a woman whose personal grief illustrates this double tragedy:

“My son used to call me from Israel to find out how I was in Ukraine, but now I call him to find out how he is there.”

Thus, Ukrainian Jews found themselves torn between two wars, highlighting the close relationship between these conflicts.

Common enemy: Russia, Iran and Hamas

The authors emphasize that Russia's attacks on Odessa and Hamas attacks are part of a unified strategy of anti-Western forces. Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas are working together using the same tactics and weapons to destabilize the Western world.

The direct intervention of North Korea, which supplies Russia with ammunition, adds even more tension to this conflict. It is reported that North Korea may send troops to support Russia in Ukraine, which will only increase pressure on the Ukrainian army and the Jewish community.

Declining support for the Jewish community in Ukraine

Haaretz emphasizes that the global Jewish community, busy supporting Israel, is gradually turning away from Ukraine. Many donors who previously helped Ukrainian Jews have now switched to helping Israel, leaving Ukraine in a vulnerable position.

Citing data on a decrease in donations, the authors express concern for the fate of the Jewish community of Odessa and other regions of Ukraine. Now, as the war continues and winter approaches, help for Ukrainian Jews is needed more than ever.

The connection between Ukraine and Israel: Why is this one war?

The authors draw an important conclusion: the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Israel are connected. They point out that Russian and Iranian missiles are part of the same war, directed against the Western world and the Jewish people.

Ukrainian Jews, like the Jews of Israel, suffer from the same enemies. Those who left Ukraine for Israel realized that their struggle continues, but on a different front. However, this common threat should unite the Jewish world, not divide it.

Table: Comparison of threats in Ukraine and Israel

Conclusion: The importance of supporting Ukraine

The authors summarize: support for the Jewish community of Ukraine is no less important than assistance to Israel. These two conflicts are inseparable parts of one global threat, and the Jewish world must continue to help both Ukraine and Israel.

“The war in Ukraine and the terrorist attacks on October 7 are two sides of the same coin,”

— the authors of Haaretz emphasize, calling not to forget about the suffering of Ukrainian Jews, both at the front and in the rear.

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