“They Will Come With Weeping”

For Hannah, her five children, and their two dogs, the time had finally come. After months of uncertainty, they were preparing to leave Ukraine and begin a new life in Israel.

We picked them up in Dnipro, a city of millions in eastern Ukraine, which is regularly hit by drones and missiles. When we arrived at Hannah’s rented flat, she looked stressed and tired. The children, however, could hardly contain their excitement. Soon they would be reunited with their grandmother, who had been living in Nahariya (Israel) for the past six years.

“The journey from Dnipro would cover more than 700 kilometres and take between twelve and fifteen hours”

A Difficult Farewell
We planned to leave at five o’clock the following morning. The journey from Dnipro, via Odessa to the airport in Kishenov, would cover more than 700 kilometres and take between twelve and fifteen hours. Before departing, Hannah had to say goodbye to her only brother, who is serving in the Ukrainian army. It was a deeply emotional moment: will they ever meet again?

We set off and saw huge plumes of black smoke rising from the railway station, caused by exploding drones. As we drove out of the city, we saw burnt-out petrol stations and collapsed blocks of flats—a sight you never get used to!

“I know we have made the right choice”

The Right Choice
At the Moldovan border, the family’s documents were carefully examined. One document raised concerns, and what we expected to be a short delay turned into a four-hour wait. Again and again, the border official assured us, “Just two more minutes.” While we waited, we spoke with Hannah and her children about our work and what motivates us. We shared how the return of the Jewish people to Israel is spoken of throughout Scripture, and how the nations are called to assist in that process.

Hannah listened attentively. Then she shared something very personal. A few days before leaving Ukraine, she and her eldest daughter, Sara, had been overcome with emotion and they questioned whether they made the right decision. “But now,” she said, “after seeing how this journey is unfolding, hearing your motivation, and experiencing the patience and care with which you are helping us, I know we have made the right choice.” Her words touched us deeply.

Hannah and her five children before departure. | Photo C4I Ukraine

We wiped away a tear as we said goodbye to Hannah and her lovely children at the airport. Her words reminded us of Jeremiah 31:9: “They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble.”

Moments like these remind us why this work matters and encourage us to continue helping others make the same journey.

Help the Jews come home! Please support our action ‘Bring the Jews Home’.
It costs € 135 or 150 US $ to assist one Ukrainian Jew for making aliyah. Any amount is welcome!

Support in €

Support in US $