“I dreamed of moving to Israel for a long time, because my children and grandchildren live there, but my husband was against leaving Ukraine. Despite many years of persuasion, he did not agree. Even when the war began, my husband remained unshakable in his conviction. I loved my husband very much and therefore resigned myself to the fact that I was forced to be here, but a part of my heart has been there, in Israel, for many years! And I have wanted to go there for so long! Now the circumstances have changed – my husband died. It was a huge pain and tragedy for all of us, but on the other hand, it became a blessing. After all, now I can make my dream come true!”
“My husband and I are from Kyiv. We have two grown-up children who have their own families. The children have been living in Israel for a long time – a son for 17 years and a daughter for 13 years. It is interesting that it was my husband who made them leave for Israel! He told them that there was no future for them in Ukraine, but he himself did not want to leave this country under any circumstances. Thus, my son went to study in Israel under the SELA program, became a successful computer scientist there. And my daughter, after graduating from university in Kyiv, also went there and confirmed her law degree in Israel. It was difficult for her to do this – she managed only on the 6th try, but she did it! And now my daughter is a successful lawyer in Israel. Therefore, my husband was right! The children have found themselves there and are living their happy life!”
“And my husband and I survived here. Last year he underwent a serious operation. Everything was going well, he almost recovered, even began to go outside, but the unexpected happened – a blood clot came off and my husband suddenly died. I was shocked and took it very hard.
Of course, after the funeral, I wanted to immediately go to the children to change the environment and calm down from what I had experienced, but some difficulties arose. We have two dogs – they are mini pit bulls. They have lived with us for 17 years – my husband bought them as small puppies, raised them, trained them. They have won many exhibitions and are champions, have many awards. Of course, I wanted to take them with me, but it turned out that Israel does not accept fighting breeds of dogs. I was not allowed to bring them into the country. Some people suggested simply putting them to sleep and leaving freely, but I could not do that!”
“Thanks to the fact that my daughter is a lawyer – she began to find out if anything could be done in this situation and she finally got permission to import our dogs. Because they are mini and because they have the status of champions. But, for this we need a special company and a special procedure. Thus, for almost a year I waited for a solution to this situation and the opportunity to finally get to Israel! Now everything happened! The company picked up the dogs yesterday (they will travel separately), and I am going myself. And in Israel we will meet the whole family and our dogs! I am waiting for this with great excitement and trepidation! I’m going to help the children. My daughter-in-law is pregnant with her second child, so soon the family will have a baby, and they will need my help.”
“I was supported both morally and financially. I called Ezra for a consultation, thanks to which I quickly collected documents and passed the consular check. They helped me get a police clearance certificate, provided me with financial assistance, and didn’t let me give up, but encouraged me many times. And when I was already registered for the flight, they took me to Vinnitsa, from there I went to Moldova and Israel.”
“Thank you for your existence! I am very grateful for all the warm words, for the friendly attitude and kindness! Your support and help were very necessary for me on the way to the land of my dreams!”