From the Ukraine War zone to Israel - One Year Later

One year ago, just before Purim, Elena and Yakov fled Kyiv after it had been severely bombed by Russian forces. They fled to Moldova where they met volunteers from United Hatzalah, including Raphael Poch, and MK Michal Rozin who helped them get through the bureaucratic hurdles to allow them to come to Israel. As part of United Hatzalah's Operation Orange Wings, the organization assisted Elena and Yakov in Moldova and flew them to Israel the very next day even arranging for Yakov's daughter Marina to be released from her military base to meet her father at the airport. Over the past year, Elena and Yakov found a home in the southern city of Arad and have acclimated fairly well to life in Israel. Just ahead of the year anniversary of their dramatic flight, Raphael met up once again with Elena and Yakov for a very emotional reunion.