Yana: February, Then & Now

Vyacheslav: The Chain of Generations

Vyacheslav is an 80-year-old seventh-generation Jew from Kherson, Ukraine. After living under Russian occupation for more than a year, he and his wife made the difficult decision to leave their home and rebuild their lives in Krakow. In this episode, he reflects on identity, resilience, Jewish community, and the perspective that comes from a lifetime of experience—offering a reminder that even in the midst of war, life, tradition, and hope continue. Donate today to support the community in Dnipro, Ukraine here: https://www.charidy.com/solomonika [https://www.charidy.com/solomonika]

Viktoriia: The Weight of Uncertainty

When Viktoriia left Kyiv with her family in February 2022, she never expected to still be rebuilding her life in Brooklyn more than four years later. In this episode, Viktoriia reflects on leaving Ukraine, adapting to life in New York, finding community through JCH Bensonhurst, and carrying the uncertainty of a war that continues from thousands of miles away. Donate today to support the community in Dnipro, Ukraine here: https://www.charidy.com/solomonika [https://www.charidy.com/solomonika]

Kateryna: Choosing Happiness, Choosing Ukraine

In Dnipro, Ukraine, Kate is a mother, a teacher, and a psychologist. In this episode, she reflects on raising children during war, finding strength through community, and why—despite everything—she still chooses to build her life at home and nurture her own happiness. Donate today to support the community in Dnipro, Ukraine here: https://www.charidy.com/solomonika [https://www.charidy.com/solomonika]

Bella: When Weeks Become Years

Bella thought she was leaving Ukraine for a week. Four years later, she’s rebuilding her life in Brooklyn while carrying the memories, friendships, and identity she left behind in Odessa. In this episode, she reflects on displacement, adaptation, and what it means to move forward without letting go of home.

Victoria: From Kharkiv to Krakow

Victoria never planned to leave Ukraine; she thought she would be gone for two weeks. Years later, she’s still building her life in Krakow. In this episode, Victoria shares the moment that forced her to leave with her teenage daughter and their guinea pig, what it meant to rebuild her life from nothing as a refugee, and how she went from standing in line for aid to finding purpose in providing that same support for others.