As Israel faces an unprecedented manpower shortage in its military support units, new immigrants from Russia and Ukraine are stepping up to fill the critical gap.
With thousands of reservists stretched thin after months on active duty, the recently arrived volunteers still navigating their place in Israeli society are helping sustain the soldiers on the front lines.
On a Sunday, a busload of volunteers arrived at the army’s Tzrifin food base near Rishon LeZion, toured the facility and received a briefing before launching into their tasks. The operation unfolded like a well-oiled assembly line: some packed canned goods into boxes, others included plastic cutlery and napkins, while another group stacked the completed boxes on pallets for shipment.
“The atmosphere was warm and united,” said Elianora, who immigrated from Ukraine a year and a half ago. “I could see it in everyone’s eyes—we knew this wasn’t just about food. We were sending a message to our soldiers: we are here for you.”