Liliia Krut
Ukraine, Kherson
Israel, Lod
“At 6 o’clock in the morning on 24th of February, 2022, I got a phone call from my mother In Israel saying that the Russians started their invasion to Ukraine.
Because of the massive bombardment I was afraid to stay in my apartment so I went to my father’s place in a different part of the city located in a building with a deep basement.
The day of the invasion I realized for the first time in my life what is the true meaning of the phrase ‘to have my heart in my mouth’. Because of the massive explosions all around the city I was really terrified. We were hiding in the basement the whole day. My emotions ranged from uncertainty and confusion to shock and despair, with an overwhelming desire to escape. Despite this, I chose to stay with my father, clinging to the hope that our soldiers would be able to repel the attack.
Unfortunately, a week later the Russians sized Kherson, and we started to live under occupation. Enemy vehicles were moving around the city, with the letter’s ‘Z’ and ‘V’ (Russian symbols), which still disgusts me to this day.
Then the Russians blockaded Kherson, trapping everyone inside the city. We faced severe difficulties connecting to the internet, and with shops closed, finding food or medicine became increasingly challenging.
Each day, the situation continued to deteriorate.
I felt a strong urge to take action, so my father, who was the head of the district, and I, along with other volunteers, organized food distributions for the elderly, disabled individuals, and others in need. It provided me with a sense of strength and purpose, knowing that I could make a difference in such a dire situation.
After a month of living under constant fear and anxiety, I decided to leave occupied Kherson. The night before my departure, I couldn’t sleep, haunted by one nightmare after another. I was deeply afraid of having to drive through the Russian checkpoints.
As I drove through the fields, bombs exploded all around me. Just before reaching Stanislav, a Ukrainian checkpoint, we came under fire but managed to survive the ordeal. When I finally heard in my beloved language, “Good morning, ladies. May I see your ID, please?” I knew I was safe and sound and was overwhelmed with tears of joy.
I arrived in Israel on April 1, 2022, and while I am grateful being with my beloved people, my heart still aches. I miss my homeland, my home, and my father, who remains in Kherson.
The October 7th attack came as a complete shock. Hearing the sirens and explosions once again brought back painful memories from Ukraine. In such moments, you come to understand the true values in life: peace, freedom, homeland, and the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
I hope that light will pierce through the darkness,
That good will triumph over evil,
And that life will prevail over death.
Let it be!
Slava Ukraini (long live Ukraine)!
Am Yisrael Chai!