Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Jewish communities across Ukraine are facing deepening hardship as air raid sirens, power outages and missile strikes become an entrenched part of daily life. In cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv, children have grown accustomed to the sound of explosions, sometimes ignoring alarms altogether, while elderly residents risk being trapped in high-rise buildings during frequent electricity cuts. Jewish schools and community groups have adapted by holding activities in bomb shelters and organizing aid deliveries for vulnerable residents.

The war has fractured long-standing institutions and scattered families across Europe and Israel. Thousands of Jews have fled the country, shrinking a prewar population once estimated at around 40,000. Schools have struggled with damaged buildings, displaced students and teachers, and the psychological toll on children who have endured years of disruption, from the coronavirus pandemic to constant bombardment. Educators now incorporate emotional support and physical activity into shelter routines to help students cope with trauma.

Despite mounting uncertainty and fears of further escalation, Jewish organizations and international donors continue to provide food, repairs and social services. Community leaders say that religious life, charitable networks and youth programs offer resilience and connection during what many expect to be another prolonged year of war. Even as conditions worsen, educators and rabbis remain focused on sustaining faith, learning and mutual support amid the instability.