Around 300 immigrants who fled the conflict in Ukraine are volunteering in Israel's war efforts by sorting and packing medical equipment and field rations. These volunteers, who arrived in Israel from Russia and Ukraine, are supporting Israeli soldiers through the non-profit organization Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli (SSY) [20118941]. Many of them have personal experiences with war and understand the importance of Israel's mission. SSY has opened drop-off points and volunteer-run operations centers to collect and package supplies, and they dispatch buses filled with volunteers daily [20118941]. The immigrants who have arrived in Israel from former Soviet countries have increased significantly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 [20118941]. Canadians volunteering to serve in the Israeli army are motivated by a direct connection to the land and people, shared cause or value system, and the desire to fight against antisemitism and support Israel [a89e35d9]. The conflict's hyper-emotive nature and overlapping identities of many Canadians contribute to their motivation. The role of Israel as a Jewish state and religion also play a powerful motivator. The Canadian government does not track the number of citizens who have traveled to Israel to assist in war efforts. Volunteers may not necessarily join the front lines but can provide support from the back, such as medical aid. Despite the risks, volunteers see it as part of serving a country and a religion [a89e35d9].
