While Ukraine still struggles with damaged infrastructure, food shortages, and harsh winter conditions, shluchim are preparing for Purim in the shadow of four years of unrelenting war.

Chabad Ukraine’s emergency network, JRNU, is launching a large-scale “Purim Operation,” one of the largest since the start of the conflict.

They are preparing to distribute 24,000 Mishloach Manos packages across 25 major cities and regions, as well as hundreds of small and isolated villages – some still coping with damaged basic infrastructure. The Mishloach Manos packages include Hamantaschen baked in Israel, graggers, snacks, cookies, and grape juice.

At the same time, thousands of humanitarian food packages containing poultry, dairy products, oil, sugar, natural juices, ketchup, mayonnaise, sweets, pasta, rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, corn, tea, coffee, and more will be distributed to families in need, many with young children.

“There are families who haven’t been able to make ends meet for years,” says one shliach in Kyiv. “Purim is a yom tov of joy, but first we must ensure there’s food on the table.”

At JRNU’s large warehouses, volunteers work around the clock in shifts. Trucks come and go, packing lines operate nonstop, and thousands of boxes are stacked in preparation for distribution.

“It looks like a military operation,” describes Rabbi Simcha Levenhartz, head of Chabad’s emergency and distribution network in Kyiv, “but it’s an operation of kindness and giving.”

This year, due to the severe electricity crisis, generators, fuel, heaters, and energy solutions are being sent alongside the Mishloach Manos and food packages to communities in areas with unstable electricity. “There are places where power outages are a daily occurrence,” notes Rabbi Levenhartz. “You can’t really celebrate Purim when it’s cold at home.”

Shluchim report a sharp rise in requests for assistance. “The economic situation is harsh, and the war has left wounds that haven’t healed,” says one. “We try to reach every place, even villages accessible only by off-road vehicle.”

In Kryvyi Rih, celebrating Purim is no small feat. “For months now, electricity in homes has been available for only three hours a day,” shares Rabbi Liron Edrei, the community rabbi and shliach. “This means heating systems are also down in the harsh winter weather. On top of that, we recently suffered damage from shelling to the mikvah and our community center, which serves the local Jews.”

Despite the challenges, registration for Purim events is full and preparations are in full swing. “More than 200 people are registered for the feast itself,” Rabbi Edrei adds. “We all daven for a reversal of fortunes, that all residents will have light and joy.”

Shliach Rabbi Menachem Glitzenstein, the rabbi of Chernivtsi, describes the harsh conditions in his city: “It’s dark and cold outside, and there’s no electricity for over 20 hours a day.” Precisely at such a time, he says, “It is our role to bring joy to the Jews of the city.”

He outlines preparations for a Purim feast for hundreds of Jews. “Instead of sitting another day in a cold, dark place, they’ll enjoy a rich feast like royalty in a warm, pleasant environment.”

He also describes preparations for distributing hundreds of Mishloach Manos packages to the elderly and those with limited mobility. “Young people from the community will deliver the packages to their doors. Our goal is to ensure the joy of Purim reaches every Jew.”