NPR

Jewish Ukrainian father and son soldiers mark holy days under cloud of Russia's war

A father and son fighting for Ukraine against the Russian invasion say the war has heightened their Jewish identity.
Asher and David Cherkaskyi, Ukrainian Orthodox Jews who are father and son and have both been on the front lines in Ukraine's fight against Russian occupation, in Dnipro in July.

For Ukrainian Orthodox Jews Asher and David Cherkaskyi, a father and son both fighting on the front lines in the eastern Donbas region, beating Russia has become especially important to them because of their faith.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin falsely claims his army is "liberating" Ukrainians from a Nazi regime, the Cherkaskyis say it is just the opposite — they say Ukraine is fighting the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Like To Bike? Your Knees Will Thank You And You May Live Longer, Too
New research shows lifelong bikers have healthier knees, less pain and a longer lifespan, compared to people who've never biked. This adds to the evidence that cycling promotes healthy aging.
NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
How Does Trump's Trial End? It May Hinge On How Jurors Feel About Sex And Privacy
The Trump's Trials team breaks down why prosecutors have a timeline problem, what Michael Cohen's testimony so far has shown, and why it may all come down to a question of sex and privacy in the end.
NPR4 min read
At Morehouse, Biden Says Dissent Should Be Heard Because Democracy Is 'Still The Way'
Facing potential headwinds with both young voters and Black voters, President Biden's Morehouse College commencement address focused on his view of the importance - and future of - democracy.

Related Books & Audiobooks