Yaakov, an Orthodox Jewish soldier serving in the Ukrainian army, strengthens the hands and spirits of his comrades as they prepare for battle. Before moving forward, he pauses among the trees to recite a chapter of Psalms, turning to the same ancient words that have sustained the Jewish people through generations of war, persecution and uncertainty.

The moment carries profound personal meaning. These are the very same forests where my grandfather once fought the Nazis as a partisan, risking his life to resist those determined to destroy the Jewish people.

Decades later, another Jewish fighter stands beneath those trees, openly wearing his faith and offering prayers for protection, courage and victory.

The uniforms and enemies may have changed, but the Jewish spirit remains unbroken. From one generation of warriors to the next, the courage to stand against evil continues.

May God protect Yaakov and all those fighting beside him and bring them home safely.