In brief
A family of five Ukrainians, seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine, tragically lost their lives in an Iranian missile attack in Bat Yam, Israel. Their story underscores the unexpected dangers of seeking safety amidst escalating international hostilities.
A family of five Ukrainians escaped the ravages of war in Ukraine, only to have their lives cut short by an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, Israel, marking a heartbreaking overlap of two devastating conflicts. For Mariia Pieshkurova, Israel represented a safe haven where her 7-year-old daughter, Anastasiia, could receive critical treatment for advanced leukemia, which was hard to obtain in war-torn Ukraine. For Anastasiia’s cousins, Kostiantyn and Illia, moving to Israel offered liberation from the relentless bombardment of Russian forces.Initially settling in Bat Yam, a suburb of Tel Aviv, the family found solace until June 15, when an Iranian missile struck their residence, leading to the deaths of all five family members during escalating air attacks between Israel and Iran. This tragic incident has sparked profound sorrow and outrage within Ukraine.Their loss serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost associated with geopolitical tensions, previously seen mainly through the lens of international politics and arms trades. Iran, a significant source of drones for Russia's attacks on Ukraine, has maintained a long-standing alliance with Moscow.The deadly irony of the situation is amplified by the family's apparent belief that Israel’s advanced air defense systems would protect them from harm. Artem Buryk, Anastasiia's father and Mariia's ex-partner, expressed heartbreak over their tragic fate, stating, “I really thought they’d be safe... I never thought they’d go to Israel to escape war — and find it there.”
