Special Care For The Sobrov Family

IFCJ Canada  |  January 23, 2026

Long before the war, Maxim and Olena Soborov dreamed of a home filled with love—and with children who needed it most. As volunteers at an orphanage in Odessa, their hearts were stirred daily by the needs around them. So much so that their eldest son began asking for a sibling. At that time, the Soborovs were financially stable, their hearts open, and their hope strong. They completed every course and every form, then patiently waited to become adoptive parents.

Then, everything changed.

When war broke out in Ukraine, the family was forced to flee their home and take shelter with friends. Amid the uncertainty and fear, an unexpected call came—the orphanage confirmed that a young boy named Artur was ready to come home. Determined to keep their promise, Maxim and Olena completed the adoption process and welcomed Artur into their family.

Artur, however, has developmental delays and requires ongoing medical care and rehabilitation—needs that demand significant resources and constant support.

Not long after, the Soborovs welcomed their third child, Karolina. Soon after her birth, doctors diagnosed her with Down syndrome. Now almost three years old, Karolina’s physical and cognitive development remains closer to that of a one-year-old child, requiring even more specialized therapy and care.

With no other options, the family made the painful decision to return to Odessa so their children could access the support they desperately needed. But renting an apartment and covering daily expenses quickly drained every remaining resource.

“It was frightening to return,” Olena shares. “Life in Odessa was unbearable—constant power outages, soaring food prices, and virtually no medical support for my children’s rehabilitation. Children with Down syndrome are not considered eligible for rehabilitation in Ukraine. They simply gave up on us. It is terrifying to look at your children and realize you have nothing left to help ease their suffering.”

Then, hope appeared.

Maxim learned about IFCJ Canada and discovered that aliyah (immigration to the Holy Land)—might be possible for their family. With the Fellowship’s help, doors began to open. The family was provided with accommodations and meals as they prepared for their journey.

“We never could have managed without IFCJ Canada’s coordinators in Chișinău,” Maxim says. “I will be grateful for the rest of my life. The Fellowship provided hotels during each of our stays and helped with special nutrition and diapers for our daughter. The staff were in constant contact with us—they supported us, guided us, and truly became our angels during that incredibly difficult time.”

After arriving in Israel, Maxim assumed their journey with The Fellowship had come to an end. But just days later, another call came—this time with an offer of continued help.

“They helped us rent a safe apartment and guided us through the paperwork. We received beds for our children, a washing machine, a dryer, and a refrigerator. I was overwhelmed—not only by the support, but by the realization that we had not been abandoned” Maxim shares.

“Our meeting with IFCJ Canada was—and continues to be—a blessing for our family. Starting over in a new country is never easy, especially with children who have special needs. But with their backing, life feels lighter. We have confidence that we can face whatever comes next. Our family is deeply grateful to the entire team. Thank you for everything you do.”

Learn more about how you can support Jewish families fleeing war and anti-Semitism, by helping them return to their biblical homeland and fulfill biblical prophecy today.