From War to Whirlwinds: Ukrainian Refugees Uplift Tornado-Stricken Mississippi

After fleeing war, Ukrainians rush to help Mississippi tornado victims

A journey of resilience and hope as immigrants help rebuild American communities.

Ukrainian Refugees Uplift Tornado-Stricken Mississippi

A group of Ukrainian refugees is in the heart of Minneapolis. Among the bustling streets of Dinkytown, they are redefining the concept of community. These individuals have been in America for only a few months. They recently embarked on a mission of compassion. They traveled 16 hours to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, to aid tornado victims.

Having fled a manmade disaster—Russia’s war on Ukraine—they now extend their hands to those affected by nature’s wrath. Armed with bottled water, tools, and a steadfast spirit, they show the boundless power of giving back.

Iryna Hrebebnyk is a 51-year-old Ukrainian refugee and Home Depot employee. She explained the driving force behind their efforts:
“We came from the same disaster, and that’s how we grow community. That’s why we’re going there—to help and to encourage.”

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This convoy of hope consisted of Ukrainians like Dmytro Fedirko, Denys Pavliuk, Viktoriia Hasiuk, and Sofiia Rudenko. Many of these individuals had been in the U.S. for just weeks. Despite having limited resources, they managed to pool together funds. They bought water and supplies, leaving behind small tokens of gratitude—yellow-and-blue hearts sewn from Ukrainian army uniforms.

Their actions defy the notion that newcomers to America are passive recipients of aid. Instead, they’ve shown resilience and a willingness to contribute to the nation they now call home. Aswar Rahman founded the American Service and summarized it well. He said: “This is an American thing, this is a Minnesotan thing.”

From the Mississippi River’s source to its lower valley, these immigrants carried more than just supplies. They also carried a message of hope and unity. They have arrived in search of safety. Yet, they have embodied the spirit of the American dream. In their short time here, they have lifted others as they rise.

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