PKU Community Member Vita Goldman Survives Russian Missile Attack

On August 20, 2026, a Russian missile attack struck near Vita Goldman's home in Kyiv, killing 11 people in the neighboring building. A cluster munition tore through the roof of Vita's own apartment, straight through the ceiling above her bed. Windows, doors, and an interior wall were destroyed. Vita is a member of Project Kesher Ukraine, a graduate of PKU’s Leadership Program, and editor-in-chief of Ukrainki, a leading Ukrainian outlet and PKU media partner.

"Once you realize everyone is alive, all the material damage suddenly doesn't seem quite so terrible," Vita says. She credits her calm to a hard-earned readiness for "different scenarios" living in a heavily shelled area, and to what she calls an innate Jewish instinct for laughing through tears. "Pessimism is a luxury we cannot afford," she says, quoting Golda Meir.

What steadied her most were people, friends, strangers, and PKU CEO Vlada Nedak, who reached out immediately: How are you? What do you need now, and later? "Project Kesher is here," Vita recalls her saying. "Any support, any request, just say the word." PKU took on one of the costliest parts of rebuilding: replacing her windows before autumn. "Even if they hadn't covered this, I'm sure they'd have found another way to help," Vita says. "I've never seen this team leave anyone without care. I am yours forever."

Vita's home will be repaired. A missile can shatter windows, doors, and walls. It cannot destroy the bonds between our community.