Woman, 95, Survived Nazis, Chernobyl and the COVID Pandemic. Then She Was Killed While Crossing the Street

95-Year-Old Woman Who Survived Nazis, Chernobyl, and COVID Killed While Crossing Street

Mayya Gil, a remarkable 95-year-old woman with an incredible life story, tragically met her end while crossing a street in Brooklyn. This resilient woman had survived unimaginable challenges, including the Nazi invasion of Ukraine, the Chernobyl disaster, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

The incident occurred on Thursday, Jan. 23, as Gil was crossing the street in front of her Brooklyn apartment with her 54-year-old health aide. They were struck by a cargo van making a left turn. While the health aide sustained leg injuries and was taken to a local hospital in stable condition, Gil suffered a fatal head injury and was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, where she later passed away.

The driver of the van, a 64-year-old man, was not arrested, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the New York Police Department. Gil’s remarkable journey began in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, where she fled to Kyiv with her mother and brother at the age of 12 during the Nazi invasion. In Kyiv, she met her husband Vilyam, and together they had twin daughters.

Tragedy struck the family when one of their daughters, Larisa Vaynberg, succumbed to cancer in 2013, following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The aftermath of the disaster led the family to relocate to New York City, with Gil and her husband settling in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst in 1992. They became active members of the local Jewish Community Center, deeply engaged in their community.

In 2020, Gil faced another heart-wrenching loss when her husband passed away from COVID-19. She shared the pain of not being able to be by his side during his final moments, highlighting the challenges faced by many during the pandemic. Despite the hardships she endured, Gil cherished the 68 years of marriage she shared with her beloved husband, reflecting on their strong bond.

Gil leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and love. Her family remembers her as a pillar of the community, a loving great-grandmother to seven, and a source of kindness and generosity. Her granddaughter fondly recalls Gil’s unwavering support and love, stating that nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her family.

The tragic loss of Mayya Gil serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Her remarkable journey from surviving war, disaster, and illness to her unexpected passing on a street in Brooklyn is a testament to the strength and courage she embodied throughout her life. May her memory live on as an inspiration to all who hear her story.