ORLANDO, Fla. —  Overseas, the war in Ukraine displaced millions of people. Some have found new homes in Florida, and new friends as well.

Back in March of this year Gary Israel who is a family attorney was trying to help one of his former students in Ukraine escape the war.

“He looks good,” the Orlando based attorney says looking at a recent photo of his former student. “He shaved the last time I saw him, he was rather scruffy.”

That student, Andrew Rozhnov chose to stay and fight rather than flee. Instead of opening presents either here in the U.S. with Gary or in a neighboring country like Romania, Andrew remains in his home of Ukraine fighting for his country.

“He is an active member and he works with the drones,” Gary explains proudly. “He is one person who was very instrumental in some of their recent battles.”

The two still catch up when they can, but the seven hour time difference is a challenge, as is fighting in a war. Andrew is alive and well.

“My friends and family want me to fight here, but it’s nice to be here,” Ukraine soldier Andrew Rozhnov says during a video chat. “I must be here. Someone has too.”

Without knowing how long the war will last Gary Israel still tries to help families. Both locally and abroad.

He currently has a mother and daughter staying who were able to escape Ukraine staying in his home.

“I believe in the sanctity of human life,” Gary beings to say. “Everyone has a potential.”

That’s why his home has been made available to different people from Ukraine seeking refuge.

Olena Kovalova and her daughter Mila moved in with Gary shortly before the school year. After staying in underground tunnels, escaping aerial attacks, and then spending some time in Romania the refugees don’t like calling themselves that here in America, but know if it wasn’t for the war they wouldn’t be here starting over.

“Reality, I am (starting over),” Olena Kovalova says sitting in Gary’s living room. “It was such situation that I need to go there and start everything from the beginning.”

Gary and his family are trying their best to help with that fresh start. The mother and daughter currently share a room in Gary’s house, but Gary has some expansion plans in mind.

The hope is a contractor will be able to blow out the back of his home. Then, a loft style addition to the house can be installed for the mother and daughter.

Mila is an energetic little girl. Back home in Ukraine she loved to dance in her loft. Now, she plays regularly with Gary’s youngest daughter Melanie as the two have formed a sisterhood. Mila also was learning to play tennis in Ukraine, Gary found her a local tennis pro for lessons.

In the Israel household, home for the holidays seems to have a special meaning this year.

“They have become part of our family,” Gary says watching Mila play with his daughter outside. “I hope they can stay here longterm.”

Wishlists are pretty straightforward for others.

“I want war stop,” Olena states. “I want victory for Ukraine.”

Where as for some overseas they are a bit more dramatic.

“I want to stay alive,” Andrew says smiling. That’s it.”