- August 22, 2025
- 4:09 am
- Israel
On August 24, 2025, a charity evening “SMAK NEZALEZHNOSTI” will be held in Tel Aviv — a unique gastronomic tasting, music, souvenirs and an auction. The funds will go to a generator for the Odessa Ice Complex.”
A holiday that sounds especially special this year
For some, August 24 is just a date on the calendar. But for the citizens of Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world, this is Independence Day — the day in 1991 when the country finally declared: «We decide our own destiny». Thirty-four years have passed since then, but in 2025 the holiday has become much deeper and sharper. The war has made it a symbol of survival, dignity and the belief that there will still be peace beyond the horizon.
In Israel, this day is celebrated in a special way. There are many Ukrainians and those connected with Ukraine here, and many of them know the value of the words “independence” and “homeland” not from textbooks. That is why the Organizers decided to celebrate the holiday so that the taste of freedom would be literally palpable.
Where and when it will take place
Tel Aviv — a city that never sleeps — will be the place where Ukraine and Israel meet at the same table. The Grape Man, a cozy hall on Shalma Street 4, on August 24 from 18:00 to 22:00 will turn into a gastronomic map of Ukraine.
But this will not be just a dinner. It will be an evening when every ticket purchased will become a brick in a large common cause. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a generator for the Odessa Ice Sports Complex, where figure skaters and hockey players — the future champions of the country — train.
Why Odessa
Today, Odessa is not only a port and theater, but also a city where sports are supported by the enthusiasm of coaches and parents. When the electricity is turned off, the ice melts, and training turns into a struggle for the opportunity to get on the ice. The generator will give them a chance not to stop training either in winter or summer.
“We want the children in Odessa to continue dreaming of medals, not light in the hall”, say the Organizers.
34 flavors — gastronomy as a journey
The evening menu was created by Chef Anatoliy Stepenko. It is like a map of Ukraine, where each region speaks in its own flavor. From familiar dumplings and borscht — to unexpected combinations born when tradition meets modern cuisine.
- Traditional dishes: thick borscht with pampushkas, fragrant dumplings, honey uzvar.
- Regional specialties: Poltava dumplings, Zakarpattia bograch, Crimean Tatar chebureks.
- Modern fusion: desserts with notes of Ukrainian herbs and berries, unexpected signature snacks.
Gastronomic guide — Mikhal Stamova
The evening will be hosted by Mikhal Stamova, a person who knows how to talk about food so that it comes alive. She will guide guests from Zakarpattia to Donetsk, explaining why each of the 34 menu items is a little story.
What else awaits guests
This is not just a tasting. This is a real celebration where taste is just one of the facets.
- Wine list: tasting of drinks from light whites to strong reds, with the history of each bottle.
- Auction: the main lot — wine from Massandra aged over 30 years.
- Souvenir shop: works by Ukrainian craftsmen that you can take with you.
- Music: live performances with Ukrainian and Jewish motifs so that everyone feels at home.
- Bite-sized serving: portions designed so you can try everything and not regret what you missed.
Price and tickets
Details and purchase of tickets on the event page from the organizers – https://www.facebook.com/events/1918355215629873
This is a ticket to an atmosphere where people come not only to eat, but also to help.
The number of seats is limited, and in past years tickets for such events sold out in a matter of days. Therefore, the Organizers recommend booking in advance.
Why this matters to Israel and Ukraine
Some may ask: why hold gastronomic evenings when Ukraine is defending itself against the Russian aggressor — there is a war going on? The answer is simple — because culture and support go hand in hand.
NAnews — News of Israel has already written about projects that, through music, cinema and cuisine, strengthen the connection between our countries. “SMAK NEZALEZHNOSTI” is from the same series, only even tastier.
Organizers
Israeli Friends of Ukraine is an initiative group of Israeli activists who, from the first days of Russian aggression, took on the mission of helping Ukraine. Their projects cover humanitarian aid, cultural events, information campaigns and fundraising for specific needs — from armored vehicles to medical equipment.
The team brings together volunteers from a wide variety of professions: from IT specialists and entrepreneurs to artists and teachers. They are united by an informal but strong sense of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. They work directly, without long bureaucratic chains, so that help arrives quickly and to the right address.
Over the past years, Israeli Friends of Ukraine have held dozens of events in Israel — from charity concerts and film screenings to lectures and exhibitions. They all share one goal: to make Ukrainians in Israel feel supported, and Israelis to understand what Ukraine is fighting for.
The evening “SMAK NEZALEZHNOSTI” is a continuation of their work, only in a gastronomic format. They believe that taste, music and live meetings can unite people no worse than any political speeches.
Why you should be there
- Because it’s delicious: 34 dishes and drinks you may never have tried.
- Because it’s useful: helping child athletes in Odessa.
- Because it’s important: another bridge between Israel and Ukraine.
- Because it’s soulful: an atmosphere that cannot be created to order.
Conclusion
“SMAK NEZALEZHNOSTI” is an evening where a plate of borscht and a glass of wine become part of a big story. A story where Israel and Ukraine find themselves side by side again, even if at a culinary table.
And if your calendar for August 24 is still empty — know that this is an evening you should spend there.
Details and purchase of tickets on the event page from the organizers – https://www.facebook.com/events/1918355215629873
