Ukrainian-Jewish origins of Mark Zuckerberg's family: historical documents discovered
At one time, humorous images of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wearing an embroidered shirt were popular on Ukrainian social networks. The combination of American-Jewish Zuckerberg and a traditional Ukrainian shirt looks funny, although in fact it is possible. After all, the ancestors of FB’s “father” come from Ukraine, namely from the Lviv region. Historians have […]
How Jared Kushner's Jewish roots connect Ukraine and Trump: an unexpected find from Pidgaitsy, Ternopil region of Ukraine
Why not? Heading “Jews from Ukraine” on the website NAnews is dedicated to the unique history and achievements of Ukrainian Jews, their contribution to the development of Israel and Jewish communities around the world, strengthening cultural and historical ties between peoples. This article is just research for now 🙂 by an enthusiast…… History often brings […]
Video: UA Code. Olga Brodskaya is the founder of the first Ukrainian-speaking Israeli community “Prostir”
In the new episode of the channel UA Code — an interesting interview with Olga Brodskaya, the founder of the first Ukrainian-speaking Jewish community “Prostir” in Tel Aviv. The video was published on March 12, 2025, in the series “Know Our People” Episode No. 4. Olga Brodskaya Host, editing – Elena Ginzburg. Filming, sound – […]
Video: Ukrainian Community in Israel: Language, Politics, and Breaking with Russian Narratives. Michael Goldstein – UDM Israel – “Balachki” #4
NAnews presents a review of the podcast “BalachkI” with Michael Goldstein. The Ukrainian community in Israel and key topics — language, politics, volunteering, barriers for Russians, and relations between Ukraine and Israel. The Ukrainian community in Israel: language, politics and breaking away from Russian narratives NAnews presents a new review: premiere of the 4th episode […]
Moshe Sharett (1894-1965) – Israeli politician, born in Kherson (Ukraine), Prime Minister of Israel. He played a key role in the formation of the State of Israel and was one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence of Israel
Many prominent political leaders Israel, including 2 presidents and 3 prime ministers, come from UkraineOne of such famous natives is Moshe Sharett. In 2018, a memorial plaque to the first head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the second prime minister of the country, Moshe Sharet, appeared at the oldest gymnasium in […]
On International Jewish Book Day, December 29, we remember the “Kiev Letter” of the 10th century, confirming the ancient ties between Ukraine and the Jewish people
International Jewish Book Day is celebrated annually on December 29 (International Jewish Book Day). This holiday symbolizes the rich literature and cultural heritage of the Jewish people, reflecting their influence on world culture. However, behind the celebration lie deep historical ties that unite Israel, Ukraine and the Jewish community. One of the brightest pages of […]
Top 5 surnames in Ukraine with Ukrainian-Jewish roots – what is the story behind them?
Ukraine is a country where many cultures are intertwined. Pay attention to surnames that have both Ukrainian and Jewish roots – their history reflects centuries-old coexistence and mutual influence. Ukrainian-Jewish roots: what do surnames hide? Introduction In Ukraine, there are often surnames that can simultaneously indicate Ukrainian and Jewish roots. This phenomenon is the result […]
Soviet ban on memory: exhibition of unrealized memorial of Babi Yar from 1965 opens in Kyiv
“Returning our own past and dismantling the myths created by the Soviet authorities about the Holocaust is one of the strategic directions of the National Historical and Memorial Preserve Babyn Yar,” said its director, Roza Tapanova, in her opening speech. She emphasized that the 1965 competition was a hope for the community to honor the […]
Historical Roots of Jewish Surnames in Ukraine: Cultural Ties and Centuries-Old Coexistence — Opinion
Every autumn, the city of Uman in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine becomes a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Jews from all over the world who come to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This event symbolizes not only a religious tradition, but also a deep historical connection between the Jewish people and […]
A North Korean Traveler’s Reflections on Israel’s Schools: A Journey Through Freedom, Learning and Human Stories
In my homeland, there is a quiet belief that every person follows a prewritten path — one road, one direction, one horizon. But life, I discovered, does not always listen to plans. Sometimes it bends like a tree in winter wind and carries you far beyond what you dared imagine. If someone told me a […]
“Everything is possible” is coming to Israel soon: a comedy in Ukrainian with Ukrainian actors that has already shaken Europe – 5 cities, 5 evenings, one story that will change you – from October 19 to 23, 2025
From October 19 to 23, 2025, Israel will host a touring production of the play “Everything is Possible” — a romantic lyrical comedy performed in Ukrainian with Russian subtitles. The performance will take place in Petah Tikva, Ashdod, Rishon LeZion, Haifa, and Netanya. On stage — Ukrainian actors whose sincerity, life experience, and talent create […]
On September 18, 2025, at the “Sounds of the Sea” festival in Ashdod, Kristina Orbakaite: in Russia, the persecution of the “silent ones” continues – it’s Orbakaite’s turn – for the festival logo, which is “done in the colors of the Ukrainian flag”
Alla Pugacheva’s daughter, Kristina Orbakaite, will perform in Israel on September 18, 2025, at the “Sounds of the Sea” festival in Ashdod. This event attracted attention after Russian media highlighted that its logo is done in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Orbakaite, who avoids discussing the war, faced criticism again for possible support of […]
Uman 2025: Pilgrimage against the backdrop of Russian aggression — Rabbi against “medical cigarettes,” police, military, and diplomats prepare, and flights depend on Zelensky’s conversation with Netanyahu – what is known?
Uman is preparing for Rosh Hashanah amidst war, complex logistics, and diplomatic tensions. The rabbi warns of a complete ban on “medical cigarettes,” Israel and Ukraine coordinate security, Moldova maintains its interests, and the local hospital receives a water purification system. The 2025 pilgrimage will take place amidst Russian aggression against Ukraine, and preparations are […]
Kyiv region and Israel join forces: business, medicine and restoration — new projects for years to come
From Humanitarian Aid to Strategic Initiatives When, in the first weeks of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine faced massive destruction, Israel, according to Kalashnyk, was among the first to offer help. At that time, it meant shipments of medicines, food, and essential goods for residents of the affected towns in Kyiv region. Today, this cooperation story […]
Russian-funded Wagner PMC accused of cannibalism (and other crimes in Africa): ICC to handle case – Associated Press
“The video shows men in military uniform dismembering bodies—presumably of civilians—with machetes, ripping out organs and posing with severed limbs. One fighter says he intends to eat someone’s liver. Another says he is going to try to tear out a heart.” A confidential report on possible war crimes committed by the Russian PMC “Wagner” in […]
“Summer of Zdibank 2025”: Ukrainian Traditions Festival in Israel 🇺🇦🇮🇱 – Ramat Gan June 28, 2025
On June 28, 2025, at Leumi Park, Ramat Gan, an event will take place (if martial law allows – ed.) that has already become a beloved summer tradition for the Ukrainian diaspora — Summer Zdybanka 2025: A Celebration of Ukrainian Traditions in Israel. The organizers emphasize that this is not just a cultural event, but […]
All-Ukrainian Shabbaton united 70 Jewish teenagers from different cities of Ukraine
In early July, the final seminar of the educational program “Bar/Bat Mitzvah Upgrade” took place in Dnipro, organized by the international project Enerjew with the support of the charitable organization JRNU. Over three months of preparation, 70 teenagers from 10 Ukrainian cities didn’t just study traditions—they became part of a living Judeo-Ukrainian story, strengthening their […]
In Israel, in Bat Yam, they bid farewell to 5 Ukrainians killed in an Iranian strike: three children among them
The farewell ceremony took place at the site of the Iranian missile strike. Farewell at the Site of Tragedy: Bat Yam Mourns with Ukraine On June 30, 2025, in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, a memorial ceremony was held to honor five Ukrainian citizens killed by an Iranian missile strike. All the victims were […]
“Russian world in Ukraine and Israel”?: Putin repeats Hitler’s tricks: “where the foot of a Russian soldier steps is ours.” Ukraine promises to “tear off legs” with a drone, and it’s time for Israel to finally be wary
At the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin declared that “wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps — that’s ours,” threatening Sumy and extending the concept of the “Russian world” to include Israel. Experts warn: this is a direct copy of Hitler’s rhetoric on Lebensraum and the “protection of compatriots” — Israel must strengthen its […]
1,541 smiles in 10 days: Jewish volunteers organized a holiday for children of Ukraine that will be remembered for a long time
Volunteers from Jewish organizations brought joy to 1,541 children in 16 cities across Ukraine — this remarkable result became the main outcome of a nationwide initiative dedicated to International Children’s Day. The campaign lasted nearly ten days (from June 1 to 10, 2025) and became a vivid example of how Jewish and Ukrainian communities together […]