- October 17, 2025
- 6:32 pm
- Ukraine
Sumy, Ukraine — October 16, 2025. In the city of Sumy, Israeli artist Zoya Sever completed the painting of the tenth bomb shelter. The project, created in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in Kyiv, became not just an act of kindness — but a real bridge between Israel and Ukraine.
Once it was an ordinary cold basement, and now — a place where children draw, sing, and learn to dream, even when drones buzz overhead and sirens sound.
Art as Protection
The project started in June 2024 and quickly became a symbol of Israel’s humanitarian support for Ukrainian cities. The goal is simple and great at the same time — to turn children’s shelters into oases of color, where fear gives way to imagination.
Each new work requires only $2500–3000, but its impact is enormous. According to Zoya Sever, this money turns into a “little miracle” that helps children see that they can change the world even in war.
“When I was asked about my plans a year ago, I replied: I would like to do ten. But I didn’t know where to find the funds. And now — the tenth is ready. More will follow,” the artist wrote in her Facebook post.
Light Among Sirens
The latest work is in one of the children’s bomb shelters in Sumy. The walls are painted with the sun, birds, houses, green meadows — all that children of war lack so much. Most importantly, the schoolchildren themselves participate in the creation. Their strokes, lines, handprints become part of the overall picture — living proof that beauty is stronger than fear.
The Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, noted that the “Light and Color” project will continue:
“We see how this initiative unites people. It is an expression of humanity that speaks louder than any political statements.”
When Paints Become Weapons
Zoya Sever is originally from Israel but has been living between Jerusalem and Ukraine for two years. In her eyes — determination and kindness. She does not hide: for her, this project has become a personal mission, and each wall — like a prayer.
“Yes, this is Sumy,” she says, “here ‘Shaheds’ buzz in the sky, here artillery never ceases. But children deserve a fairy tale. Even if just for a few minutes.”
Art Born of War
In a world where news increasingly brings despair, such projects become points of restoring humanity. Each painted shelter is not just decoration. It is psychological protection, therapy, an act of resistance to destruction.
According to the Embassy of Israel, the next sites are planned to open in Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv.
Meaning That Sounds Louder Than Explosions
The story of Zoya Sever is a story of art that is not afraid of pain. In her paints — not just colors, but faith in life, faith in children, and in the fact that light can be ignited even underground.
