On May 22, 2025, a gala reception was held in Kyiv to mark the 77th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel

“Israel and Ukraine are nations that understand the price of independence”: A ceremonial reception was held in Kyiv to mark the 77th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel.

Diplomats, politicians, and the Jewish community gathered in Kyiv to honor 77 years of Israeli independence

On May 22, 2025, a ceremonial reception was held in Kyiv, organized by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine. The occasion marked the 77th anniversary of the declaration of Israeli independence, one of the country’s most significant national holidays.

Among the honored guests were representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, heads of ministries and state institutions, diplomats, members of the Jewish community, friends, and partners of Israel.

Notable attendees included:

• Mykhailo Podolyak – Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine
• Petro Poroshenko – 5th President of Ukraine
• Iryna Herashchenko – Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
• Nataliya Moseychuk – Ukrainian journalist and TV presenter
• Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk – Member of the Ukrainian Parliament
• Representatives of Ukraine’s Jewish community, ministries, government agencies, diplomatic corps, and foreign partners of Israel
• and others…

“Our nations deeply understand the high price of independence. We pay with the blood of our children and loved ones. Israelis and Ukrainians live with the hope for a swift end to the war and a peaceful future,” said Michael Brodsky.

Remembering the fallen: a moment of silence in Kyiv

The ceremony began with a moment of silence in memory of Yaron Lishchinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrom, employees of the Israeli Embassy in the U.S., who were killed in an armed attack outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

“Our hearts are broken. May the memory of Yaron and Sarah be blessed,” said the event organizers.

Musical solidarity

The performance by the Honored Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which included the Israeli anthem and other compositions, became a cultural bridge between the two nations.

Also present at the reception was Tina Karol — a People’s Artist of Ukraine of Jewish descent, whose real name is Tetyana Liberman. She has performed in Israel many times, including a concert tour in 2023.

Jews of Ukraine and Israelis: a brotherhood tested by time

The reception in Kyiv was not just a diplomatic gesture, but a symbol of deep mutual support. It included:

• Words of solidarity between the nations
• Acknowledgment of the sacrifices of both peoples
• Sincere emotions about shared pain and struggle

As noted by NAnews — Israel News, such events are especially important for the Jewish diaspora in Ukraine and Israelis of Ukrainian origin.

A union of hope

Against the backdrop of ongoing Putin’s aggression against Ukraine, Israel and the Ukrainian people are growing ever closer. Both countries remain nations that survived, defending freedom and unafraid to speak the truth.

“We live with hope. We remember. We fight. And we are not alone.”

Follow updates on NAnews — Israel News to learn more about the growing relationship between Israel and Ukraine.