Israeli Netanya and Ukrainian Chernivtsi become sister cities

A twinning agreement was signed in Israel between the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi and the Israeli city of Netanya. The Chernivtsi delegation arrived in Israel on an official visit led by Mayor Roman Klichuk, as reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel on April 27, 2025.

The signing took place with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel, where a meeting was also held with Ambassador Yevhen Korniichuk.

Areas of cooperation: from culture to ecology

The agreement between Chernivtsi and Netanya outlines key areas of future cooperation:

• Education — creation of exchange programs and partnerships between educational institutions.
• Culture — organization of joint exhibitions, festivals, and cultural projects.
• Tourism — development of travel routes and exchange of tourism experience.
• Ecology — implementation of sustainable development and environmental protection initiatives.
• Local governance — exchange of administrative practices and municipal experience.

As emphasized by the embassy, this new twinning agreement will promote the well-being of both communities and strengthen ties between the two countries at the municipal level.

Continuing the tradition: Dnipro was the first

Chernivtsi has become the second Ukrainian city to sign a twinning agreement with Netanya. The first was Dnipro, with whom an agreement was signed earlier. This reflects the growing geographic expansion of Ukraine-Israel dialogue and the strengthening of local cooperation involving both government representatives and civil society.

The historical significance of Chernivtsi for the Jewish people

Chernivtsi has deep Jewish roots. Before World War II, the Jewish population constituted a significant portion of the city’s residents, and Chernivtsi was considered a major cultural hub for Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. Today, the city not only honors the memory of its past but actively contributes to the revival of connections with the Jewish world.

For Israelis of Ukrainian descent — it’s more than symbolic

For Israelis of Ukrainian origin, especially those whose families come from the Chernivtsi region, this event carries deep personal and cultural significance. The agreement creates opportunities for new connections, cultural programs, educational initiatives, as well as for personal visits and historical remembrance. It is a return to dialogue interrupted by the tragedies of the 20th century.

Participant quotes: diplomacy built on respect

The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel on its official page:

“As part of the visit by the delegation of the Chernivtsi City Council to Israel, the twinning agreement between the city of Chernivtsi and the city of Netanya was officially signed on April 27. This became a significant milestone in strengthening Ukraine-Israel relations at the municipal level. Ambassador Yevhen Korniichuk also met with the delegation to discuss opportunities for cooperation between cities in Ukraine and Israel,” the statement reads.

The editorial team of NAnews – Israel News continues to monitor events that deepen the connection between Ukraine and Israel — especially projects aimed at fostering understanding between the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples. We not only report news but also provide context that helps Israeli readers see how these developments affect them personally.