- October 19, 2024
- 6:07 pm
- Israel
Embassy of Ukraine in Israel October 19, 2024 opublished an appealwhich focuses on the importance of using the correct Ukrainian names of cities and rivers. The embassy emphasizes that many Israeli media and the public continue to use outdated imperial names imposed on Ukraine in the past, instead of current Ukrainian ones.
Problem with using imperial names
The Embassy emphasizes that cities such as Kharkiv (חארקיב), Lviv (לביב), Rivne (ריבנה), Ternopil (טרנופיל), Chernivtsi (צ'רניבצי)and also the river Dnipro (דניפרו)often called in Hebrew in the old way – Kharkov, Lviv, Rivne, Ternopil, Chernivtsi and the Dnieper River (חרקוב, לבוב, רובנה, טרנופול, צ'רנוביץ, נהר הדנייפר).
This is a legacy of the past, when Ukraine was part of various empires, and it is important to move away from it.
Quote from the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel:
“We understand that these names are rooted in Jewish and Yiddish texts written during the period when Ukraine was under imperial rule. However, it is time to change the language so that it reflects modern reality and historical truth.”
Comparison of correct and obsolete names
The embassy provided a list of cities where erroneous imperial names are often used, and suggested using their modern Ukrainian versions:
| Imperial title in Russian | Correct name in Ukrainian | The name is correct in Hebrew |
|---|---|---|
| Kharkov | Kharkiv | חארקיב |
| Lviv | Lviv | לביב |
| Smooth | Rivne | ריבנה |
| Ternopil | Ternopil | טרנופיל |
| Chernivtsi | Chernivtsi | צ'רניבצי |
| Dnieper | Dnipro | דניפרו |
The struggle for identity
The Ukrainian Embassy noted that the use of correct names is an important part of the struggle for Ukraine's national identity. Like Israel, Ukraine has long fought for its independence, and the precise use of Ukrainian city names is a symbol of that struggle.
Quote from the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel:
“Ukraine, like Israel, fought for a long time for its freedom and independence. One of the most important aspects of this struggle is the preservation of national identity, which is reflected even in the correct use of the names of our cities and rivers.”
Why is this important
- Historical justice: Imperial names were imposed on Ukraine by external invaders. Using these names today is maintaining historical injustice.
- Strengthening Identity: The correct use of Ukrainian names of cities and rivers helps strengthen Ukrainian national identity.
- Language update: The correct use of names allows us to update the language and make it more accurate in reflecting modern political and historical reality.
Call to Israeli media
The Ukrainian Embassy called on the Israeli media and citizens to help change the use of the names of Ukrainian cities to the correct, Ukrainian ones. It is important that this message is passed on – among journalists, editors, and among friends and family.
Quote from the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel:
“We would be grateful if you could help us convey this message to your friends, colleagues and members of the media. Your understanding and support in this matter will help preserve the historical truth and strengthen the national values of Ukraine.”
The use of the correct Ukrainian names of cities and rivers is not only a recognition of the independence of Ukraine, but also a contribution to historical justice.
