Israel News

Haifa knows and honors a modest heroine — a native of Zolochiv (Lviv region, Ukraine). On February 12, 2025, she turned 90 years old.

In the Righteous Among the Nations Garden in Haifa, where 20 memorial stones bear the names of those who saved Jews and once lived in the city, Yaroslava Levytska remains the only one honored with a memorial plaque during her lifetime.

At the Latin Cemetery in Haifa, 11 Righteous Among the Nations are buried. In their honor, the Haifa municipality created a unique memorial garden in the Ramat Alon district.

On May 18, 2008, a solemn opening ceremony was held in Haifa’s Ramat Alon neighborhood for the “Haifa Residents’ Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations” (גן חסידי אומות העולם).

The garden features several paths with stone plaques engraved with names and brief descriptions of their heroic deeds. At the time of its opening, 19 Righteous Among the Nations were known to have lived in Haifa: 9 from Poland, 6 from Ukraine, and one each from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Sweden. Later, a 20th plaque was added.

Only five of them were still alive at the time of the park’s opening.

Four were honored for their acts of bravery committed as children.

Yaroslava Levytska is the youngest person ever awarded this title for rescuing Jews.

At the park’s entrance, on an uneven stone, three symbols are engraved: the emblem of the Righteous, the Yad Vashem logo, and the emblem of the City of Haifa. Below them is a quote from the Talmud: “Whoever saves one Jewish life is as if they have saved the entire world.”

Memorial Stones of the Righteous Among the Nations in Haifa

The Righteous Garden in Haifa features plaques honoring those who saved Jews during the Holocaust. Here are brief summaries of their stories:

• Halina Lugovska (Poland): Hid a Jewish woman in her home for 32 weeks and later helped her find refuge with her family.
• Anna Hornung-Tomachak (Ukraine): Pretended to be the mother of a Jewish family to save them in the Ternopil region.
• Victoria Tsukrovych-Aichberger (Poland): Together with her sister, hid a Jew who was fleeing the Nazis.
• Pelagia Guchak-Springer (Poland): Saved 20 Jewish women and the family of a Jewish workshop owner.
• Yaroslava Levytska (Ukraine): As a teenager, brought food to the ghetto and hid Jewish children with her family.
• Jerzy Shelaga (Poland): Delivered food and letters to the Warsaw Ghetto, risking his life.
• Julia Kaldi-Ralbovska (Czechoslovakia): Hid a Jew and buried his mother to keep the hiding place secret.
• Elisabeta Nikopoi-Strul (Romania): Warned of a pogrom, sheltered and fed more than 15 Jews despite arrest and beatings.
• Tamara Maksymeniuk-Bromberg (Ukraine): Delivered food to the ghetto with her mother, rescued families, and organized shelters.
• Bela (Valya) Lipper (Ukraine): Hid her Jewish husband and six others for 19 months.
• Victor Melnyk (Ukraine): Hid Jews with his family, provided forged documents, and helped them escape.
• Zofia-Marta Avni (Poland): Hid six Jews in an attic in Warsaw with her family for a year and a half.
• Irena Yakira-Ziental (Poland): Hid 13 Jews with her mother in a specially prepared hiding place.
• Raoul Wallenberg (Sweden): Diplomat who saved thousands of Jews in Hungary; disappeared after being arrested by Soviet forces in 1945.
• Anna Dobrucka-Ezerska (Poland): Saved a family during the liquidation of the Tarnow Ghetto and later married one of those she rescued.
• Franya Dedek-Belska (Ukraine): Born in Nadvirna, rescued two Jewish boys and survived a displaced persons camp, the “Exodus” ship attempt, and eventually immigrated to Israel, where she converted to Judaism and became Fruma Belska.

Each name is a reminder of courage, humanity, and sacrifice. The Haifa memorial preserves the memory of those who risked everything to save others.

On February 12, 2025, students from the Bosmat School visited the “Beit Gil Zahav” nursing home in Kiryat Eliahu to congratulate Yaroslava Levytska on her 90th birthday and express their gratitude for her heroism. The event was part of the activities of Haifa’s Municipal Institute for Holocaust Studies, which works to preserve the memory of the Righteous Among the Nations and pass on Holocaust remembrance to future generations.

According to Yad Vashem, as reported by journalist Shimon Briman, Ukrainian native Yaroslava Levytska is the only Righteous Among the Nations currently living in Israel. She has lived in Haifa since the early 1990s and receives full support from the State of Israel.

Biography of Yaroslava Levytska: The Journey of a Righteous Among the Nations from Zolochiv to Haifa

Yaroslava Levytska, according to journalist Shimon Briman, was born in 1935 in the town of Zolochiv, which was then part of Poland and today is in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. In July 1941, the German army occupied the region and began the systematic extermination of the Jewish population. A ghetto was established in Zolochiv, and Jews were stripped of their rights, food, and any chance of survival. It was during this time that the Levytsky family’s courageous acts became part of history.

The Heroism of the Levytsky Family: 29 Lives Saved

Yaroslava’s grandfather, Oleksandr Levytsky, began supplying food and medicine to his Jewish friends from the start of the occupation. In December 1942, when the Zolochiv Ghetto was officially created, he started sending supplies through his seven-year-old granddaughter Yaroslava. She walked two kilometers from their home to the ghetto each week for ten months. The risk was immense — German guards could have executed them. But Yaroslava carried out her task calmly and bravely.

Thanks to her actions, many Jewish families and children survived.

Yorek Shenker and Richards Feiring: Stories of the Rescued

One of the children saved was Yorek Shenker, only six years old, now known as Yoram Miron. To avoid suspicion, Yaroslava would play with him outside while he was in hiding. The family also sheltered Richards Feiring. Both boys survived the Holocaust thanks to the courage of Yaroslava and her family.

Additionally, for ten months, the Levytsky family provided food to a group of 25 Jews hiding in the basement of a destroyed building. Despite fear and fatigue, Yaroslava kept delivering food. This entire group survived until the Red Army liberated the area in July 1944.

Life After the War

After liberation, Yaroslava graduated from School No. 2 in Zolochiv in 1952 and went on to attend medical college. She worked as a feldsher and later as head of the infectious disease prevention department. She lived modestly and never sought any personal gain for her family’s heroism. Her father Petro Levytsky also played a key role in rescuing Jews but was not officially recognized by Yad Vashem — a fact that remains painful to this day.

Recognition and Immigration to Israel

On August 20, 1989, two of the people she rescued — Avraham Shapiro and Israel Fenster — submitted a petition to Yad Vashem to recognize Oleksandr, Kateryna, and Yaroslava Levytska as Righteous Among the Nations. On September 21, 1989, Yad Vashem officially awarded them the title. Yaroslava herself planted a tree in honor of her family in the Garden of the Righteous in Jerusalem.

In 1995, she permanently moved to Israel, where she was granted citizenship, a government pension, and an apartment. Later, she settled in the Beit Gil Zahav senior care facility in Haifa.

90 Years of Heroism and Humanity

On her 90th birthday, Yaroslava Levytska was honored by the Haifa Holocaust Education Municipal Institute, the Moriah-Haifa Rotary Club, and students of the “Basmat” school. She shared:

“I am happy to live here, in Israel. At 90, I want for nothing. This is a special country.”

Words of Gratitude from Israel

“Israel and the Jewish people will never forget the vital role played by the Righteous Among the Nations during World War II, when they took great risks to save the lives of thousands of Jews.”

Some of these heroes, like Yaroslava, chose Israel as their new home — and became part of its living history.

NAnews – Israel News continues to tell these stories to ensure the memory of Jewish-Ukrainian solidarity lives on and inspires future generations.

The Lessons of History and the Power of Memory

Today, Yaroslava Levytska’s name is engraved on a memorial stone in Haifa’s Righteous Garden — while she is still alive, a unique distinction. She is recognized, respected, and cared for.

Her story is a profound example of selfless humanity in the face of ultimate evil. It reminds us that children, adults, and the elderly alike can act with courage and conscience.

NAnews – Israel News believes that telling these stories is essential to preserving the bond between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples. In an age of war and terrorism, when hatred rises again, these stories help us to see the human being in one another.

February 13, 2026, in Tel Aviv will host a special edition of DISCO UKRAЇNA — Be My Valentine. The party is timed to Valentine’s Day and will unite the “Ukrainian community” of Israel in a format of dancing, socializing, and live communication.

The social component is embedded in the event from the very beginning. Already at the ticket purchase stage, guests will be able to support Ukrainian refugees in Israel by funding discounted tickets for Ukrainians who found themselves in the country due to the war. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with the organization ASSAF.

DISCO UKRAЇNA

DISCO UKRAЇNA is a Ukrainian party in format and atmosphere, with Ukrainian music, language, and community at the center of attention. However, the event is open to everyone — friends, partners, and those who want to spend the evening in a warm, unifying atmosphere, regardless of origin.

The event will take place at PHI GARDEN — a city venue in the center of Tel Aviv with entrances from Rothschild Blvd and Ahad Ha’Am Street.

Music and Format

The program includes 100% Ukrainian music: current hits, favorite tracks from past years, and original remixes.

At the console:

• DJ RAZME — resident of DISCO UKRAЇNA
• DJ SAMSO — debut at the party

The evening format includes dancing at the DJ console, socializing in the courtyard, cocktails at the bar, and free movement between zones.

Cupids and “Valentine’s Mail”

For Valentine’s Day, organizers have added interactive elements. At the entrance, guests will be greeted by “cupids” who will distribute special bracelets — a visual sign of openness to new acquaintances.

The venue will feature “Valentine’s Mail”: postcards, stickers, and the opportunity to send a message through the organizers. Contests with prizes are planned throughout the evening.

When and Where

• Date: Friday, February 13
• Time: 18:00–23:00
• After 23:00 — free continuation of the club party
• Free exit and re-entry
• Age: 18+

📍 PHI GARDEN, Tel Aviv
Entrances: Rothschild Blvd 41 / Ahad Ha’Am St 54

Tickets and Organizer Contacts

📧 nezalezhna.il@gmail.com
Production: NEZALEZHNA

Tickets: – https://selector.org.il/e/YepjZC-VJRL

In times of war, such events become not only a form of leisure but also a way of mutual support and community preservation. NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency continues to report on projects of the Ukrainian diaspora in Israel.

Barbra Streisand is one of the most renowned Jewish artists in the world, born into a poor family from Berezhany (Galicia, Ukraine), whose ancestors emigrated to the United States in search of a better life.

Having won two Oscars, she uses her fame and resources to support Ukraine and Israel — that’s why we feature her in our regular series “Jews from Ukraine.”

Galician Roots: From Berezhany to Hollywood

Barbra Joan Streisand was born in 1942 in New York into a Jewish family. Her grandfather, Isaac Moshe Streisand, was born in 1879 in the town of Berezhany (now Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine), or, according to other sources, in Buchach. The family lived in poverty in a single heated room where they slept on wooden benches.

In 1898, at the age of 19, Isaac Streisand decided to emigrate. He left Berezhany, traveled through Lviv to Bremen, Germany, and from there sailed to the United States. The journey lasted 15 days. Many passengers didn’t survive. Isaac did, arriving in New York without money but full of hope. He later married Anna Keston, a fellow Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe.

Berezhany and Jewish Heritage

The Jewish community of Berezhany is one of the oldest in the region. The first records of Jews in the town date back to the 1530s, when they were permitted to reside and engage in trade. By the 16th–17th centuries, Jews played a significant role in the local economy as leaseholders, artisans, shopkeepers, and millers.

In 1623, the town’s first synagogue was built, and by the 19th century, Berezhany had several prayer houses, Jewish schools, and charitable organizations. By the 1860s, Jews made up about half the population of the town.

During World War I, the Jewish population of Berezhany suffered greatly, and during World War II, tragedy struck again: in 1941, the Nazis established a ghetto, where about 4,000 Jews were interned. Between 1942 and 1943, nearly all were executed nearby or deported to death camps.

Today, the memory of Berezhany’s Jewish community lives on through historical monuments and research, highlighting the importance of Jewish heritage in the town’s history.

New Life in America and the Birth of a Legend

Isaac and Anna Streisand settled in New York and raised five children. They worked hard: he was a tailor and ran a small fish shop, while she worked as a cook. Their eldest son, Emanuel Streisand, became a schoolteacher, and his wife Diana, once a soprano singer, worked as a school secretary.

When Barbra was still a child, her father died of epilepsy, plunging the family back into poverty. But Barbra had a unique voice and passion for the stage — and became a star.

Awards and Achievements

• 2 Academy Awards — for Best Actress and Best Original Song
• 8 Grammy Awards
• 5 Emmy Awards
• 9 Golden Globes
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)
• The only artist whose albums have topped the Billboard 200 across six consecutive decades

A Voice for Ukraine: UNITED24 and Personal Donations

On February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Barbra Streisand firmly stood with Ukraine. On Twitter, she wrote:

“My paternal grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, and my heart breaks for the brave people fighting this Russian invasion. Putin’s propaganda about ‘denazification’ is the biggest lie of this century.”

In September 2022, at the personal invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Barbra Streisand joined the UNITED24 platform as an ambassador for the Medical Aid direction. In her official message, she said:

“Because I have Jewish heritage with Ukrainian roots, I’m especially moved by the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom. Their resilience and courage are an inspiration to everyone working to preserve democracy and stand up to authoritarianism. You and your country have my full support.”

Her first project was the 24,000 Friends of Ukraine initiative, calling for monthly donations of $24 from supporters worldwide. To set an example, Barbra personally donated $24,000, and later donated another $24,000.

In 2023, she also contributed $240,000 toward medical aid in Ukraine — funds that went to purchasing vital equipment and supporting Ukrainian doctors working under war conditions.

In March 2025, Barbra made another donation to UNITED24’s medical initiative and appealed publicly to the world:

“Ukrainian doctors are heroes. They keep working even when missiles are exploding nearby. If you can — help. Their lives are a fight for others.”

Barbra Streisand and Israel: Philanthropy, Music, Solidarity

Barbra and Golda Meir

In 1978, Barbra Streisand appeared in the widely broadcast TV special “The Stars Salute Israel at 30.” On air, she had a memorable conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir about Zionism, Jewish identity, and the dream of a Jewish state. At the end of the program, Barbra performed “Hatikvah” — Israel’s national anthem, moving viewers around the world.

Donations and Support

• In 1984, Barbra donated a building at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Mount Scopus campus) for Jewish studies, named after her father Emmanuel Streisand.
• In 2011, she participated in a fundraising gala supporting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
• In October 2023, following terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, Barbra expressed deep sympathy to bereaved Israeli families:

“After learning about the horrific attacks on Israelis and the hostage-taking of innocent civilians, I was shocked and devastated. This attack lacked all humanity or compassion. There are no words to describe the madness and the sorrow. I grieve with all the mothers and fathers who lost their children. We must hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages.”

She also announced that she was proud to support the Israel Emergency Fund of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.

Returning to Her Roots: Berezhany and Tel Aviv

In 2015, Barbra Streisand made a personal visit to Berezhany to see the grave of her grandfather Isaac Streisand, who was born and raised in the town before emigrating to the United States. The trip was deeply meaningful and reaffirmed her connection to her heritage.

In 2013, during a visit to Israel, Barbra was presented with archival documentation at the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv confirming her family’s Galician origins:

“The surname Streisand is recorded in the town of Berezhany…”

This document served as tangible evidence of her Jewish-Ukrainian roots and was included in a special presentation about her ancestry.

Why Barbra Streisand Belongs in the “Jews from Ukraine” Series

Barbra Streisand is a shining example. Her grandfather came from Berezhany, she preserved her connection to her roots, she supports Ukraine, and she helps Israel. Her voice is heard not only on stage — but in philanthropy, solidarity, and remembrance.

Her involvement in UNITED24, public support for Israel, contributions to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and open acknowledgment of her Ukrainian ancestry make her an integral part of Jewish diaspora history.

This is why her story is part of our series.

On NAnews – News from Israel, we continue collecting and sharing these stories — honest, powerful, and inspiring.

The “Jews from Ukraine” series highlights outstanding individuals of Jewish heritage with roots in Ukraine.

#JewsFromUkraine

 

“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 victims, but Soviet censorship only imitated dialogue.

Eventually, the authorities canceled the competition, and in 1976, a state-commissioned monument was created and installed: “Monument to Soviet citizens and POWs of the Soviet Army executed by the Nazi occupiers in Babyn Yar.”

“The Soviet authorities rewrote history and silenced the facts. This exhibition is a reproduction of our memory. As written on the facade of the exhibition center, those who do not remember are condemned to relive their history again and again. Babyn Yar is a tragic and important chapter of Ukraine’s history, which is why it was granted national memorial status. The work of its team today fully aligns with our national interest — to bring back the truth about ourselves,” added Serhiy Belyaev, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for Heritage Affairs.

When the World Collapses: An Exhibition That Restores the Voice of Memory

NAnews presents an overview of an event that holds deep significance for both Ukrainian and Jewish communities. The documentary exhibition titled “When the World Collapses” has opened at the “Living Memory” exhibition center at the National Historical and Memorial Preserve Babyn Yar.

The exhibition is dedicated to the memorial project of the Babyn Yar tragedy, developed in 1965 by the creative duo Ada Rybachuk and Volodymyr Melnychenko (ARVM). Soviet censorship prevented the project’s realization, but today — decades later — it has been revived and brought to light.

What the Exhibition Features

• Archival documents and texts
• Original sketches and photographs
• Restored model of the memorial
• A video installation by director Oleksiy Radynsky — a cinematic reconstruction of the memorial route

The materials were provided by the ARVM Cultural Heritage Preservation Fund and reflect the artists’ effort to create a language of remembrance that conveys the scale of the tragedy and honors its victims.

Censorship and Silence: The Story of an Unrealized Project

In 1965, an architectural competition was announced for a monument to the victims of fascism in the Shevchenkivskyi District of Kyiv. Among the participants were prominent architects and artists, including Avraham Miletskyi, Yosyp Karakis, Yakiv Razhba, Yevhen Zhovnerovskyi, Albert Kryzhopilskyi, and the duo ARVM. The competition was eventually canceled, and in 1976 a faceless monument was erected that fit the Soviet narrative of silencing the Holocaust.

ARVM: Artists Ahead of Their Time

Ada Rybachuk (1931–2010) and Volodymyr Melnychenko (1932–2023) were Ukrainian artists who worked together for more than 50 years. Their joint projects — from the design of the Kyiv Central Bus Station to the Memory Park at Baikove Cemetery — became landmarks of Ukrainian monumental art.

In 1982, the authorities ordered the concrete burial of their Memory Wall, a 2,000 m² relief — an act of direct destruction of historical and artistic truth.

Curatorial Work and Approach to Memory

The curatorial team — Maria Mizina, Anastasiia Paseka, and Mykhailo Alekseenko — shared their experience of six months of archival research, digitization, and the restoration of the model.

“ARVM were not simply building a monument. They were creating an experience — a memorial as a personal journey,” noted Paseka.

Director Oleksiy Radynsky added that the video installation provides a strong sense of presence, allowing the viewer to walk the path designed by the artists themselves.

Quotes That Shape the Message

Roza Tapanova, Director of the Preserve: “Returning our past and dismantling Soviet myths about the Holocaust is a key part of our mission.”

Serhiy Belyaev, Deputy Minister of Culture: “The Soviet regime rewrote history and buried the facts. This exhibition revives our collective memory.”

Inokentiy Vyrovyi, ARVM Fund representative: “The project was forgotten for decades. But Ada and Volodymyr always believed the truth would prevail.”

Why This Matters

Babyn Yar is a symbol of the Holocaust on Ukrainian soil. Over 33,000 Jews were murdered here in just two days in September 1941. The attempt to erase this crime failed, and exhibitions like “When the World Collapses” restore historical justice.

For Israelis of Ukrainian origin, this is not only a part of personal history but also an opportunity to strengthen ties between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples. That is why NAnews — Israel News covers events like this one.

Facts and Figures

Parameter	Value
Exhibition Title	“When the World Collapses”
Location	Living Memory Center, 46A Yuriy Illienko Street, Kyiv
Dates	May 29 – July 31, 2025
Admission	Free
Opening Hours	Mon–Fri: 10:00–19:00, Sat–Sun: 11:00–19:00
Organizers	ARVM Fund, Ukrainian House National Center, Dukat Art Foundation, Living Memory Center, Clear Energy Group

NAnews — Israel News will continue to report on projects where culture and history unite peoples and challenge the falsification of the past. Because without truth about the Holocaust, there can be no genuine memory — not in Ukraine, not in Israel, and not anywhere in the world.

Ukrainian-Jewish relations are rich in shared pages of history and outstanding individuals who played a significant role in the establishment and development of the State of Israel.

Ephraim Katzir (Katchalski)

This includes Ephraim Katzir (Katchalski) – a native of Kyiv, an outstanding biophysicist, and an influential Israeli politician, the fourth President of Israel.

Born in Kyiv

He was born in 1916 in Kyiv, but a few years later the family moved to “Palestine.” Ephraim grew up in an intellectual family where his grandfather was a respected rabbi, so respect for Jewish traditions was always important to him. After settling in Palestine with his family, the boy graduated from a gymnasium in Jerusalem and then entered the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Scientific Activity and Achievements

His professional interest and area of development became the world of biophysics, as evidenced by his successes in university studies and research: in 1941, Ephraim received a doctorate in biophysics.

His research on amino acids and proteins gained recognition and attracted attention in the scientific world. In 1950, he received the Weizmann Prize, followed by the Israel Prize and the Rothschild Prize. For significant scientific achievements, Ephraim Katchalski was admitted to the National Academy of Sciences of Israel, and later he was invited to membership in the American Academy of Sciences.

4th President of Israel

Such a successful scientific career played a special role for Ephraim: he was invited to run for the presidency of Israel by Golda Meir, who was then the Prime Minister. Katchalski was an unquestionable moral and intellectual authority of that time, so he received great support in the presidential elections.

In May 1973, he assumed the position of the fourth President of Israel. His tenure was not without challenges; on the contrary, it was full of historical and fateful decisions for the state.

In 1973, as president, he, along with the country, experienced the Yom Kippur War and a series of complex diplomatic challenges of that time. Ephraim Katzir’s popularity was significant, giving him a strong chance of being re-elected for a second presidential term in 1978, but he decided to return to scientific work.

Memory of Ukraine

Ephraim Katzir always remembered and frequently recalled the city of his birth and childhood – Kyiv.

In his memoirs, written shortly before his death, Kyiv memories often appear. After his presidency, he visited Kyiv, particularly as a world-renowned scientist.

Buried in Jerusalem

He lived a bright, meaningful life, fulfilling himself as a political figure and as a researcher. He died in 2009 in Israel at the venerable age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones. He is buried in Jerusalem.

For news of the day in Israel, news feed, news of Israel and the world, events of the day and the last hour, analysis – Israel News: Ephraim Katzir (Katchalski) 1916-2009.

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, European leaders suddenly adjusted their priorities. Instead of discussing security guarantees for Ukraine, the key topic became the situation around Greenland — reports Financial Times, citing sources in diplomatic circles.

The shift in the agenda became noticeable even before the start of official sessions. Preparations for meetings and the format of discussions changed, and issues concerning Ukraine took a back seat amid new risks in the Arctic and trade threats.

How the agenda changed

Initially, the meeting of national security advisors from Western countries in Davos was planned as a discussion on supporting Kyiv and long-term guarantees. However, at the last moment, the focus shifted to Greenland — due to threats of tariffs and the need for de-escalation.

European capitals, preparing for contacts with Donald Trump, are rethinking their tactics. Ukraine remains on the agenda, but in a “deferred decision” mode, while the Arctic and trade risks require immediate reaction.

Diplomats’ doubts

There is skepticism within the delegations. One diplomat directly expressed doubt: discussing security guarantees for Ukraine at the same table with Trump is difficult due to a lack of trust. These sentiments, according to FT, are shared by several European teams.

Formally, it is about pragmatism. Unofficially, it is an attempt to avoid direct confrontation at a time when Washington signals readiness for tough measures.

Emergency EU steps

FT sources indicate that leaders of the European Union are preparing an emergency summit this week — likely on Thursday, immediately after contacts with Trump. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni informed partners that the American president shows interest in compromises, although the parameters of these concessions are still unclear.

The trigger was the escalation around Greenland over the weekend. Then Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs against eight countries that sent military forces to the island, which caused a sharp reaction from European leaders and led to urgent consultations.

What’s next in Davos

The next round of discussions will take place directly in Davos from January 19 to 23. Special attention is given to Trump’s pre-announced speech on January 21 — it is expected to provide signals on trade, security, and the Arctic.

In this configuration, Greenland becomes a test of Europe’s ability to act in a coordinated manner. The issue is not only about military presence but also about the rules of the game — from tariffs to strategic control of the region.

Arctic line of tension

According to experts, the methods of pressure appear tough and require responsive actions from the EU. European capitals are seeking a balance between de-escalation and demonstrating readiness to protect interests.

This balance — between Ukraine, the Arctic, and transatlantic relations — forms the real agenda of Davos this year. How it will be implemented will become clear in the coming days, closely monitored by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.

Liat Aharon — an Israeli singer and actress, remembered by many for her work on children’s television and past projects — recently published a sharp, very personal post: she is in a financial crisis and needs help to start earning from her art again.

Her words lack a “beautiful legend” about a creative slump. It’s about everyday reality: she used to feel strong and secure, but now admits she doesn’t see a clear way to “bring herself to the world” and monetize what she does. She writes openly that in difficult moments she blames herself and falls into a sense of failure and despair.

Aharon separately describes something familiar to many Israeli creative people: advice like “find a marketer,” “get social media consultation,” “just make the right content plan” sounds logical, but in reality turns into noise when you’re simultaneously trying to survive, work “to the bone,” and raise children. She talks about concentration problems and how, because of this, any “right steps” become almost unattainable.

At the same time, she emphasizes: this is not about asking for “money for nothing.” She is looking for someone to sell her concert program and work on a profit-sharing model. Simultaneously, she is asking to find someone to help with social media — either for payment or for a percentage/share of future income if the project succeeds.

To make it clear that this is not a “vacuum” dream, Aharon describes her current work: she has two albums at different stages. One is produced by Tsach Drori. The other she is making at home herself — more electronic in sound, literally assembled through home mastering of software. She calls these materials strong but admits: she still doesn’t understand how to bring them to the listener.

There is also a pragmatic calculation: if her current performance is purchased now, this money will go towards specific release expenses — paying musicians and recording, mixing, basic PR. In the post, she mentions wanting to cover debts and expenses for specific recording participants, as well as complete technical stages without which a song doesn’t become a product.

Against this backdrop, the media reminded of her biography, which part of the audience had already forgotten. Aharon started in the group “Young Tel Aviv,” appeared in series, served in the Education and Youth Corps ensemble, led TV projects, worked as a host on a children’s channel, and left there in the mid-2000s. Later, she released music and simultaneously moved into other activities.

Another line is her life after leaving the industry: she shared that she studied shiatsu, shifted towards the therapeutic field, adheres to a more “natural” lifestyle, and made care products by hand.

The reaction to her post followed a familiar pattern. Many supported her: “not everyone who can create must be able to sell,” “it’s not shameful to delegate promotion,” “recognition does not equal stability.” There were also colder responses — but overall, the discussion brought to the surface a topic increasingly talked about in Israel: how artists survive between high living costs, family burdens, and a market where attention rarely converts into money without a separate “promotion” profession.

This story is not so much about “talent” — she already has that — but about the gap between past recognition and today’s stability. Returning to the industry in 2026 means not just writing songs again. It means finding a bridge between the author and the market: a person or team who can package creativity, sell performances, build communication, and turn music into working income.

And if this story has a continuation, it will show not “who is right,” but whether in Israel there is that very link — artist + management + distribution — that can pull people out of silence back into the profession. NNews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency

The White House has begun sending invitations to dozens of countries to join a new body that Donald Trump calls the “Council of Peace.” The letters mention a “new approach” to conflict resolution, with Gaza being the first topic of work — against the backdrop of attempts to move to the second, most difficult phase of agreements on ceasefire and management of the sector.

The very idea of a “parallel structure” immediately raised concerns among diplomats. In unofficial conversations, the same question is heard: is this an additional tool that helps where the UN is too slow, or an attempt to create a competitor to the United Nations and shift political legitimacy to a platform controlled by Washington.

What the project starts with and what it is intended to be tasked with

According to the initiators, the “Council of Peace” should start with Gaza issues. Key tasks include the political and administrative “reassembly” of sector management, international security support, the creation of a new Palestinian administrative structure, disarmament of Hamas, and the launch of a large-scale reconstruction program.

Importantly, this format is presented not as long multilateral diplomacy, but as a mechanism for “quick decisions”: regular meetings, working groups, targeted agreements that can be promptly secured by the political will of leaders.

Who is part of the “executive core” and why this became a separate signal

One of the reasons for increased attention is how the “executive contour” is formed. Discussions mention:

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

• Special envoy of the U.S. President Steve Witkoff

• Jared Kushner (relative and closest associate of Trump)

• Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

• Several other high-ranking figures from international institutions and business

The list of names is interpreted in two ways. On one hand, these are people with negotiation experience and influence. On the other — the participation of Trump’s close circle reinforces suspicions that the new structure will not be “supranational” in the classical sense and will remain a political tool of one center.

“Permanent seat” for a billion: the financial part that sounds like politics

The most controversial point is the financial model. The project discusses the idea: countries that want to obtain a “permanent seat” must contribute $1 billion. For others, a rotational membership principle is proposed for up to three years with the possibility of extension.

At the level of political psychology, this looks like an “entry ticket” into the international security architecture, where money turns into status. And it is this moment that causes internal discomfort for many governments: it is no longer just about helping Gaza and reconstruction, but about who and under what conditions gets the levers of influence.

Reaction of world capitals: from cautious “yes” to noticeable tension

The most openly positive signal, according to reports from diplomatic circles, was given by Hungary — Budapest declared its readiness to participate.

Other countries formulate responses cautiously. Where they say “we are ready to contribute,” they almost always add: there are no details, few legal frameworks, unclear powers, financial control mechanisms are undisclosed. This is a classic diplomatic formula when they do not want to slam the door but are not ready to sign up for the unknown.

Why the UN comes up again — and what does the European rhetoric “we will not be intimidated” have to do with it

For diplomats, the central concern is not that another “council” is emerging. The concern is that it may start taking over functions that previously went through the UN: mandates, monitoring, coordination of “peace formulas,” distribution of financial aid, the right to exclude a participant from the process.

Against this backdrop, the political stance “not to succumb to pressure” is strengthening in Europe — it is heard in various topics, from Ukraine to more exotic cases. In public statements by European leaders, the idea is increasingly heard: intimidation should not work either on Ukraine or on any other areas of international politics. This rhetoric is not only about specific crises — it’s about the rules of the game.

What this could mean for Gaza — and why many think beyond Gaza

Formally, the project starts with Gaza. But the structure itself is easily scalable: if it works, it can be applied to any conflict zone — from Ukraine to other “complex” regions where diplomacy is stalling.

There are two opposing scenarios:

1. Pragmatic. The new format accelerates decisions, helps raise funds for reconstruction, creates pressure on conflict parties, and provides quick security mechanisms.

2. Systemic risk. The new format becomes a club of influence, where status is bought, rules are changed according to the political will of the chairman, and international institutions lose meaning because key decisions go “bypassed.”

Conclusion: the idea is fast, but the price may be high

Many see the “Council of Peace” as an attempt by Trump to show effectiveness where traditional diplomacy seems endless. But it is precisely the speed and concentration of power that worries governments: if the new body really starts working as a competitor to the UN, the world may not get a more effective security system, but competition of institutions and a struggle for legitimacy.

Question to readers: if such a structure works — will it be a useful “accelerator of peace” or a dangerous precedent after which international rules will finally become a matter of the political will of the strongest?

And yes — you will have to watch closely: as soon as the official list of countries and final membership rules appear, it will become clear whether this is a project “on declarations” or a new reality of world politics. NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency will keep you informed because all this directly concerns both Israel and Ukraine, and how decisions about war and peace will be made in the future.

Almost all of her service took place during the “Iron Swords” war. After demobilization, Katya dreamed of a peaceful life. But a few days later, her heart stopped — and the system almost left her without treatment.

Most of you have already heard the story of the new repatriate from Ukraine — Katya, who shocked many.

The young repatriate, lone soldier, and the sudden boundary between “before” and “after”

Katya is a cheerful, smiling girl, a new repatriate from Ukraine, a graduate of the NA’ALE program. She came to Israel as a teenager: studied at the “Kaduri” school in Nof HaGalil, adapted, made plans, and sought friends who have since called her a bright person, “the very person who always kept the company afloat.” Her mother lives in Ukraine, in Odessa.

We already told Katya’s story on May 4, 2025 – A touching surprise was arranged for lone soldier Katya from Ukraine for Israel’s Independence Day — a meeting with her family, who remained in Ukraine, in the city of Odessa, under shelling.

She consciously chose her path in the army: served in MAGAV as a lone soldier, without relatives nearby. Almost all her service fell during the “Iron Swords” war. Hard shifts, constant tension, stress — Katya endured it all steadfastly.

November 12, 2025 she was demobilized. For the first time in many months, a peaceful future seemed ahead.

But a few days later, everything ended.

The details of the story were told on November 25, 2025, by the channel “Haifa Day and Night | Haifa Day&Night” and its founder Anna Polisuchenko.

“Katya experienced clinical death.” What happened that day

About a week after demobilization, on the street, in broad daylight, Katya’s heart suddenly stopped. No prior illnesses, no warning symptoms. The girl just fell, lost consciousness — and that was it.

Passersby nearby immediately began resuscitation. They performed heart massage, used a defibrillator. Only thanks to their reaction was Katya “kept” until the ambulance arrived.

In the “Ichilov” hospital in Tel Aviv, doctors continued the fight: stabilized her breathing, achieved the restoration of heart activity, and brought her out of clinical death. But it became clear — without a pacemaker installation and long rehabilitation, Katya would not survive.

Then something happened that seemed impossible in 2025: bureaucracy put the operation at risk

Soldiers leaving the army have a clear procedure: they automatically return to the health fund they were in before service. But between submitting documents and the actual status update, there is a “transition period” — usually a few weeks. It was during this period that Katya’s heart stopped.

Formally, she was no longer in the IDF system, but not yet registered in the civilian fund.

Legally, the fund has no right to refuse a demobilized soldier. But on paper, her status was still “in transit.” The result:

the operation was “in question” only due to untimely updated checkmarks in the computer.

There were no medical or insurance obstacles. The pacemaker is included in the state basket. But bureaucracy blocked the treatment.

Journalists, bloggers, deputies, friends: how the community intervened and turned the situation around

Katya’s story began to spread across Israeli (including Ukrainian) social media segments almost instantly. Through journalistic chats and blogger channels.

Real people started calling, writing, knocking on all doors.

Katya’s foster mother* under the NA’ALE program said on Channel 13 a phrase that instantly went viral:

“She was good enough to fight for the state — but not good enough to receive life-saving treatment?”

*The NA’ALE program assigns each teenager who comes to study in Israel without parents a foster family or adult mentor — a person who helps with everyday life, adaptation, and becomes a contact person in the country. This is not adoption, but a form of social support so that the child has an adult to turn to at any moment.

And this phrase resonated in many offices.

The decision came on the morning of November 26: Clalit approved the operation

After a series of appeals, publications, pressure from journalists and deputies, and thanks to the work of dozens of people “in the shadows,” Clalit approved the installation of the pacemaker and registered Katya in the system retroactively from November 14.

The operation was scheduled at the “Ichilov” hospital.

It was a victory for the community. But not the end.

Now Katya faces surgery, rehabilitation, and months of recovery. And the financial pressure is enormous

Katya’s mother flew in from Ukraine, leaving everything behind. She does not leave her daughter’s side for a minute. But their expenses are huge, and they have not disappeared:

• housing for the mother near the hospital,
• medications and treatment,
• rehabilitation after surgery,
• expenses to maintain Katya’s apartment,
• basic living until Katya can return to work.

The fundraiser led by Katya’s friends is official, verified, and transparent. It has been supported by dozens of channels, media, and bloggers. But the needed amount is still far off.

Fundraising link: https://giveback.co.il/project/88146

Why this story exposed a systemic problem in Israel

Katya’s case is not unique. It shows:

1. The transition of soldiers from the IDF system to the civilian one leaves a “gray zone.”
   A person formally exists between two systems — and sometimes this concerns life or death.
2. In 2025, bureaucracy should not be an obstacle to treatment.
   This is not a medical dispute or a complex case, but a simple question of status in the database.
3. The community acted faster than the system.
   Journalists, activists, friends, and just concerned people — all got involved instantly, acted clearly, and coordinated.
4. Changes in laws and instructions are needed.
   So that such situations are not resolved manually through public resonance.

Katya is not an impersonal case. She is a person who served, helped, and deserves help herself

Many in Israel know her: she lived, studied, worked, and participated in volunteer life.
Her acquaintances say that Katya was the person who always noticed if someone was struggling.

Now she herself is in a harsh reality: having survived clinical death, heart surgery, and months of recovery.

But what is striking — despite everything, acquaintances say: “Katya is strong. She is fighting.”

Previously: Surprise for Israel’s Independence Day: Katya saw her mother and brother for the first time in two years

In the spring of 2025, before demobilization and the tragedy of the sudden heart stoppage, there was a moment in Katya’s life that many who know her now return to. In honor of the 76th anniversary of Israel’s Independence Day, Channel 14 ITV prepared a special gift for her — a warm, emotional meeting with her family, who all this time remained in Ukraine, in the city of Odessa, under shelling.

Katya, while serving in Israel, said on air that her mother and brother remain in Odessa, where the situation with shelling remains extremely difficult. Kateryna’s mother had never been to Israel, and Katya herself could not visit her family due to the war.

The emotions Katya experienced when her family appeared in the studio became the culmination of the broadcast.

She had not seen her mother and younger brother for two years, and thought that the closest communication with them was only possible by phone.

That is why the moment when she saw her relatives in the festive broadcast was a real miracle. The emotions were sincere and strong: Katya did not hide her tears and told the studio how hard it was all this time to live away from her family, knowing they were under constant shelling.

Her words were as follows:

“I couldn’t hug them for two years. We kept in touch only by phone, and of course, it’s very hard to be away from your family, especially when they are going through such difficult times.”

This meeting became one of the most touching moments of the festive broadcast. For viewers — an episode about human closeness, which reminded how important it is to support lone soldiers. For Katya herself — a rare moment of happiness during a difficult service and separation.

The event then became a symbol of strengthening ties between Israel and Ukraine: Katya served Israel while her family lived under shelling in Odessa. This contrast was painful and important — which is why the story resonated in the hearts of thousands of people.

Why it is important to spread this story

Because it is not only about pain and struggle.
It is about people who — regardless of origin, language, or city — stood up for a girl who served Israel and found herself between two systems.

This is the story of a new repatriate from Ukraine who went through war, survived a heart stoppage, and continues to fight for life — while her mother sits by the hospital bed, and friends and the community do everything possible to support.

And it is a story about how society can be stronger than bureaucracy.

Let Katya see that she is not alone

Every donation is not just an amount.
It is a signal to Katya, her mother, family, and everyone who has faced similar situations: you are seen, you are important, you are not alone.

Katya’s story is not about pity.
It is about a lone soldier who gave Israel years of service and now deserves one thing — a chance to live peacefully.

She was supported by friends, journalists, bloggers, deputies, ordinary people.
Now we will be there until the end.

How we can help now

The situation has formally moved — the operation is agreed upon. But recovery will take months. The mother needs housing near the hospital. Katya will not be able to work. Huge sums are spent on medications, rehabilitation, and living expenses.

Therefore, help is still critically important. And still urgent.

Official fundraiser:

https://giveback.co.il/project/88146

This is a verified fundraiser from Katya’s friends. The money goes directly to the family’s expenses. No intermediaries.

Let’s think about the symbolism of this action: Russian soldiers take the flag of Israel as a trophy from a Ukrainian village.

Between the forests of the Chernobyl disaster zone, closed to visitors, and Bucha — the site of genocide perpetrated by the Russian army in the suburbs of Kyiv, lies the Ukrainian village of Sidorovychi, where the classic of Hebrew literature Haim Azaz and Nehemia Rabichev — the father of Yitzhak were born.

Original and full version of the article – (Eng) Ukrainian Jewish Encounter.

At the end of the 19th century, both the village and the entire region were often part of the “Pale of Settlement.”

In 1886, Nehem Rabichev was born in Sidorovychi. At the age of 18, he emigrated to the USA (1904) and there changed his surname to Rabin. After moving to the Land of Israel, he had his firstborn son – the future Prime Minister of the State of Israel Yitzhak Rabin (1922-1995).

Nehemia Rabichev was a member of the Tel Aviv City Council for many years, one of the first employees of the Israel Electric Corporation, and a member of the Executive Committee of the trade unions.

Twelve years after Nehemia Rabichev’s birth, the famous future Hebrew writer Haim Azaz (1898 — 1973), the first laureate of the Israel Prize for Literature (1953) and a member of the Academy of the Hebrew Language, was born in the same village.

His father managed a sawmill, so the future writer’s childhood was spent in a small house in the middle of a dense forest.

This forest near the Ukrainian village became the setting for a dramatic plot and one of the natural characters in Azaz’s first novel “In the Forest” (1930, Tel Aviv). Descriptions of nature and forest life from this novel later became classics of Hebrew literature.

Return to the Roots

The connection between Israel and Sidorovychi was renewed in 2011, when, on the initiative of the head of the educational project “Limmud” Haim Chesler, a memorial plaque was installed in the village in honor of Nehemia Rabichev and his children.

A memorial plaque in honor of Nehemia Rabichev and his children

Nehemia’s grandson and Yitzhak’s son Yuval Rabin participated in the opening ceremony.

“My father, like me, was born in Israel. But echoes of the place where my grandfather was born resonated in our family. For example, my father loved Ukrainian borscht and dumplings. It is very touching for me to visit my grandfather’s homeland — I have returned to the roots,” Yuval Rabin told the press at the time.

Next to the memorial sign, the flag of Israel was installed, and books about Israel and works of Jewish literature were donated to the village library in the local House of Culture.

“It was very scary”

The House of Culture planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin’s birth on March 1, 2022. But it was not meant to be. Five days before this date, on February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

The village found itself in the path of the invaders on the way to Kyiv — the capital of Ukraine. Passing through the Chernobyl zone, Russian soldiers entered Sidorovychi on February 25. Thus began 35 days of brutal occupation.

“It was very scary. We were bombed and looted. Seven houses were completely destroyed, and 52 houses were partially damaged. The House of Culture, where many children went, was severely damaged. During the Russian occupation, all the windows were completely broken, and the roof and doors were smashed. The library was also severely damaged, and many books were lost,” says the director of the House of Culture in Sidorovychi, Tatyana Nikolaevna Mukhoid.

“Russian soldiers went from house to house looting. If they weren’t opened, they blew up doors and windows, stealing everything they could — household appliances and food. People lived in fear. Those who could, left the village. There was a shortage of food and even bread. Neighbors shared what they could. We lived without electricity and water,” Tatyana continues.

The memorial plaque in honor of the Rabin family was moved by local residents to the library, which became a shelter for that single commemorative sign symbolizing the international connections of this village.

A characteristic moment: Russian soldiers, before retreating from the village, stole not only washing machines from the homes of peaceful residents.

Putin’s soldiers stole the flag of Israel from the library, which was gifted to the village during the opening of the memorial plaque.

Let’s think about the symbolism of this action: Russian soldiers take the flag of Israel as a trophy from a Ukrainian village.

When the story of the village of Sidorovychi became known to the Israeli ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, his reaction was immediate. On the ambassador’s orders, a flag of Israel was delivered to the village — to replace the flag stolen by the Russian occupiers; medicine was also delivered.

In the liberated Ukrainian village, which gave Israel such outstanding figures, there is now once again an Israeli flag.

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