Israel News

As promised, we continue our discussion of a Jew from Ukraine – Ze’ev Jabotinsky. #jewsukraine

📝 The biography of Vladimir Zeev is really full of interesting facts, so today we are publishing the second of two posts about him. — First see – Jews from Ukraine: Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky.

👦🏻 Childhood and youth: Vladimir Jabotinsky was born into a Jewish family in Odessa. Thanks to his literary abilities and knowledge of languages, already at the age of 18 he became a foreign correspondent for the newspapers “Odessky Listok” and “Odesskiye Novosti”, working first in Bern (Switzerland 🇨🇭) and then in Rome (Italy 🇮🇹).

📚 Literary heritage: In addition to his political activities, Jabotinsky was a famous writer, translator and publicist. He created novels, autobiographical works, translated the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe into Hebrew, edited the weekly magazine “Svitanok”, and also wrote an autobiographical novel “Five”, describing the life of a Jewish family in Odessa.

💡 Interesting fact: Jabotinsky refuted Russian fakes about Ukrainian anti-Semitism a hundred years ago. For example, about Simon Petliura he said:
“I grew up with them, together with them I fought against anti-Semites and Russifiers – Jewish and Ukrainian. Neither I nor other thinking Zionists can be convinced that such people can be considered anti-Semitic.”

📌 Memory: 55 streets in Israel are named after Vladimir Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Residents and visitors of the central part of the country are well aware of one of them – Jabotinsky Street, which is an important transport route connecting Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva.

🇮🇱 In Israel there is also the Jabotinsky Institute, the Jabotinsky Prize for achievements in literature, as well as Jabotinsky Day, celebrated annually on Tammuz 29 according to the Jewish calendar.

🇺🇦 Since 2022, Zhabotinsky Street has appeared in Kyiv, not far from the Nivki metro station. A mural dedicated to Jabotinsky was also created in Odessa.

Photo materials:

1. Portrait of Jabotinsky
2. Jabotinsky Street in Israel
3. Mural in Odessa
4. Street in Kyiv

This article was prepared specifically for the site NAnewswhere you will find even more interesting stories about prominent Jews of Ukraine, such as Vladimir Jabotinsky.

Veda section @davidkrutonog — Jew from Ukraine and founder of a marketing agency tlv.agency

Leave a comment in Telegram channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News

In 2014, Sergey Mikhalok actively supported the Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, which caused a negative reaction and a series of bans from Russia and Belarus. In 2015, the artist received Ukrainian citizenship and a residence permit. In 2020, he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine (2020).

In February 2026, concerts of “Lyapis Trubetskoy” — a Belarusian punk rock band whose history has long ceased to be just a musical biography — will take place in Israel. This is not a nostalgic tour or a “return for the hits.” These are performances by a band for whom the stage has become a form of civic expression, and music a way to speak about war, freedom, and personal responsibility.

For Israel, these concerts are a special event. On stage is a group that did not remain neutral, did not rewrite its history, and did not pretend that “everything is complicated.”

From Minsk 1989 to the point of no return

The band “Lyapis Trubetskoy” was formed in 1989 in Minsk.
Its leader is Sergey Mikhalok, frontman and lyricist, who for decades has defined the direction and tone of the band.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, “Lyapis” was associated with ironic ska-punk, grotesque, and satire on post-Soviet reality. But by the end of the 2000s, the music began to change. Irony was leaving, replaced by harsh, direct lyrics about power, violence, lies, and responsibility.

Bans in Belarus and the final break

In the spring of 2011, the musicians were included in the list of banned cultural figures in Belarus.
All planned concerts of the band in their homeland were canceled.

This moment became the point of no return. “Lyapis Trubetskoy” ceased to be part of “permissible culture” and finally found itself on the other side of the system. For listeners, the band became a symbol of dissent. For the authorities, a problem they tried to solve with bans.

2014: Disbandment and new form

In 2014, the band officially ceased to exist, splitting into two projects:

• BRUTTO — with Sergey Mikhalok,
• Trubetskoy — with vocalist Pavel Bulatnikov.

At that time, it looked like the end of the story. But events in Ukraine showed: it was a pause, not an end.

Ukraine as a key point in the biography

Since 2014, Ukraine has taken a central place in Sergey Mikhalok’s life.

He openly supported the Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity, without resorting to cautious formulations. This caused a sharp reaction from Russia and Belarus — bans, pressure, attempts at isolation.

In 2015, Mikhalok received Ukrainian citizenship and a residence permit, and in 2020, he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine. For Ukrainian society, this was not a formality, but a recognition of his position and contribution.

How “Lyapis Trubetskoy” songs began to be perceived in Ukraine

After 2014, not only did the attitude towards Mikhalok as an artist change in Ukraine, but also the perception of “Lyapis Trubetskoy” music itself. His songs ceased to be just concert tracks and became part of a living historical context.

Importantly: “Lyapis” was not appointed a symbol from above.
His songs were claimed by the street.

From the stage to Maidan

During the Euromaidan, the composition “Warriors of Light” went beyond the stage. It was heard:

• on the barricades,
• at rallies,
• in the volunteer environment,
• in protest videos.

The song was not written specifically for Ukraine, but it hit the nerve of the time. From that moment in the Ukrainian context, it became not just a song of the band, but a song of the era.

Russian-language compositions — “Capital,” “I Believe,” “Harry” — began to be perceived differently: as anti-imperial and anti-systemic, regardless of the language.

2022: War and the revival of “Lyapis”

After February 24, 2022, against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the project “Lyapis Trubetskoy” was revived.

The return of the band was immediately marked as anti-war and charitable. Concert activities became a form of support for Ukraine — not declarative, but practical.

Support for Ukraine and the Armed Forces: not words, but actions

Support for Ukraine from Sergey Mikhalok and “Lyapis Trubetskoy” after 2022 has a systematic and public character.

From the first days of the war, Mikhalok took a firm anti-war stance.
On his YouTube channel BRUTTO NOSTRA, he published a series of video messages:

• to Belarusian military personnel,
• to the citizens of Belarus,
• to Russian musicians.

“Belarusians.
The cowardly and treacherous Lukashenko, having soiled himself, handed over our country to Putin, who has gone mad. These two bastards are using the territory of Belarus to attack brotherly Ukraine.

It is from our Belarus that tanks are coming, missiles are flying towards the brotherly people. And now something even more terrible is happening — they want to send our soldiers here to certain death, who understand nothing.

They are told about some Nazis, about some damn ‘duty.’ They will all die here because the Ukrainian army, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is the strongest army in the world.

Everyone who comes here will lie in the ground and then burn in hell…”

In these messages, he spoke directly about how Belarus is being used as a springboard for attacking Ukraine, and participation in the war will lead to the death of soldiers misled by propaganda.

Direct support for the Armed Forces

Sergey Mikhalok personally performed for Ukrainian soldiers:

• met with Armed Forces fighters in Kyiv,
• performed “Warriors of Light” for them, often in the Ukrainian version “Voiny Svitla”,
• did this outside concert halls — in a live, human format.

These episodes were recorded on video and became part of the real chronicle of the war. For the military, it was not a concert as a show, but a gesture of solidarity.

Charitable tours

After the band’s revival, the musicians conducted:

• a large-scale European tour,
• then a tour in the USA and Canada.

These tours were explicitly positioned as tours in support of Ukraine. Part of the funds was directed to humanitarian and volunteer initiatives. The concerts were actively supported by the Ukrainian diaspora.

Ukrainian versions of songs

A principled step was the official rethinking of songs in the Ukrainian language.

The band released Ukrainian versions of:

• “Voiny Svitla”,
• “Yevpatoriya”,
• “Harry”.

The translations were done by Serhiy Zhadan. These versions were officially published and became part of concert programs. In the Ukrainian context, they are perceived not as an “adaptation,” but as a equal form of expression.

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Mikhalok and Belarus

Sergey Mikhalok’s relationship with Belarus is a story of principled break with the regime and solidarity with society, not a conflict over tours or censorship. This break was formalized long before 2020 and became final long before the full-scale war against Ukraine.

From popular artist to banned

In the 1990s and early 2000s, “Lyapis Trubetskoy” was one of the most popular bands in Belarus. The turning point came in the late 2000s when the lyrics became harsh and politically direct.

In 2011, the band was included in the list of banned cultural figures in Belarus.
All concerts in their homeland were canceled. This was a systemic ban, effectively closing the band’s path back into the official cultural space of the country.

Break with the Lukashenko regime

From this moment, Mikhalok’s relationship with the Belarusian state became irreconcilable. He did not seek compromises and openly criticized the Lukashenko regime, calling it authoritarian and betraying the country’s sovereignty.

At the same time, his position always clearly distinguished between:

• Belarusian society,
• and the Belarusian regime.

The criticism was directed against the authorities, not against the country or its people.

2020: Support for protests

During the protests in 2020, Mikhalok publicly:

• supported the protesters,
• condemned the violence of the security forces,
• supported the symbols of the democratic movement — the white-red-white flag and the “Pahonia” coat of arms.

He did not enter political structures, remaining in the role of a cultural voice of resistance.

After 2022

After the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, Mikhalok took an even tougher stance. He spoke directly that:

• the territory of Belarus is used for attacking Ukraine,
• the Lukashenko regime is responsible for complicity in the war.

On the BRUTTO NOSTRA channel, he recorded video messages to Belarusians and military personnel urging them not to participate in the war and not to become accomplices in crimes.

How he is perceived by the opposition

In the Belarusian opposition environment and diaspora, Mikhalok is perceived as:

• one of the most famous cultural opponents of the regime,
• as a person who did not change his position under pressure,
• as an artist who paid the price of exile and bans.

He consciously stays out of formal politics, considering his format to be culture as a form of resistance.

Sergey Mikhalok is in strong opposition to the Lukashenko regime, consistently supports the democratic movement in Belarus, and remains one of the symbols of cultural resistance to Belarusian autocracy.

What will be heard in Israel

The concerts of “Lyapis Trubetskoy” in Israel in February 2026 are built around the main concert repertoire of the band, well known to the audience from different periods of its history.

According to information from the poster and organizers, the program is expected to include such songs as:

• “Warriors of Light”,

• “Capital”,

• “Au”,

• “I Believe”,

• as well as other well-known compositions of the band.

The concert format traditionally involves a tight pace, minimal pauses, and high energy from the stage — without show elements, but with an emphasis on live sound and direct contact with the audience.

Why this is important for Israel

For the Israeli audience, these concerts are not just a musical event.
It is a meeting with a band that speaks about war, the price of silence, responsibility, and choice — topics well understood by Israeli society.

“Lyapis Trubetskoy” in Israel in February 2026 is not nostalgia and not a “return for the hits.”
It is live punk rock with history, position, and confirmed actions.

Dates, time, and venues of concerts in Israel

Haifa

February 19, 2026

Thursday, starting at 20:00

Club Beat
Sderot Ha-Nasi, 124

Tel Aviv

February 20, 2026

Friday, starting at 20:00

“Reading-3” Hall
North Tel Aviv Port
Ha-Ta’arucha St., 3

“Lyapis Trubetskoy” always works to the limit, without pauses and smoothed edges.

Tickets – https://showman.co.il/e/lyapis-trubetskoy-2026/

NANews — a private opinion on events, culture, and music that truly matter.

After the recent US attack on Iranian targets, President Donald Trump publicly outlined his stance on international law and the limits of presidential powers. His statements were harsh and without the usual diplomatic reservations — emphasizing personal responsibility and the right to make decisions on the use of force.

Trump made it clear that he does not view international law as a factor capable of limiting the actions of the US president as commander-in-chief. According to him, the only constraint remains his own moral understanding of the situation. This formulation became one of the most discussed after the strike on Iranian targets.

This approach reflects a broader White House strategy — a focus on unpredictability and readiness for sharp actions. In Trump’s entourage, they do not hide: it is the demonstration of determination, not adherence to formal frameworks, that they believe allows the US to maintain leadership and impose conditions on the international stage.

Iranian Factor and Regional Instability

The strike on targets in Iran was part of this logic. Washington did not elaborate on the legal grounds for the operation, focusing on military and political expediency. This heightened anxiety in the region and caused concern among US allies, including European countries and Israel.

Venezuela, Resources, and Forceful Control

Against this backdrop, Trump touched on the situation in Venezuela, where, despite the internal crisis and the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, tension remains high. Control over energy resources, primarily oil, is still considered in Washington as a key element of global policy.

Russia, Ukraine, and the Limits of American Responsibility

Speaking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump declared his readiness to guarantee the security of Ukraine, but with a caveat. According to him, such support is possible only with the immediate cessation of aggression by Russia.

At the same time, the US president made it clear that in the long term, Washington does not intend to bear the main burden. Most of the responsibility, he said, should fall on European countries, while the US role will be limited to support and coordination.

Immigration and Internal Security

A separate block of statements concerned immigration. Trump allowed for the possibility of revoking citizenship from immigrants deemed a threat by the administration. He also spoke harshly about people from Somalia, stating that “many of them hate our country,” and criticized the work of immigration services regarding businesses hiring foreign labor.

Health, Age, and Personal Habits

The president also touched on personal topics. Despite the approaching anniversary, Trump stated that he feels in good shape. He confirmed that he takes low-dose aspirin for prevention and noted weight loss — now, according to him, it is about 101.6 kg, which is less than in previous years.

Economy and Focus on Artificial Intelligence

Trump has a particular interest in the development of artificial intelligence. He directly stated: the country that wins the AI race will become the new world leader. According to his forecast, technologies will lead to the creation of millions of jobs, and some tasks will be performed by robotic systems and AI assistants.

The White House and the Symbolism of Power

In conclusion, the president spoke about plans for the reconstruction of the White House. It involves the construction of a new hall, which, according to him, will accommodate six times more people than the parliamentary hall. The project also includes updating the adjacent infrastructure — passages, roads, and public spaces.

All these statements fit into one line: Trump demonstrates a readiness to act outside the usual frameworks, combining external toughness with internal mobilization and a technological leap. For US allies, including Israel, this means a period of increased uncertainty — but also clarity that Washington no longer intends to play by the old rules.

NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency

On Friday, January 9, the match Sri Lanka — Pakistan was in the spotlight of sports news after a confident victory by the Pakistan team. The increased interest is explained not only by the result but also by the context — the teams played in the T20 format, which is considered the most dynamic and unpredictable type of modern cricket.

This is about cricket, one of the most popular sports in Asia, the British Commonwealth, and the Middle East.
The T20 format is a short match where each team plays only 20 overs. It is designed for speed, risk, and aggressive play, so such matches are often seen as an indicator of teams’ form before major tournaments.

The match took place on the Sri Lanka team’s field. The hosts could not impose their pace on the opponent and ended their innings early, not reaching the full limit. Pakistan controlled the game from the first minutes, not allowing the opponent to build a stable attack.

Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed played a key role. In cricket, bowling largely determines the outcome of the match, and this time Pakistan’s spin attack deprived Sri Lanka of the opportunity to score a competitive total.

However, the victory did not look flawless. After the game, Pakistan’s coaching staff specifically pointed out problems in fielding — the team’s actions in defense. In the T20 format, such mistakes can be decisive, and this aspect became a subject of active discussion after the match.

Interest in the game also grew because the series is seen as part of the preparation for the T20 World Cup — the main tournament of this format. For Pakistan, the match was a demonstration of strength, for Sri Lanka — a signal of ongoing problems with squad depth and stability.

It was the combination of factors — a popular format, a confident result, and the approaching world championship — that made the match a noticeable trend of the day.

In short

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played a cricket match in the T20 format.
Pakistan confidently won, showing strong bowling performance.
The match became an indicator of the team’s form before the World Cup.

Can such games be used to judge the World Cup favorites — or is the T20 format too unpredictable for long-term forecasts?

NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency

Ukraine initiates the convening of a UN Security Council meeting after Russia’s repeated use of the medium-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik.” The reason was a nighttime strike on Ukrainian territory, which Moscow presented as a “response” to an alleged drone attack on Putin’s residence — an episode not confirmed by independent sources.

The missile itself has not been shown to the world.
Its capabilities are judged solely by statements from Russian authorities and the consequences of its combat use.

On the night of January 9, Russia struck Ukraine using the “Oreshnik.” According to available data, the strike hit the Lviv region. Simultaneously, a massive shelling targeted Kyiv: four people were killed, and parts of the capital were left without electricity, water, and heating.

Numerous hits on residential buildings in different areas were recorded. The Ukrainian side indicates that the strikes could have been aimed at thermal energy facilities — at a time when the country was experiencing severe frosts, which are expected to last at least a week.

What could have been the target of the strike

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the missile hit drone production facilities allegedly used for the attack on Putin’s residence.

Simultaneously, an alternative version appeared in the pro-military Russian information field: the possible target is called the Bilche-Volytsko-Uherske underground gas storage, the largest in Europe. This is an extremely complex facility — the depth of some infrastructure elements reaches almost 900 meters.

None of the versions are confirmed by objective data.
No official reports have been made about the results of the strike — destruction, effectiveness, or achievement of military goals.

What is known about the “Oreshnik” missile

The existence of the complex was publicly announced in November 2024 — after a strike on the “Yuzhmash” plant in Dnipro. “Oreshnik” is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile with a declared range of up to 5,000 kilometers.

Such systems were banned under a treaty between Russia and the USA, which was in effect from 1988 to 2019. After Moscow’s withdrawal from the agreement, the development and testing of missiles of this class were resumed.

The missile can carry a nuclear charge. In strikes on Ukraine, according to the Russian side, kinetic warheads were used — without explosives, hitting the target due to mass and speed.

Technology and real effectiveness

According to Putin’s statements, the “Oreshnik” warheads develop a speed of 2.5–3 km/s, and the impact force is allegedly comparable to a low-yield nuclear charge.

Practical data do not confirm this. After the strike on “Yuzhmash” in 2024, Western experts did not record critical damage to the enterprise.

The kinetic principle has long been used in US and Israeli missile defense systems, but there it is applied to intercept targets in the air. The use of a purely kinetic strike on ground infrastructure remains controversial and weakly confirmed in terms of military effectiveness.

Possibility of interception

Modern missile defense systems are theoretically capable of intercepting ballistic missile warheads. The latest modifications of the Patriot, in service with the USA and Israel, have previously demonstrated the ability to shoot down Russian aeroballistic missiles, including “Kinzhal.”

In the case of “Oreshnik,” no interception was recorded. This may be due to the absence of missile defense systems in the strike area or the peculiarities of the trajectory and speed of the new missile.

How many “Oreshniks” and where they are deployed

According to Putin’s statements, serial production of the complex began in November last year. At the end of December, the missile was put on combat duty in Belarus.

The “Oreshnik” launcher has not yet been publicly demonstrated. In video materials from the Russian Ministry of Defense from Belarus, only service vehicles were captured.

Both recorded combat uses of the missile were carried out from the Kapustin Yar range in the Astrakhan region.

Why Ukraine is appealing to the UN Security Council

The convening of the UN Security Council is not only a reaction to a specific strike.

Firstly, the use of a medium-range ballistic missile occurred in close proximity to the borders of the European Union. This is not only an attack on Ukraine but also a signal of pressure addressed to European states.

Secondly, a few hours before the strike, the US embassy issued a warning about a “serious attack.” As a rule, launches of missiles of this class are communicated in advance to strategic adversaries through closed channels — to avoid an immediate retaliatory strike.

The key question remains open: will there be an international reaction — or will the use of medium-range missiles in the European region gradually be perceived as the new norm.

The story with “Oreshnik” is not only about one missile and one episode. It is about blurring the boundaries of what is permissible in war, which affects the security of Europe and the entire region. That is why Ukraine’s appeal to the UN Security Council looks not like a formality, but an attempt to record a dangerous escalation before it becomes routine.

NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency

After the war ends, Ukraine does not intend to copy the model of physical separation similar to the Gaza Strip. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction, Minister of Community and Territory Development Oleksiy Kuleba, explaining why relying on walls and solid barriers will not work for the country.

In an interview with “Economic Truth,” Kuleba outlined an approach considered more realistic in Kyiv: complex engineering solutions, underground infrastructure, shelters, and tunnel systems integrated into the urban environment, rather than symbolic lines of defense.

He recalled that Israel once relied on a physical wall around Gaza. However, subsequent events showed the limitations of such an approach: the barrier did not become absolute protection and did not solve the security problem in the long term.

“My framework is very simple: wall — no, tunnels — yes,” Kuleba formulated, emphasizing that physical barriers create an illusion of control but do not address modern threats.

Underground cities instead of cities behind fences

According to the minister, after the war, Ukrainian cities will be rebuilt considering constant risks. This means changing the everyday logic of life, especially in frontline and border regions.

He openly admitted that not all residents will be ready to accept such conditions. In particular, in Kharkiv, some citizens may refuse to live in a city where safety is integrated into underground routes and engineering shelters even in peacetime.

Kuleba separately mentioned Kherson, noting that implementing such solutions there will be extremely difficult from a technical and logistical point of view. In Odesa, the situation is different: despite the presence of catacombs, they, according to him, do not provide a real defensive advantage in modern conditions.

Why “fencing off” is not a strategy

In Israeli politics, radical ideas are periodically voiced. One of the most illustrative examples is the proposal by the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who publicly speculated about the possibility of a “moat with crocodiles” around territories controlled by terrorists.

This idea quickly became a meme and a symbol of ultra-hard thinking: isolating the threat physically without delving into complex systemic solutions. But even in the Israeli context, it remained more of a rhetorical gesture than a real plan.

For Ukraine, such an approach is even more inapplicable. The country has the longest line of contact with an aggressive neighbor in Europe, and attempting to “fence off from Russia” with a wall would mean decades of living behind a concrete barrier — without security guarantees and with constant economic and military tension.

Internal conversation — and silence for the enemy

Kuleba emphasizes: security decisions should be discussed within Ukraine as openly as possible, but taking into account military risks. Details cannot be public, and compromises cannot be imposed from outside.

“This should become part of our recovery — what we agree on among ourselves and what the enemy will minimally know about,” he summarized.

In the Ukrainian context, post-war security is not a line on a map or a symbolic fence, but a complex system integrated into cities, infrastructure, and lifestyle. This is how the agenda is being formed today, as written by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.

Why not? Heading “Jews from Ukraine” on the website NAnews is dedicated to the unique history and achievements of Ukrainian Jews, their contribution to the development of Israel and Jewish communities around the world, strengthening cultural and historical ties between peoples.

This article is just research for now 🙂 by an enthusiast……

History often brings amazing surprises. This time she shed light on family Jared Kushner’s roots, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

As it turned out, his maternal great-grandfather born in Ukraine, or rather, in a small town PodgaitsyTernopil region. Here it is on the map.

About this “Suspilny” told historian, local historian and teacher, former mayor of the village of Podgaitsy Stepan Kolodnitsky.

Stepan Kolodnitsky is the compiler of the publication “Podgaitsy and Podgaechchyna”, in which he collected all the historical information about the region and a tourist guide “The paths of the shtetls. Travels to the Forgotten Continent”which contains information about ancient Jewish cities.

Enthusiast Stepan Kolodnitsky, who devoted his life to researching his region, found documentary evidence that sheds light on Kushner’s pedigree.

As the historian said, surviving documents indicate that the Stadtmauer family, from which Jared Kushner’s great-grandfather on his mother’s side comes, lived in Podgaitsy for a long time.

“At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Jewish population in Podgaitsy was 53 percent. Over time, the majority emigrated to Israel, the USA and other countries. Among them are the ancestors of Jared Kushner,” said Stepan Kolodnitsky.

The Stadtmauer family: the path from Podgaitsy to America

The Stadtmauer family immigrated to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century to escape poverty. Like many other Jews from Ukraine, they were looking for a better life overseas.

Jared Kushner, a member of New York’s “Modern Orthodox” Jewish community, was raised in the traditions passed down by his ancestors. Kushner does not hide his pride in his origins.

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Jewish heritage of Podgaitsy

By the way, I was born in Podgaitsy Mendel Zacharias – son of Rabbi Aryeh Leib (died 1791), author of the books “Menorot Zechariah” (“The Lamp of Zechariah”), “Zechariah Meshulem” (“Allegories of Zechariah”), “Zechariah Yamevin” (“Zechariah the Expert”).

Podgaitsy is a small but history-rich city.

Jews began to settle in Podgaitsy at the beginning of the 16th century, and the first documentary mentions date back to 1552, when Jews were recorded as taxpayers. Already at that time, the community differed in size compared to other neighboring cities. From 1580 to 1620, Rabbi Aron Benjamin Solnik, author of the famous book “The Speeches of Benjamin,” lived and served in Podgaitsy, which made the city an important religious and cultural center.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the Jewish community made up about half of the city’s population: out of 6,000 residents, 3,200 were Jews. They were engaged in trade and crafts, and actively participated in cultural and economic life. However, the First World War and subsequent events were the first blows for the community. Despite this, in the 1910s, a local printing house owned by the Jewish Weinles family published books and materials for Ukrainian organizations.

Tragedy struck the community during World War II. In 1941, with the arrival of German troops, attacks, forced labor and fines for Jews began. On Yom Kippur in 1942, about 1,000 Jews were sent to the Belzec extermination camp, and in 1943 the community was finally exterminated: the remaining residents were shot and buried in mass graves on the outskirts of the city. The last Rabbi of Podgaytsev, Yitzchak-Aizik Aichenstein, died along with the community.

Today the Jewish cemetery in Podgaitsy is a unique historical monument. About 1,500 matzes have been preserved here, some of which date back to the 17th century. It is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Ukraine, reminiscent of the past greatness and tragedy of the city’s Jewish community. Interestingly, the city’s coat of arms, decorated with a gold letter “P”, resembles the Hebrew letter “ח” (chaim – life), which symbolically connects the city with its Jewish history.

This thriving shtetl was known for its cultural diversity and active Jewish life. However, the events of World War II and subsequent repressions significantly changed the face of the city.

About 1.5 thousand matzes have been preserved in the old Jewish cemetery in Podgaitsy, and the oldest tombstones date back to the 17th century. During a survey of the cemetery in 2011, scientists discovered a matzeva from 1596, one of the oldest in the region.

When asked whether there is Stadtmauer’s grave in the Jewish cemetery in Podgaitsy, the historian replied: “There is no grave itself, because you see what the Bolsheviks, the Germans, and other people destroyed.”

 

 

Interesting twist in history

It would seem that the connection between Donald Trump, his son-in-law Kushner and Ukraine sounds like an unexpected twist. However, the story of the Kushner family is another example of how Ukraine and Israel are connected by a common Jewish destiny.

“Europe is over,” said the Jews who left at the beginning of the last century. But the legacy of their families lives on in their descendants who reach heights on the other side of the world.

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A look into modern times

Ukrainian Jews left a deep mark on the history of Israel and Jewish communities around the world. As the example of the Kushner family shows, such connections not only remain, but also remind us of the importance of culture and historical heritage.

Our website NAnews – Israel News continues to highlight unique moments in the history of Jewish communities, their interaction with Ukraine and contributions to the modern world.

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Quote from a historian:

“Pidgaytsy is a unique place where the histories of peoples are intertwined. By studying its past, we open new pages of world history.”

Read more in the section “Jews from Ukraine” website NAnews – Israel News.

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Israel and Somaliland are negotiating to expand cooperation in the field of security, including the potential deployment of an Israeli military base on the territory of the autonomy. This was reported in an interview with an Israeli TV channel by Deka Kassim, head of the political department of Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement came amid increased attention to the Horn of Africa region, where issues of maritime security, terrorism, and control of logistics routes have long gone beyond the local agenda.

The discussion of cooperation began just a week after Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially refuted statements by the president of Somalia about the possible resettlement of Palestinians and the deployment of foreign military facilities on this territory. Hargeisa made it clear: such decisions are not made without its participation.

First Official Visit of Israel to Hargeisa

The negotiations took place during the first official visit of Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa. This visit was a logical continuation of the step Israel took earlier by recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.

For Somaliland, this is not just a diplomatic gesture. It is a rare precedent of direct recognition by a Middle Eastern player with significant military and intelligence potential.

Security, Sea, and Combating Threats

According to Kassim, the key focus of the negotiations is countering terrorism and ensuring the security of maritime routes. The Red Sea region and the Gulf of Aden remain vulnerable to piracy, illegal arms supplies, and the activities of radical groups.

Israeli expertise in intelligence, cybersecurity, and maritime monitoring is seen in Hargeisa as a practical tool for stabilization, rather than a symbolic partnership.

Broad Regional Context

Somaliland has effectively existed as a separate state since the early 1990s, but it is still seeking full international recognition. The possible deployment of Israeli military infrastructure could sharply increase its geopolitical weight — and simultaneously heighten tensions with Mogadishu.

The Somali authorities have already responded with harsh rhetoric, which only underscores the sensitivity of the topic. In a region where the interests of Middle Eastern countries, Africa, and global powers intersect, such steps rarely go without consequences.

What’s Next

In Hargeisa, they emphasize that cooperation with Israel is seen as a chance to strengthen security and emerge from the gray zone of international politics. However, further negotiations will depend on the reaction of neighbors and the overall configuration of forces in the region.

For Israel, this is another example of pragmatic foreign policy beyond traditional alliances — with a focus on security, logistics, and strategic depth. It is in this context that the story, which is being discussed today by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, is developing.

January 12, 2025 on the air of Lera Galitsina’s program on “Best Radio of Israel” featured a special guest — artist, animator, and cultural attaché of the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine Regina Shafir.

In the interview, she talked about her unique mission in Ukraine, the challenges of war, the promotion of Israeli culture, and personal experiences.

Regina Shafir is the wife of the Israeli ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky. Their children serve in the Israel Defense Forces, highlighting their connection to both countries.

Despite difficult circumstances, she continues to actively strengthen cultural ties between Israel and Ukraine by organizing lectures, exhibitions, and other events.

Painting Bomb Shelters and Working During the War

One of the most emotional moments of the interview was related to a project implemented by Regina Shafir and her colleague Zoya Sever. In November 2024, the artists transformed the bomb shelter of the children’s hospital “Okhmatdet” in Kyiv, turning it into a bright and cozy space.

We wrote about this – “Israeli Artists Transformed a Bomb Shelter in Kyiv’s Children’s Hospital ‘Okhmatdet’: Art for Children During the War”

“We wanted to give children the opportunity to escape, even in such difficult conditions. Art helps to cope with anxiety and fear,” shared Regina.

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Israeli Culture in Ukraine

Despite challenging times, Regina actively works on promoting Israeli culture. In the interview, she detailed the “Month of Israeli Series” held in Ukraine at the end of 2024.

“Israeli culture is unique in its sentimentality. Even military and dramatic plots always touch the depths of the soul,” she noted.

Also discussed were:

• The role of new immigrants in cultural diplomacy.
• The complexities of interaction between Israeli and Ukrainian cultural environments.

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Criticism of Israel and Personal Experiences

Regina openly expressed her views on the criticism directed at Israel by Ukrainians, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding.

A particularly touching moment was when Regina talked about her sons serving in the IDF, participating in military actions. “Death has become too close. It makes you appreciate every moment of life,” she shared.

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Art and Public Opinion

An important part of the interview was Regina’s reflections on art in wartime conditions and the changing perception of the artist by society. She raised topics such as:

• Confronting public opinion.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on creativity.
• Time management and work on the cartoon “Hatul Tov.”

“An artist remains relevant always because art is a reflection of life and history,” emphasized Shafir.

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Regina Shafir’s Cartoons

Regina detailed her cartoons, including works that address important social and cultural themes. Among the mentioned projects are her blog and animations that have already gained popularity in Israel and beyond.

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Personal Notes: Life on the Move and the Inner Child

The interview concluded with light and heartfelt topics. Regina talked about the life of diplomats, her children, and how she manages to maintain her inner child despite all the challenges.

“I feel like a citizen of the world. And this helps me understand others and convey my experiences through art,” she shared.

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Conclusion

Regina Shafir is a vivid example of a person who builds bridges between cultures through art, even in difficult times. Her creativity, personal example, and cultural mission strengthen ties between Israel and Ukraine.

You can learn more about Regina’s cartoons and her projects on her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@regishafir

Our website NANews — News of Israel continues to cover stories of people uniting our countries and shares unique examples of cultural interaction.

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In the Romanian city of Iasi, an Israeli citizen was detained while heading to Ukraine to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. The incident occurred about a week ago immediately after his arrival in Romania, where the man was informed of the European Union sanctions against him.

According to sources, the very fact of the restrictions was unexpected for the Israeli: before crossing the border, he had not received any notifications about the entry or transit ban.

After landing at Iasi airport, the man was not allowed to continue his route. He was sent back to the departure area and officially notified that he was not allowed to leave the terminal and had to return to Israel.

The return flight was initially scheduled for Saturday. During this period, he was also prohibited from receiving food from outside, including kosher products, which created serious difficulties in observing religious norms.

The situation changed after an urgent appeal from the office of Knesset member Amit Halevi. As a result of negotiations, the Romanian side agreed to reschedule the flight to Tuesday and allowed the man to receive kosher food in the waiting area.

However, a new problem arose on site: there were no available kosher products in Iasi. Assistance was provided by Jewish religious organizations outside the city.

The Stefanesti synagogue, led by Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Salmon, and the Chabad community in Chernivtsi, headed by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glitzstein, joined in organizing support. Together, they arranged the delivery of kosher food and grape juice for Kiddush. The main batch arrived on Saturday after a six-hour journey.

On Tuesday, after almost a week of forced stay in the transit area of Iasi airport, the Israeli flew back to Israel on a direct flight. The story highlights how strictly EU sanction mechanisms can be applied in practice, even in cases of religious trips, and the role international Jewish solidarity plays in such situations, as regularly reported by NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency.