35 Years of Independence of Ukraine: How Will Israel Celebrate?

The nongovernmental organization "Israeli Friends of Ukraine" (IFU) is preparing a surprise for the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence — the release of a series of 35 stamps dedicated to the most important events and personalities in the modern history of Ukraine. The project is being implemented together with the company "Vlasna Marka".

Among the 28 personalities depicted on the stamps will be, for example, Ukrainian choreographer Pavlo Virsky, actress Maria Zankovetska, writer Ivan Franko, artist Vasyl Krychevsky, and composer Myroslav Skoryk.

Among the subjects of this series will be images dedicated to the dramatic events of recent years — Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the defense of Azovstal, the grain corridor, and Israeli assistance to Ukraine.

IFU plans to create another series of postage stamps in the near future, dedicated to Jews who were born in Ukraine and contributed to its development, as well as to the formation of Israel.

In honor of the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of Ukraine's Independence, events are being prepared in Israel: a musical evening, a family gathering, a historical journey into the atmosphere of 1991, and a charity evening on the Red Sea. The main events are scheduled for 21-24 August 2026.

The festive program will begin on 21 August 2026 with a large musical event "INDEPENDENCE 2026". The event will be held at the CALLAS TLV club (Tel Aviv). After the concert part, the celebration will continue with a night disco. The host will be Olya Yarosh. The program will also feature artist Anton Shevchenko and DJs Sasha RAZME, Dan DOMINIC, and Daniel LOUTIQUE. The special guest of the evening will be DJ LUMARE from Lviv.

The event will also have a charitable component: part of the funds raised will be directed to volunteer initiatives in support of Ukraine.

Discounts are provided for IDF service members and reservists. When purchasing a ticket, an additional contribution can be made to help provide preferential tickets to internally displaced persons from Ukraine in Israel.

On 22 August 2026, the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv will host a family event "Zdybanka Nezalezhnykh" — a big family day for adults and children. The program includes creative activities, music, communication, a historical quiz, and a book fair. A charitable collection will take a separate place for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On Monday, 24 August 2026, in the southernmost city of Israel — Eilat — a charitable meeting "Pyrih of Independence" will be held near the Eilat Museum.

The organizers invite everyone who supports Ukraine to join the warm and delicious celebration, share treats, chat, and celebrate the 35th anniversary of independence together.

The main appeal of the gathering: "Let's taste freedom together!" The pyrih will become a symbol of warmth, mutual support, and gratitude to the people thanks to whom we can meet today, preserve our culture, and openly talk about Ukraine.

Also on Monday, 24 August 2026, an unusual evening dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine will be held at the Tel Aviv Ukrainian restaurant "Sho?".

This will be the project "The Same Day… 24 August 1991". Its authors call the upcoming gathering not an ordinary concert or festive dinner, but a journey through time.

The authors of the project write:

"That very year, when the independence of our state was restored. In those distant 90s, when we had no idea what would happen next. A thematic celebration awaits you, that will tell you the story of our Independence. 24 August 1991.

Imagine that for one evening you can go back in time. To an apartment where dinner is being prepared in the kitchen. Where the TV is working almost non-stop. Where no one knows what Ukraine will be like in a year, ten or thirty-five years.

It was on that day that the Verkhovna Rada proclaimed the Independence of Ukraine. We want not just to remember this date. We want to live it."

On 24 August 2026, the restaurant "Sho?" will be transformed into Ukraine in 1991. There will be thematically set tables, dishes familiar from that time, the atmosphere of an ordinary Ukrainian home, a theatrical performance by MAK_UA, live music by Diadele and Friends, television footage and stories that will take attendees back to the day when modern Ukraine was born.

‎Instead of the traditional division into a stage and an auditorium, the project organizers propose creating a common space where each guest can feel like a participant in this historic day.

Text: Shimon Briman (Israel).