- December 21, 2025
- 3:41 am
- Israel
The history of ties between the Jewish people and Ukraine is amazing and multifaceted.
The contribution of the natives of Ukrainian lands to the development of the Jewish state is reflected even in the symbols of Israel, such as the national currency – the shekel.
Portraits of 8 great personalities born on Ukrainian soil adorn Israeli banknotes, recalling their services in culture, politics and public life.. We invite you to get to know each of these heroes better.
So, Of the 20 outstanding representatives of the Jewish people who have been depicted on Israeli money over time, 8 were born on the territory of modern Ukraine.
1. Chaim Nachman Bialik (1873–1934)
Biography:
Born in the village of Ivnitsa, Volyn province (now Zhitomir region). Chaim Nachman Bialik was a prominent poet, translator and writer, called the “national poet of Israel.” His works contributed to the development of Jewish literature and culture. He was also active in the revival of Hebrew as a modern language. His poems have become a mandatory part of the school curriculum in Israel.
Banknote:
Bialik is depicted on the 10 shekel banknote issued in 1985. The banknote features lines from his poem and illustrations reflecting his literary heritage.
2. Vladimir (Zeev) Jabotinsky (1880–1940)
Biography:
Born in Odessa, Vladimir Jabotinsky was one of the founders of revisionist Zionism. He created the Jewish Legion within the British Army and inspired Jewish youth to fight for independence. In addition, Jabotinsky was a writer, journalist and translator.
Banknote:
Jabotinsky is depicted on the 1998 NIS 100 banknote. His portrait is complemented by symbols of the Zionist movement and lines from his literary works.
3. Lev (Leon) Pinsker (1821–1891)
Biography:
Born in Tomashpol (now Vinnytsia region). Lev Pinsker became one of the ideologists of the Hovevei Zion movement, which laid the foundations of modern Zionism. His work Auto-Emancipation was a manifesto calling on the Jewish people to fight for the creation of their own state.
Banknote:
Pinsker's image adorns the 20 shekel bill from the 1980s. In the background are pages from his works and symbols of the Hovevei Zion movement.
4. Menachem Usishkin (1863–1941)
Biography:
Born in Dubrovno (now the territory of Belarus, formerly part of the Russian Empire). Usyshkin was the head of the Jewish National Fund and made a huge contribution to the purchase of land for the future of Israel.
Banknote:
Menachem Usishkin is depicted on the 500 shekel banknote from the 1980s. Next to his portrait is a plan of the lands acquired through his efforts and a quote from his speeches.
5. Moshe Sharett (1894–1965)
Biography:
Born in Kherson. Sharett was the second Prime Minister of Israel and one of the leaders of the Zionist movement. His diplomatic efforts played a key role in strengthening the young Jewish state.
Banknote:
Sharett is depicted on the 20 shekel bill from the 1970s. The banknote also depicts the attributes of diplomatic work: documents and a pen, symbolizing his contribution to Israel's foreign relations.
6. Golda Meir (1898–1978)
Biography:
Born in Kyiv. Golda Meir became Israel's first female prime minister. Her strong leadership during difficult periods, including the Yom Kippur War, brought her worldwide fame.
Banknote:
Golda Meir's portrait can be seen on the 10 shekel banknote of 1973. In the background are images symbolizing her political activities, such as government meetings.
7. Yitzhak Ben-Zvi (1884–1963)
Biography:
Born in Poltava. Yitzhak Ben-Zvi became the second President of Israel. He is known as a historian and researcher of the Jewish Diaspora.
Banknote:
His portrait appears on the 100 shekel banknote of the 1980s. The banknote also features illustrations reflecting Ben-Zvi's cultural explorations.
8. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda (1858–1922)
Biography:
Born in Luzhki (now Belarus, formerly part of the Russian Empire). Ben Yehuda was the founder of modern Hebrew and the author of the first Hebrew dictionary.
Banknote:
His image adorns the 50 shekel note from the 1970s. In the background are pages of a dictionary and fragments of Ben Yehuda's manuscripts.
Conclusion
Eight great people born on the territory of Ukraine left an indelible mark on the history of Israel. Their images on banknotes are not only a sign of recognition, but also a reminder of how closely the destinies of the two peoples are connected. This unique fact indicates that the contribution of Ukrainian Jews to the development of Israel was and remains significant.
Read more on the website NAnews – Israel Newsto be aware of historical facts that unite our countries.
Based on site materials Ukrainian-Jewish Zustrich.
More read in our section “Jews from Ukraine“.
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