- May 23, 2025
- 8:57 am
- Israel, Ukraine
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Kyiv and Jerusalem simultaneously, an important event will take place for everyone interested in the history of Soviet and Jewish resistance — the presentation of Natan Sharansky’s book “I Will Not Fear Evil” (Ukrainian — “Не злякаюся зла”) in Ukrainian.
This book is not just the memoir of a dissident and politician — it is a testimony of courage, a struggle for freedom, and a deep connection between Ukraine, Israel, and the Jewish people.
NAnews explains why this event is not just a literary premiere, but a significant gesture of historical memory and cultural identity.
A Special Publication for a Special Nation
“This is the eleventh country where my book is published. But this publication has special meaning for me. Ukraine is the place of my birth, and Ukrainian was the language of my childhood.”
— Sharansky admitted, expressing his hope that the time will come when the Ukrainian edition of “I Will Not Fear Evil” will appear on the shelves of liberated Ukrainian Donetsk, where he was born.
When and Where the Presentation Will Take Place
On May 22, 2025, the Kyiv presentation will be held at the exhibition center “Living Memory” of the National Historical and Memorial Reserve “Babyn Yar”, featuring the book “I Will Not Fear Evil” — a story of resistance written by the legendary Soviet dissident and Israeli politician Natan Sharansky.
At the same time, a parallel event will take place at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem — with the author present.
Who Made the Ukrainian Translation Possible
The Ukrainian translation was published by Phronesis publishing house with the support of Tamara and Oleh Horokhovsky. The book is part of the “Jewish Library” series initiated by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine.
Participants in the Two Countries
In Jerusalem, the event will feature:
- Natan Sharansky
- President of the JCU Borys Lozhkin
- Philanthropist Oleh Horokhovsky
- Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk
- Members of the Knesset, Israeli media representatives, and the Ukrainian diaspora
In Kyiv, participants will include:
- Former Soviet dissidents
- Director of Babyn Yar Roza Tapanova
- Management of “Phronesis” Publishing House
- Representatives of diplomatic missions
- Members of the Jewish community of Ukraine
What the Book is About: GULAG, Resistance, and Exchange
“I Will Not Fear Evil” was written in 1986, immediately after Sharansky’s release from the GULAG. He was exchanged for five Eastern Bloc spies — a result of direct negotiations between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
He spent 9 years in prison (1977–1986) for “anti-Soviet activities”: he had handed over to Western human rights organizations a list of 1,300 Jewish refuseniks who were denied exit visas from the USSR.
Sharansky emphasized that the book serves as a manual for resisting totalitarianism.
Live Broadcast
The presentation will be streamed live on the YouTube channels:
Jewish Confederation of Ukraine
As well as on social media.
Conclusion by NAnews
Israel, Ukraine, the GULAG, the Knesset, and Babyn Yar — these names and symbols are once again brought together through the life story of Natan Sharansky. For Israelis of Ukrainian descent, this presentation is not just a cultural event but a monument to resilience, solidarity, and memory.
“I Will Not Fear Evil” is a book about how not to surrender to evil, even when it takes the form of a state. Today, as Ukrainians continue their fight for freedom, Sharansky’s experience resonates louder than ever.
NAnews will continue to follow the event and share more updates — stay with us.
