The first Jewish music festival MENORA MUSIC FEST was held in Dnipro (Ukraine)

An important part of the event was the “Children of War” project, aimed at uniting the youth of Ukraine and Israel through creativity.

In the city of Dnipro (Ukraine), the first Jewish Music Festival MENORA MUSIC FEST took place, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and public life of the region. The event was initiated by the Jewish Community of Dnipro and the Dnipro City Council.

According to the organizers, the festival united young talents, cultural heritage, and the diplomatic context of Ukrainian-Israeli relations.

Public Interest and Venue Change

Originally, the festival was planned to be held on the terrace of the Menorah Center, which can accommodate 700 people. However, the number of registered attendees nearly doubled the expectations.

As a result, the organizers moved the event to the Menorah Grand Hall, which can host up to 1,500 guests, a clear indication of the community’s demand for such cultural events—especially during times of war. The festival was held on June 9, 2025.

Opening Ceremony and Key Speakers

The festival was officially opened by:

• Zelig Brez, Director of the Jewish Community of Dnipro
• Volodymyr Miller, Deputy Mayor and Head of the Department of Economics of the Dnipro City Council

The evening was hosted by Vitalii Azarov and Blyuma Cherkashyna, who emphasized the importance of the event in the context of cultural diplomacy, particularly after the recent partnership agreement between Dnipro and the Israeli city of Netanya.

A Cultural Dialogue Through Music

The festival became a musical bridge between Ukraine and Israel. The program featured:

• Works by Jewish composers: Sholom Secunda, George Gershwin, Camille Saint-Saëns, the Strauss family
• Pieces by Dnipro-based composer Volodymyr Skuratovsky
• Compositions by contemporary Ukrainian and Jewish artists

Both professional and amateur ensembles, students, and teachers of local music schools performed on stage. A highlight was the piano battle involving even school directors.

“Children of War” — A Symbol of Hope

Special attention was given to the “Children of War” project, aimed at uniting the youth of Israel and Ukraine through art. The participants expressed deep emotions, hope, and a vision for a better future through their performances.

Final Chord and Impressions

Before the finale, there was a traditional lottery with prizes from the organizers. The event concluded with a powerful performance by the ACCO PERFORMANCE ORCHESTRA of the Dnipro Music Academy, conducted by maestro Yevhen Zhyla. His performance became the emotional climax of the evening.

Why It Matters for Israel and the Jewish Diaspora

MENORA MUSIC FEST demonstrated that Jewish culture in Ukraine continues to thrive even during wartime. For Jews in Israel, especially those with Ukrainian roots, such events are a vital symbol of connection to their ancestral homeland, continuity, and mutual support. In the face of Putin’s aggression against Ukraine, cultural initiatives acquire both humanitarian and political significance.

As highlighted by the editorial team of NAnews — Israel News, the promotion of Jewish music in Ukraine is not just about art — it’s about preserving identity, fostering peace, and strengthening understanding between the two nations.

Supporting Music Education

The festival served as a platform for promoting arts education, showcasing the high level of training in Dnipro’s music schools. This underlines the importance of investing in culture and education—both locally and within the framework of international partnerships with Israel.

Conclusion

MENORA MUSIC FEST is not just a concert. It is a manifesto of life, culture, and Jewish-Ukrainian brotherhood.

As stated by NAnews, such events bring not only spiritual resilience but also draw our nations closer through music, inspiration, and shared values.