- March 13, 2025
- 2:18 pm
- Ukraine
In Kyiv, on March 17, 2025, the long-awaited presentation of the book by Ronen Bergman, an Israeli journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, titled “Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations” will take place.
This book became the sixth in the framework of the project “Jewish Library,” organized by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine. A special feature of this edition is that the book has been translated into Ukrainian, and it is also part of a project in which all books are published in Ukrainian.
Books from the “Jewish Library” project can be found in several places, and they can be purchased on the website of the publishing house “Nash Format”.
Quote from the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, March 12, 2025:
“A new addition to the ‘Jewish Library’ series — Ronen Bergman’s book ‘Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations’ has been published in Ukrainian. I thank Boris Lozhkin and the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine for this wonderful series.”
Publishing issues: attempts by the secret services to prevent the release
Ronen Bergman’s unique and sensational work has shocked the world. In the course of his investigation, the author uncovers information about targeted assassinations of Israel’s enemies. The book includes interviews with former high-profile Mossad and Shabak operatives as well as Israeli prime ministers, making it extremely sensitive from a security standpoint.
As Boris Lozhkin, president of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine, reported, the history described in the book concerns “the necessity and secret operations of Israel that deal with life and death.” To publish this work, the author faced direct threats and attempts to block it by Israeli secret services.
Quote from Boris Lozhkin:
“The story of the targeted assassinations of Israel’s enemies is presented through a series of interviews with the direct executors and their curators, from Mossad and Shabak directors to prime ministers. This is an important work that should be known worldwide.”
The book about Israel’s assassinations of enemies
Bergman’s book is based on a fragment from the Talmud, which serves as the philosophical foundation for the entire text: “If someone comes to kill you, rise and kill them first”. This approach would be useful for Ukrainians who have been facing external aggression for 11 years.
Many believe that the book is perfectly suited for the Ukrainian audience, as its theme is closely related to the current events in Ukraine. Since 2014, the country has been fighting an aggressor, which makes the book relevant and essential for understanding the essence of the struggle and self-defense.
The structure and features of the book
Ronen Bergman employs a unique approach, telling the story of Israel’s targeted assassinations through the experiences of those who were directly involved in these operations. The narrative consists of a series of interviews with individuals who participated in the most secretive operations carried out by Mossad and Shabak.
Interviews with high-profile sources, such as Mossad and Shabak leaders and other intelligence services, add depth and authenticity to the book. This is a rare work that not only reveals Israel’s secret operations but also forces the reader to reflect on the moral aspects of using force.
“Rise and Kill First” as a symbol of resistance and resilience
For Ukrainians, the book is not only a historical document but also a symbol of resilience and resistance to the aggressor. It serves as a reminder of how Israel, despite all difficulties, stands guard over its interests and nation, and how these lessons can be valuable for Ukraine in the context of the war with Russia.
“Many Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are facing brutal attacks, and this book helps to understand how critical the moment of reaction is in such situations,” says Boris Lozhkin.
What to Expect from the Book Presentation in Kyiv?
The book presentation in Kyiv is expected to be an important cultural and political event. Key points of the book, related to current events in Ukraine and Israel, will be discussed at the meeting. The book will be available for purchase at the event. Additionally, renowned specialists in security and intelligence are expected to participate.
List of previous publications in the “Jewish Library” series:
- “Israel. The History of the Nation’s Revival” — Dr. Daniel Gordis
- “My Life” — The autobiography of Golda Meir
- “Mossad. The Most Outstanding Operations of Israeli Intelligence” — Michaël Bar-Zohar, Nissim Mishal
- “The Language of Prophets” — Robert St. John
- “Mossad’s Amazons” — Michaël Bar-Zohar, Nissim Mishal
Why is this book important for Ukraine?
Ronen Bergman’s book draws the attention of the Ukrainian audience, as it addresses themes that resonate with many Ukrainians. Israel and Ukraine have long had strong ties, and this book only reinforces the importance of those relations, which tightly bind the two nations. Notably, the book emphasizes the importance of struggle, resilience, and strategy, which is particularly important for Ukrainians fighting for their freedom.
Impact of the book on public opinion
After the release of the book in Ukrainian and its presentation in Kyiv, many analysts and politicians expect increased attention to the topic of Israeli intelligence and its role in global conflicts. For Ukrainians, the book is not only a historical document but also an essential guide to self-defense and strategy.
Conclusion: How important is this book’s release for Ukrainians?
The presentation of Ronen Bergman’s book in Kyiv is an important event for both Israel and Ukraine. This is not just a book about intelligence and assassinations but also a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to stand up for one’s country, nation, and values. In a time when Ukraine is facing Russian aggression, the experiences and insights in this book become invaluable.
NAnews – News of Israel continues to monitor the developments and analyze important cultural and political moments that influence the relations between Israel and Ukraine.
The presentation will take place at the Kyiv bookstore “Knygolend” on Zhylyanska Street, 5/60, at 5:00 PM. The event is also supported by the informational portal RBK-Ukraine.
