- October 21, 2025
- 3:25 pm
- Ukraine
October 19, 2025 in Kyiv hosted the large-scale Israel Open fair, organized by the Sokhnut-Ukraine representation with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration of Israel and the organization Ofek Israeli.
The event took place in Kyiv, in the underground parking of one of the shopping centers, where the safety of guests and a comfortable atmosphere were ensured. The event was attended by at least 800 people — Ukrainians interested in life in Israel, repatriation programs, employment, and education.
Among the participants of the fair was the team Israeli Friends of Ukraine (IFU) led by Anna Zharova, who spoke about Israel’s humanitarian initiatives and organized the collection of wishes for the Western Wall, which were then sent to Jerusalem.
Israel Open — a platform where two countries met on equal terms
According to the organizers, the goal of the fair is to show that Israel is not only a destination for relocation but also a country with real opportunities for development, education, and self-realization.
The format of the event resembled an international exhibition: separate zones were dedicated to housing, employment, education, military, and youth programs.
Visitors could receive consultations from representatives of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, municipalities of Akko and Haifa, as well as specialists from programs First Home in the Homeland, Taglit, Masa, Naale, and Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Each of these initiatives helps new immigrants settle in Israel, find work, obtain housing, and integrate into society.
Israel as a country of opportunities
The fair talked about how the Israeli support system for immigrants works.
Programs First Home in the Homeland and Nefesh B’Nefesh help in the first months after arrival: they provide housing, assist in document processing, and introduce social support measures.
Representatives of Masa and Naale presented scholarships and grants for youth, and the organization Taglit invited Ukrainian youth to visit Israel as part of educational and cultural tours.
Israel showed itself as a country that not only accepts people but helps them start life anew.
Special attention was paid to employment opportunities. Employers talked about vacancies for engineers, IT specialists, medical workers, and teachers.
Many guests were interested in issues of medicine and children’s education — these topics became the most popular in consultations.
Atmosphere of openness and trust
The Israel Open fair took place in an unusual location — in the underground parking of a shopping center, transformed into a bright and safe venue with Israeli symbols and flags.
Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Hebrew were spoken at the stands, translators were working, and there was a genuine atmosphere of dialogue.
Organizers noted that a wide variety of people came: students, families with children, elderly couples. Many came not out of curiosity but with specific questions and hopes for change.
“People came with anxieties and left with a sense of hope,” noted representatives of the organizers.
Throughout the day, there were lectures, presentations, and meetings with immigrants who already live in Israel. They shared their relocation experiences, practical advice, and emotions.
Israeli Friends of Ukraine — the humanitarian dimension of the event
Among the participants of the fair stood out the team Israeli Friends of Ukraine (IFU) led by Anna Zharova.
Since 2014, this organization has united Israelis and Ukrainians around volunteer initiatives and humanitarian projects.
In Kyiv, IFU representatives talked about their activities, helping Ukrainian refugees in Israel, and mutual support projects between the communities of the two countries.
At the IFU stand, visitors were offered to write wishes for the Western Wall. The next day, the notes were sent to Jerusalem — a symbolic bridge between the countries.
Zharova emphasized that IFU’s participation in the fair is a continuation of a long path of cooperation and friendship between the peoples:
“About 1000 guests visited the fair, and we were incredibly pleased to learn that we are known in Ukraine, subscribed to our channels, and came to meet us personally 💛💙
At our stand, we not only talked about IFU’s activities and life in Israel but also collected wishes for the Western Wall, which began their journey to Israel this morning.
And we were visited by people with whom we share a common history of volunteering since 2014 and to this day. We are infinitely grateful for this!”
The wave of aliyah and Israel’s living presence
According to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, since October 2023, more than 50,000 new immigrants from around the world have arrived in Israel.
Ukraine remains one of the key directions.
Many Ukrainians see Israel as a place where they can not only find safety but also realize themselves professionally.
According to representatives of Sokhnut-Ukraine, interest in Israel does not wane even in wartime conditions.
Fair participants noted that they are attracted by the combination of spiritual values, high technology levels, and social protection.
Israel and Ukraine: a partnership tested by time
The Israel Open fair confirmed that relations between Israel and Ukraine are developing not only at the diplomatic level but also through live communication between people.
Israeli and Ukrainian flags side by side, participants’ smiles, shared photos — all this creates an atmosphere of genuine mutual respect.
Many guests shared personal stories. Some have already lived in Israel and plan to return; some only dream of aliyah.
Some approached just to thank the organizers for the opportunity to feel a “piece of Israel” in Kyiv.
“We see that the interest is enormous. People want to know how life is organized in Israel, how to get there, how to start anew. And we are ready to help everyone,” emphasized one of the fair coordinators.
A symbol of unity and hope
The event on October 19, 2025, in Kyiv was not just a forum on repatriation.
It was a day when Israel showed its human face — open, friendly, and ready for dialogue.
The Israel Open fair gave Ukrainians the opportunity to see Israel up close — as a country that is not indifferent and extends a hand in difficult times.
