Ukrainian Literature in Hebrew: How the State Program “Translate Ukraine” Opens New Horizons for Cultural Cooperation

The state program “Translate Ukraine”, implemented by the Ukrainian Book Institute, continues to actively promote Ukrainian culture on the world stage.

In 2025, the program will continue its work, and the list of works that will be translated into foreign languages includes 81 titles, including works by famous Ukrainian authors.

One of the most interesting aspects of the project is the translation into Hebrew. It is important to note that this translation will help strengthen cultural ties between Israel and Ukraine and introduce Ukrainian literature to Israel.

The “Translate Ukraine” Program: Goals and Objectives

The Translate Ukraine program was launched to increase the visibility of Ukrainian literature in the international cultural space. Within the program, publishers receive compensation for the translation and publication of Ukrainian works into other languages, which helps spread Ukrainian culture abroad.

Main goals of the program:

• Support for the translation of Ukrainian books into international languages.
• Perpetuation of Ukrainian cultural identity.
• Increasing the recognition of Ukrainian authors abroad.

Key Works Translated into Hebrew

One of the interesting directions of the program is the translation of Ukrainian literature into Hebrew.

In 2025, Israel will continue to support the translation of Ukrainian works. Among these works is the “Anthology of Ukrainian Poetry” (Volume I), which covers the works of such classics as Hryhorii Skovoroda and Ivan Franko.

This project won the tender for translation and publication and was selected for inclusion in the Translate Ukraine 2025 program. The Israeli publishing house Persimmon Books Ltd will carry out the translation, printing, and distribution of the work at the expense of Ukraine.

Completed Translations in 2024

In 2024, several works by Ukrainian authors were translated and published in Hebrew:

• Yurii Andrukhovych: The novel “Moskoviada” was translated and published in Israel in 2024.
• Yurii Vynnychuk: The novel “Tango of Death” was also translated into Hebrew and released in 2024.

Recently we wrote – The book by Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan “הפנימייה” (The Boarding School) was published by the Israeli publishing house “פועלים” in Hebrew: an Israeli review of the Ukrainian novel

These translations become an important part of the cultural exchange between Ukraine and Israel.

Translate Ukraine 2025 Program: Grand Plans

Under the Translate Ukraine 2025 program, it is planned to translate Ukrainian literature into 25 languages in 28 countries worldwide. Among the winning projects, the largest number of translations will be in Polish (7), Spanish (6), Latvian (6), and Slovak (6) languages.

Additionally, Ukrainian books will be translated into English (5), Arabic (2), Bengali (1), Bulgarian (3), Greek (2), Georgian (3), Hebrew (1), Italian (4), Chinese (1), Lithuanian (3), Macedonian (5), German (3), Portuguese (3), Romanian (2), Serbian (1), Hungarian (4), Finnish (2), French (4), Croatian (2), Czech (3), and Swedish (2).

The program continues not only to support Ukrainian authors but also helps Israeli readers, including Jews, become familiar with Ukrainian culture and history through literary works. In turn, this helps strengthen ties between the two nations — Israel and Ukraine.

Conclusion

The Translate Ukraine 2025 program continues its mission of spreading Ukrainian literature into foreign languages, including Hebrew. Winning the tender, Persimmon Books Ltd will carry out the translation and distribution of the “Anthology of Ukrainian Poetry” in Israel, which will help strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

NAnews: Ukraine continues to open doors for its literature worldwide, and in Israel, this is especially important for deepening cultural ties. Follow the news on NAnews – News of Israel.