- March 23, 2025
- 10:48 pm
- Video
“I am a Jew and a Ukrainian”: how the war revealed Jewish identity in Ukraine and beyond.
Main characters — real faces of identity
Illia Shpolyanskyi: a kippah on the front — fear in Berlin
Illia Shpolyanskyi is a commander of one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He does not hide his Jewish identity: he wears a kippah even in combat zones. For him, it’s an act of personal pride and resistance:
“I’m not just a Ukrainian, I’m a Jewish Ukrainian. My kippah is part of my armor.”
However, when visiting his family in Berlin, Shpolyanskyi sometimes removes the kippah, fearing antisemitic attacks. The paradox: in Ukraine, he feels free — in Europe, vulnerable.
Garik Korohodskyi: business, Babyn Yar, and memory
Kyiv-based philanthropist and entrepreneur Garik Korohodskyi is another central figure in the report. Known for his eccentric style and active civic position, behind the flashy appearance lies a story that touches many:
- His relatives were murdered in Babyn Yar during the Holocaust;
- In Soviet times, his family faced discrimination as Jews;
- Today, he actively supports the Ukrainian army, humanitarian projects, and preserves Jewish identity.
“I’m not playing a Jew — I live as one. Being a Jew in Ukraine today means remembering and resisting.”
Jews in emigration: between home and identity
The report also features voices of Jews who left Ukraine and now live in Germany and Poland. Their feelings are complex:
- Pride for Ukraine, its resistance, and democratic values.
- Longing for home and alienation in their new societies.
- Fear of rising antisemitism in Europe.
“In Ukraine, you’re a Jew and a Ukrainian. In Germany, you’re a stranger. It’s not your war here, but your fear exists.”
Media and identity: why it matters
Journalists from DW Ukrainian and ARTE are doing important work — giving a voice to those often left out of global media coverage. This is especially vital for the Jewish community of Ukraine, which is both part of national resistance and a bearer of unique cultural heritage.
The project reminds us that identity is not just a biographical fact, but a choice and an act of courage.
At the crossroads of two worlds: Israel and Ukraine
Many of the report’s heroes are potential or actual repatriates to Israel. Their stories are particularly relevant to the audience of NAnews — News of Israel, as they symbolize the connection between two nations.
We at NAnews have repeatedly reported on how Ukrainian Jews become part of Israeli society while maintaining ties to their homeland. This DW report continues the same line — building bridges, not barriers.
What does it mean to be a Jew in Ukraine today?
- Being yourself — despite war and fear.
- Being proud of your history — despite tragedy.
- Fighting for the future — despite challenges.
- Not choosing between identities — being both a Jew and a Ukrainian.
Conclusion: identity as resistance
The war in Ukraine has changed a lot, but one thing has become clear: Jewish identity is not a weakness, but a strength. It has become visible, proud, and ready to speak and act.
This report is more than just a documentary. It is a portrait of a community that did not break — it grew stronger. It’s a response to those who try to divide. It’s an invitation to dialogue — between Israel and Ukraine, between generations, between past and future.
📌 Source: DW Ukrainian / ARTE, #TracksEast
📺 Premiere: March 22, 2025
👥 Views: Over 1,600 in the first 24 hours
🎙 Channel subscribers: 390K
🔗 Watch on YouTube:
Ukrainian Jews and the War: How Their Identity Is Manifesting | DW Ukrainian
✅ Content prepared by NAnews — News of Israel
More stories about Jewish identity, Ukraine, and Israel: https://nikk.agency/
