The day of one of the major Jewish holidays, Shemini Atzeret (Simchat Torah), on October 7, 2023, fifty years after the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, became a black day in the history of the State of Israel. 

On that day, the terrorist organization Hamas and its terrorist allies carried out a treacherous attack on cities and towns in the State of Israel from the territory of the Gaza Strip. In violation of international law and basic moral principles, they brutally murdered civilians, attacked peaceful communities, took hostages, including women and children, and committed other crimes against humanity. These actions have no and cannot have any justification.

In Ukraine, a bloody war has been ongoing for nine years. Terror and intimidation are the main weapons of Ukraine’s enemies. Every day brings dozens of dead and wounded, including more than 500 children. Like no one else in the world, we understand today what terrorism is and what consequences it brings.

Yesterday, on all advertising billboards in Kyiv and Kharkiv, the largest cities of Ukraine, the flag of the State of Israel appeared. Today, all of Ukraine stands in support of a nation that has, for decades, been fighting for its independence in a constant confrontation with a ruthless and insidious enemy that stops at nothing in its attempt to destroy the Jewish state.

The Zionist Federation of Ukraine expresses its deepest condolences to every Israeli citizen, first and foremost to the families of those killed, wounded, and taken hostage as a result of this inhuman act of brutality and terrorism.

The enemies of both our countries have no understanding of universal principles of coexistence. They are driven by wild, uncontrollable brutality and irrational fanaticism, which can only be stopped in one way, through a complete and decisive victory over the enemy.

We wish the people of Israel, the State of Israel, and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) a swift victory over the enemy.

Am Yisrael Chai! 

Together we will win!

Hershon Bilorytskyi
Chairman of the Board, ZFU

Olena Zaslavska
Executive Director, ZFU