- June 8, 2025
- 1:29 pm
- Video
In May 2025, a meeting was held with Yosif Zisels, a Ukrainian Jew, dissident, human rights activist, and public figure, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv. In the interview, Zisels shared his thoughts on key issues concerning Ukraine, its identity, the war, and possible paths to peace.
He also discussed his view on the role of Israel in this context and explained why he did not emigrate to Israel, despite his Jewish heritage.
About the main speaker:
Yosif Zisels is a Ukrainian Jew, dissident, human rights activist, and public figure. He is the co-chair of the Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities (Vaad) of Ukraine, the executive vice-president of the Congress of National Communities of Ukraine, and the vice-president of the World Jewish Congress.
Key Points from the Interview with Yosif Zisels:
1. Identity and its impact on Ukraine
Zisels, a Jew by origin, detailed how his personal and national identity was formed and how it intertwines with the identity of Ukrainians. He noted that for Ukraine, the issue of identity is crucial, and at its core lies the long-term struggle for freedom and independence, positioned at the crossroads of two civilizational worlds — Europe and Eurasia. He connects this struggle with both personal identity and the history of the Ukrainian people, who have always sought self-determination despite external threats.
2. The role of dissent and Jewish self-awareness
In his experience as a dissident in the Soviet Union, Zisels emphasizes how the fight for human rights and freedom in Ukraine influenced the formation of the nation. His personal history as a Jew who faced repression also became part of this struggle. He noted that Ukrainians have always fought for their identity, and dissidents like him played a crucial role in forming resistance and national self-awareness. Zisels pointed out that despite his Jewish heritage, he has always felt part of this movement for Ukraine’s freedom.
3. The example of Israel as a model of strength and survival
Zisels, as a person with Jewish roots, understands the importance of the Israeli experience in building a strong state. He emphasized that Israel managed to survive and thrive despite its small territory, thanks to an exceptionally strong army and high mobilization of its entire population. This experience, according to Zisels, is important for Ukraine, which is also facing an external threat. Zisels noted that Ukraine needs to learn from Israel on how to be strong and ready to defend its independence.
4. Options for ending the war and Ukraine’s prospects
Zisels proposed several scenarios for the end of the war, including one that involves the breakup of Russia into multiple states in the future. However, despite these long-term options, he emphasizes that Ukraine must strengthen its army and civil society to cope with current threats. Zisels focused on the fact that only a strong army and the determination of the people can ensure Ukraine’s long-term security.
5. Values and identity: how they affect the struggle
Zisels views values as the foundation for forming identity and believes that the most important values for Ukraine are freedom and independence. He noted that to win the war, it is not only the presence of weapons that matters but also the moral readiness of the people to defend their country. He specifically highlighted that personal sacrifice for freedom became a key moment that attracted international attention and garnered support for Ukraine.
6. Comparing Russia and Ukraine: civilizational differences
Zisels sees Russia and Ukraine as two opposing civilizational worlds. He asserts that Russia, with its authoritarian and imperial history, cannot become a democratic country, unlike Ukraine, which strives for democracy. Zisels also noted that for Ukraine, it is essential to build its democracy and develop as a civilized state, regardless of external pressure.
7. The future of Ukraine and the role of personal responsibility
In conclusion, Zisels emphasized that every Ukrainian must take responsibility for the future of their country. He urged not to wait for help from other states but to act actively, strengthening their country. Zisels, as a person deeply aware of the importance of personal responsibility, noted that the process of forming a unified identity is a long but inevitable journey that depends on the efforts of each citizen.
Why Zisels did not emigrate to Israel
Despite his Jewish heritage and support for repatriation, Zisels never considered emigrating to Israel. He emphasized that for him, the most important issues were personal fulfillment and life in Ukraine. In response to the question of why he did not go to Israel, Zisels said he did not feel the need to explain why he stayed in Ukraine. He pointed out that his life was fully realized here, and he feels part of Ukrainian culture and society.
At the same time, Zisels acknowledged that his family, specifically his ex-wife and children, repatriated to Israel, and he supports their choice. However, for him, Israel was never the goal, because he always felt his connection to Ukraine and knew that he could fully realize himself as a person in his own country. It is important to note that despite this, Zisels has always actively helped those who wanted to emigrate, providing them with information and assistance.
Thus, his decision to stay in Ukraine was connected with his deep commitment to his country, despite the opportunity to start a new life in Israel.
About the channel:
This video was published on the UDM Israel channel — the first Ukrainian channel on Israeli YouTube, which covers the life of Ukrainians in Israel and the relationship between Ukraine and Israel. The channel also shares materials about cultural events, meetings, and discussions of the Ukrainian community in Israel.
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The video from Zisels will be interesting for everyone who is interested in the issues of identity, war, and possible paths to peace, as well as for those looking for practical examples and inspiration from other countries, such as Israel.
In light of this interview, NAnews – Israel News, expresses its confidence in the importance of strengthening Ukrainian identity and supporting democratic values, which are the foundation for building a fair and independent state.
We continue to monitor the developments and are ready to share important perspectives on relevant issues, as peace and Ukraine’s future remain our primary topics for discussion.
