Andrey Makarevich and Moshe Asman, the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, sang “Candle” in Israel: a meeting of light, principles, and common struggle

In Israel, an amazing moment occurred that instantly spread across social media: Andrey Makarevich and Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman performed the legendary song “Candle” together. Not a stage performance, not a pre-prepared act — but a spontaneous, sincere meeting of two people united by one important feeling: resistance to darkness, war, and evil. The video hit the network on December 2, 2025.

Why is this event so important?

For many Ukrainians, Israelis, and members of the diaspora worldwide, Makarevich is not just an artist. He is one of the few Russian cultural figures who, from the first days of the full-scale invasion, openly sided with Ukraine, was not afraid to call things by their names, and did not let himself be broken by propaganda and threats.

The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman, who is currently in Israel, called this meeting an “unexpected honor”. His words about Makarevich sound particularly significant:

“He showed the whole world that he is a Man with a capital letter. He did not break under the pressure of a criminal regime and became a personal example for others.”

This assessment is not just gratitude. It is a recognition of an important moral position, which is well understood in Ukraine and Israel: the choice to stand on the side of light, even if it means paying with comfort, safety, and a former life.

The song that became a manifesto

They sang “Candle” — a song in which the metaphor of light and darkness has long become symbolic.

For Ukraine, this symbolism is especially strong: every day of war is a struggle of light against destruction.

But at the same time, it is also an Israeli story. Israel also lives in a state of constant confrontation with terror, and the phrase “Light will overcome darkness” sounds here not abstractly, but as a reality.

Asman directly says:

“The words of the song symbolize our motto — Light will overcome darkness! And you can never give up!”

These words can be placed on the poster of the shared Israeli-Ukrainian experience of recent years.

A blessing from the rabbi

It is particularly important that Moshe Asman gave Makarevich a blessing for success, noting:

“The Almighty helps honest and decent people.”

This part caused a strong response among Ukrainians and Israelis: the rabbi speaks of a person who has lost practically everything in Russia — his platforms, audience, usual life — but retained dignity and conscience.

This is a rare but very important signal: support for Ukraine is not just a political position, but a moral choice.

Why this is important for the Israeli audience

Because Israel and Ukraine today are going through a similar experience:

• both countries are resisting terrorism;

• both face propaganda that distorts reality;

• both pay a huge price for the right to freedom;

• both know what loss is, and what light is that cannot be extinguished.

That is why the duet of Makarevich and Asman is not “just a video.” It is a cultural gesture that speaks louder than many political statements.

How this story is read through the prism of Israeli-Ukrainian relations

For Israelis, it is another reminder: Ukraine is not just a country waging war for its land. It is a state whose struggle is very close to the Israeli experience:

• the struggle for light against darkness,

• for principles against violence,

• for human dignity.

And personalities like Makarevich show that there are bridges between cultures and peoples that cannot be destroyed by language differences, propaganda, or borders.

This candle truly burns for everyone

It is symbolic that all this happened in Israel — a country where the concept of light has a special meaning, especially now, after the tragedy of October 7 and the massive rise of support for Ukraine in Israeli society.

A candle is memory.
A candle is resistance.
A candle is the choice not to give up.

Instead of a finale

The story with the song “Candle” is a small but important episode that shows: the connection between Ukraine and Israel is built not only by politics but also by human actions. And every such gesture strengthens this connection.

NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency will continue to follow all events that unite our countries and people choosing the side of light.