- June 20, 2025
- 10:07 pm
- World News
Jews of Ukraine and the diaspora held a global “Kabbalat Shabbat” prayer via Zoom for peace in Israel, the soldiers of the IDF, and the return of hostages. NAnews emphasizes: the event was conducted in Hebrew with simultaneous translation into English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Ukrainian (excluding Russian) — a symbolic gesture of new Jewish identity in a time of global conflict.
On June 20, 2025, at 18:00 Kyiv and Jerusalem time (24 Sivan 5785), a global online Kabbalat Shabbat prayer was held in support of the State of Israel. The event was organized by the Masorti Movement (Conservative Judaism), inviting Jews from around the world — from secular to orthodox — to unite in a shared Shabbat prayer for peace, the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and the return of hostages held by Hamas for 621 days.
As reported by the United Jewish Community of Ukraine.
Program and languages of the event
A key feature of the event was that the prayer was led in Hebrew with simultaneous interpretation. The program was available in the following languages:
- Hebrew — the main broadcast language
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Ukrainian
- Portuguese
The absence of a separate Russian audio stream underscored a shift in the spiritual center of global Jewry toward Ukraine and Israel, while the role of the Russian language continues to diminish.
Format and content of the event
The program included:
- Performance of Shabbat songs
- Prayers for the State of Israel, and for the safety and success of IDF soldiers
- Prayers for the return of the hostages held by Hamas
- Study of the weekly Torah portion “Sh’lach”
- Conclusion — lighting Shabbat candles and words of inspiration
Registration was conducted via Zoom; participants received prayer texts and song sheets in advance.
Significance for Jews in Ukraine and Israel
Ukrainian Jews played a visible role in the global broadcast: their participation underscored their dedication to Israel as the spiritual and political center of Jewish life. Amid ongoing Russian aggression, it became an act of support for the Israeli people, who face terror and rocket attacks on a daily basis.
The NAnews — Israel News website has repeatedly noted: Ukraine is increasingly adopting Israel’s model of civil defense, while Israel draws inspiration from Ukraine’s resilience on the information front.
How to join future events
Organizers have already announced future online initiatives. To stay informed:
- Follow Masorti Olami
- Subscribe to email updates with upcoming event dates
- Read NAnews — Israel News: we publish direct links for registration and materials
Prayer Text (translated from Ukrainian)
Prayer for the State of Israel and Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
from the Siddur “Va’ani Tefilati”May the One who blessed our ancestors — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah — bless the State of Israel and reveal the glory of His kingdom upon the land promised to our forefathers. We ask You, Lord, let Your generous mercy be upon the leaders of our country, so they may build and establish it based on law and justice — now and forever.
Place in their hearts and in ours a love for our brothers and sisters — the House of Israel — wherever they may be, so we may become one body fulfilling Your will with all our hearts.
Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, protect the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and deliver them from all harm and misfortune, from every illness and sorrow; bless them and grant success in all that they do. May they set out in peace and return home safely to their families, and may all those from the House of Israel who are missing or held in captivity return home soon.
Heavenly Father, grant peace on earth and everlasting joy to all its inhabitants. “And Jacob shall again be quiet and secure, and no one shall make him afraid” — and may it soon come to pass in our days: “Everyone shall sit under their vine and fig tree, and none shall make them afraid, for the Lord of Hosts has spoken.”
Spread the tent of peace over all who dwell on Earth.
May it be Your will — and let us say: Amen.
