- February 11, 2025
- 5:58 pm
- Video
When the walls of school shelters are transformed into colorful paintings, even the darkest place can become a space of light and hope. This is the goal of Israeli artist Zoe Sever.
Ukrainian children are forced to spend a significant part of their lives in shelters today. All because of the cruel and cynical aggression of Russia, a terrorist state that attacks peaceful cities and villages of Ukraine every day. Air raid sirens have become a familiar background for thousands of children who, instead of studying outdoors or playing with friends, are forced to hide from Russian missiles in cold concrete walls.
Each such shelter is a reminder of the atrocities of the Russian army, which deliberately destroys schools, hospitals and kindergartens. These attacks deprive children of a normal childhood, forcing them to adapt to new harsh conditions. But even in this reality, children do not give up. They continue to study, draw and dream.
This experience is also familiar to Israeli children. Israel, which has been confronting terrorist attacks for decades, has developed a defense system to minimize the threat. Israeli children, like Ukrainian children, know from an early age what it means to take shelter, hear sirens and rush to a safe place. But they also know that resilience, support from loved ones and faith in the future always win.
Projects like “Window to the World” help Ukrainian children not only brighten up their time in shelters, but also feel that the world has not forgotten them. The war will definitely end, and such murals, created together with Israeli artist Zoe Sever, will remain symbols of children’s resilience and hope for a brighter future. Terrorists will not be able to destroy the most important thing – dreams and fortitude.
Zoya Sever’s project “Window to the World” was born in May 2024, when she first painted the walls of a shelter in one of the lyceums in Kyiv. Since then, this project has spread to schools and hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkov, Cherkasy, Vasilkov and other cities of Ukraine.
Supported by the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine, the project has become an important initiative aimed not only at creating aesthetically beautiful spaces, but also at helping children overcome psychological trauma.
Vasilkov and Cherkassy: new stages of the project
Recently, the “Window to the World” project reached schools in Vasylkiv and Cherkassy, United Jewish Community of Ukraine reported on February 10, 2025.
Vasilkov, located in the Kyiv region, became the fifth city where Zoe Sever and her children created new murals. In the school shelter of Gymnasium No. 2, the children and the artist came up with the plots for the drawings together. Balloons, sailboats with the Star of David, sea creatures and even fairy-tale dragons appeared on the walls — a reference to the myths about the Serpentine Shafts of Vasilkov.
“For the children, this was not just drawing, but a real psychological release. They felt like real artists and brought a piece of their souls to these paintings,” said Inna Shipilova, acting head of the education department of the Vasilkov City Council.
In Cherkassy, the project was also met with great enthusiasm. Local children and teachers actively participated in the painting, turning the shelter into a bright art space.
Main principles of the project
- Participation of children: Each stage of the project begins with a discussion. Zoe Sever always asks children what they would like to see on the walls. This helps children feel like co-authors and creators of a new space.
- Therapeutic effect: Art helps children cope with anxiety and stress. Drawing turns them from passive participants in events into active creators of their own world.
- Cultural connections: The project combines Ukrainian and Israeli cultural motifs, emphasizing common values and mutual support.
Sponsors and partners
The Window to the World project would not be possible without the support of numerous sponsors. In Vasylkiv, it was supported by the Ukrainian company Kompozit, the Beykush winery from Spain, and the Israeli Christian organization Bridges of Peace. Two stages of the project were held with the direct participation of the cultural attaché of the Israeli embassy, artist Regina Shafir.
Quotes from participants
“While adults are defending the country at the front, children need to continue to dream and believe in the future. For the sake of this dream, the “Window to the World” project was created.”
— Zoe Sever, founder of the project, Israeli artist and volunteer
“Zoe Sever — shookperson. She inspired children and helped them to discover their talent. Now our shelters have become a place where children want to spend time, communicate and fantasize.”
— Tatyana Maksymchuk, director of the school in Vasylkiv
Table: key stages of the “Window to the World” project
| City | Implementation date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kyiv | May 2024 | Start of the project, painting the school shelter |
| Kharkiv | June 2024 | Painting in a children’s hospital |
| Cherkasy | November 2024 | Creating murals at school |
| Vasilkov | December 2024 | Painting shelters in gymnasium #2 |
Conclusion
The Window to the World project is not just an artistic initiative. It is an example of how art can change reality, restore hope and faith in the future to children even in the most difficult times. Zoe Sever and her team show that even the walls of shelters can become a symbol of light and dreams.
Read more about the unique initiatives uniting Ukraine and Israel on the NAnews – Israel News website.
