Jerusalem Day and Kyiv Day: Two Cities, Two Capitals, One Spirit – Congratulations from the editors of NAnovosti

Jerusalem Day and Kiev Day: Two Holidays, Two Cities, One Day

NAnews‼️ congratulates Jerusalem and Kiev on their holidays!
This coincidence of city holidays in 2025 emphasizes their importance as symbols of freedom, resilience, and the struggle for independence. The capitals of Israel and Ukraine have much to be proud of, and although these cities are going through difficult times, their residents continue to celebrate their holidays despite the challenges.

How Jerusalem and Kiev Fight for Their Existence as Capitals of Democratic States

Today, Jerusalem and Kiev are not just the capitals of two countries. They are symbols of the struggle for democracy, freedom, and independence, not only for Israel and Ukraine, but for the entire democratic world.
Jerusalem: The Struggle for Unity and Recognition
Jerusalem — the capital of Israel, a city that has been at the center of international political struggle for over 70 years. In 1967, after the reunification of the city during the Six-Day War, Israel took control of the eastern part of the city. However, many countries, including the UN, did not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, which created constant tension and sparked international debates about the status of the city. In recent decades, Israel continues to fight for international recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, despite opposition from many countries.
Today, given the ongoing conflict in the region, Jerusalem remains a strategic and political center where the most important security, economic, and diplomatic issues are decided. At the same time, Israel faces the threat of terrorism and external aggression, which forces the country to intensively defend its borders and sovereignty, with Jerusalem at the forefront of this struggle.
Kiev: The Struggle for Independence and Territorial Integrity
Kiev, as the capital of Ukraine, has undergone incredible trials since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2014. In 2022, in response to aggression from Russia, Ukraine found itself at the forefront of the fight for its independence, and Kiev became a symbol of resistance, just as it was during World War II when it was also subjected to the harshest attacks.
Ukraine's independence and its democratic institutions have been put to the test, but Kiev — as the capital and heart of the country — did not give up. Many countries around the world supported Ukraine by providing weapons, humanitarian aid, and sanctions against the aggressor. Despite the destruction and constant threats from Russia, Kiev maintains its independence and is ready to fight until the end, defending democratic values and the rights of its citizens.
Jerusalem and Kiev are not just cities; they are symbols of resistance.
Both capitals continue to fight for their existence in a world where democracy, human rights, and freedom are under threat. Their resilience and commitment to their values serve as an example to the entire world and future generations.

Jerusalem Day: 28 Iyar — Returning Home

Jerusalem Day (Heb. יום ירושלים‎, Yom Yerushalayim) — celebrated on the 28th of Iyar according to the Hebrew calendar (in 2025, on the 26th (from the evening of the 25th) of May) — was proclaimed in honor of the transition of East Jerusalem to Israeli control after the Six-Day War of 1967. During the battle for the Old City, Jews, for the first time in two thousand years, were able to establish control over the sacred sites — the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. This day symbolizes the historical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.
As is well known, on May 14, 1948, the state of Israel was proclaimed, and the holy city of **Jerusalem** was chosen as the capital for the Jewish people. However, for the first nineteen years of Israel's existence, Jerusalem was divided: its eastern part, where the main Jewish holy site — the Western Wall — was located, was under Jordanian control, while Israel controlled only the New City.
It was in 1967, during the Six-Day War, that tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors escalated into full-scale fighting. Jordan, starting to shell the city, attempted to reclaim Jerusalem. As a result of fierce battles, the Israeli Defense Forces captured all Jordanian positions in the holy city. Colonel Mordechai (Motti) Gur's units successfully stormed the Old City, and **Jerusalem** became unified under Israeli control.
Jerusalem Day is not just a victory day; it symbolizes the return of the Jewish people to their roots and holy sites. General Moshe Dayan, after Jewish holy sites were restored, said: “Jerusalem is united and will never be divided!” This day became a significant milestone in the history of Israel and the Jewish people.

Kiev Day: 1543 Years of Heroic History

Kiev Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May. In 2025, this Sunday will be May 25. This day is dedicated to more than 1500 years of history of the city, which was founded in 482 AD. Kiev has survived numerous wars, destructions, and rebuildings, but it has always remained the center of cultural and political life throughout its history.
The holiday was officially established in 1987. Since then, it has become an important event for the city, with numerous events, such as festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events. Kiev Day symbolizes not only the culture and traditions of the city but also its resilience in the face of challenges. Today, Kiev continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of Ukrainians around the world.

Why Do the Holidays Coincide on One Day?

The coincidence of Jerusalem Day and Kiev Day in 2025 is a unique and symbolic event, highlighting not only the historical significance of these two cities but also their shared values: the desire for freedom, independence, and the preservation of cultural heritage. On this day, both cities celebrate their resilience and spirit, despite all challenges and trials. It also serves as a reminder of how two peoples, despite all differences, fight for their freedom and independence.
Symbol of Unity
This coincidence of holidays on one day reminds us of the importance of unity and support for each other, especially in such difficult times. It is important to note that both Jerusalem and Kiev continue to fight for their freedom and independence despite the threats they face. And although Jerusalem Day and Kiev Day may symbolize victories and historical returns, they also highlight the unity and resistance of both peoples, their desire for peace and prosperity.
“Happy Jerusalem Day! Happy Kiev Day!” — congratulations from the editorial team of NAnews.
NAnews congratulates Jerusalem and Kiev on their holidays, wishing them peace, prosperity, and further strengthening of ties between their peoples. https://nikk.agency/en/two-cities/