IsraAID photo exhibition highlights resilience in Kyiv Subways

IsraAID, Israel’s leading international humanitarian aid NGO, displayed a photographic exhibition in Kyiv’s Zoloti Vorota subway station, marking three-years since the full-scale Russian invasion. As the country continues to face ongoing war and uncertainty, the IsraAID exhibition focuses on the resilience and journey of Ukrainians throughout the past three years. Jointly organized by the NGO and the Kyiv Metro, the exhibition opened on February 21 and will run through March 14.

IsraAID began responding to the Ukraine crisis just days after the full-scale Russian invasion, supporting refugees at the border with Moldova. Today, IsraAID works across Ukraine, providing some 400,000 displaced and vulnerable Ukrainians with critical aid. The organization provides support in mental health and psychosocial support, water sanitation and hygiene, and health, promoting resilience in wartime and beyond.

The photographs span three years of war, triumph, loss, and hope, from the first days of despair to establishing a routine, even in wartime. The exhibition also includes images taken inside of the Kyiv subway, which often serves as shelter for civilians during air raids. The exhibition focuses on the duality of individual and communities, both highlighting how common challenges have brought people together, while demonstrating that each Ukrainian is facing their own personal challenges and difficulties. Through the photographic lens, the exhibition highlights the role of international humanitarian aid in strengthening the resilience of Ukrainian society, while calling for continued support of vulnerable civilians.

IsraAID Ukraine’s Development and Communications Manager Anna Pantiukhova, said:

“We are so proud to present this exhibition in the Kyiv subway, which itself is a symbol of resilience for the city. The photos highlight the strength of Ukrainians in the face of unimaginable challenges. After three years, it can be difficult to stay hopeful. It was very meaningful for me to see all that we have achieved over the past three years in one place, reinforcing the feeling that we can keep going. Looking into the eyes of each of the subjects, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. We all have our own personal well of strength, communities to rely upon, and organizations, friends, and supporters whom we can turn to. I hope this exhibition brings a sense of hope and inspiration to each of the thousands of people who will see it every day.”

Head of the Kyiv Metro Press Service, Oksana Nikiforuk, said:

“The Kyiv subway has been and remains a reliable shelter for the citizens in the hardest of times. The ‘Resilience in Unity’ exhibition reminds us how we withstood the first month of the full-scale invasion together and how mutual support and cohesion help us endure. The subway isn’t just a means of transport but also a place of safety for the residents of Kyiv.”

-ENDS-

Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Ukraine Country Director Alena Druzhynina and other individuals involved in this operation.

PHOTOS:

Photos of this project are available for use here. All images should be credited to IsraAID/Kateryna Laschykhova

CONTACT:

Anna Pantiukhova

Email: [email protected]

Shachar May

Email: [email protected]