The anniversary was celebrated in Kyustendil with two events held on October 25, 2025: the opening of the exhibition "Israel of Sapphire and Gold: A Tale of Two Cities"

by the renowned Israeli artist Zoe Sever, and a solo concert performance by the Israeli pianist Dorel Golan.

As the Embassy noted in its invitation: "We look forward to sharing an unforgettable evening together – through the magic of music and painting – dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Israel."

It is no coincidence that the celebration took place in Kyustendil – the birthplace of Dimitar Peshev. The Bulgarian statesman is known for his role in saving the Bulgarian Jews during World War II, for which he was declared an Honorary Citizen of Israel, and posthumously awarded Bulgaria’s highest honor, the Order of Stara Planina.

The exhibition "Israel of Sapphire and Gold: A Tale of Two Cities" by Zoe Sever was opened at the Municipal Drama Theatre in Kyustendil, curated by Olympia Nikolova-Daniel. The paintings offer an exciting visual journey through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, revealing their sharply contrasting yet deeply connected identities. Tel Aviv is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with lively beaches, a flourishing art scene, and energetic nightlife, while Jerusalem is steeped in millennia of history, faith, and cultural heritage. Sever’s style, described as "magical expressionism," determines the fairy-tale quality of her works, enriched by vivid colors such as blue, emerald green, violet, yellow, and scarlet.

Zoe Sever was born in Lviv, Ukraine, and emigrated to Israel with her parents at age 16. She graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, a prestigious institution founded by the Bulgarian artist Boris Schatz, regarded as the "father of Israeli art." Today she lives and works in Tel Aviv. Her works have been exhibited in Israel, Germany, France, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and many other countries, and are part of private collections and museums across Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.

The piano recital "Autumn Leaves" by Dorel Golan took place shortly after the exhibition opening, at the Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master Art Gallery. The program featured works by F. Chopin, F. Liszt, C. Saint-Saëns/G. Bizet, C. W. Gluck/G. Sgambati, S. Prokofiev, and Dorel Golan herself. The young pianist captivated the audience with performances that demonstrated why critics describe her as "a true poet of the piano." Exceptional technique, deep sensitivity, and vivid expressiveness define Golan as one of today’s leading pianists.

She holds a master’s degree with highest distinction from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University under Prof. Arie Vardi, and since 1992 has been a recipient of the America–Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship.

Dorel Golan has performed in more than 50 countries, with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, and on distinguished stages including the Berlin Philharmonie, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, Salle Cortot in Paris, Rudolfinum in Prague, Verdi Hall in Milan, the National Auditorium in Madrid, the Oslo Concert Hall, and the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. Hailed by critics as "sensational," "enchanting, with a magnetic artistic presence," and "a sorceress of the piano," she has won numerous first prizes at national and international competitions.

The event, dedicated to the friendship between Israel and Bulgaria and bringing great artistic delight to the audience, was organized by the Embassy of the State of Israel in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Kyustendil.

Photos courtesy of the organizers.
Top: The Mayor of Kyustendil, Eng. Ognyan Atanasov, presents H. E. Mr. Yosef Levy Sfari with a wood carving depicting a painting by Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master, created by a local craftsman from the recently opened Craft Center in the city.
Bottom: Moments from the two cultural events