- February 3, 2025
- 3:32 pm
- Ukraine
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In Kyiv, on the territory of the National Historical and Memorial Reserve “Babi Yar”, the exhibition titled “Ukrainian-Jewish Century: Photographs and Stories of 1920–2024” has opened.
This project has become one of the key events dedicated to the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, which is observed on January 27th.
“The stories presented here demonstrate how different peoples of Ukraine lived together, built a common country, and continue to fight for its future,” said the director of the reserve, Rosa Tapanova.
What is this exhibition about?
The exhibition consists of two parts:
- Historical Archive – 260 interviews and 3,000 photographs documenting the lives of Jewish communities before and during the Holocaust.
- Modern Photography – Works by Edward Serotta, Maxim Levin, and Taras Kovalchuk capturing the lives of Jews during the war in Ukraine.
Particular attention is given to personal stories.
“This is an exhibition about humanity, resilience, and a memory that must not be forgotten,” said the photographer and director of Centropa, Edward Serotta.
The History of People: Between the Past and the Present
The exhibition showcases unique stories:
- Elvira Borts – a Holocaust survivor as a child and a victim of Russian bombings in Mariupol in 2022.
- Mark, her grandson – a defender of “Azovstal,” who was captured and later returned home.
- Maxim Levin – a Ukrainian photojournalist killed by Russian troops in 2022.
An important part of the exposition is devoted to famous Jewish figures of Ukraine, including Bruno Schulz and Sholom Aleichem.
“We see that even in the most challenging times, people continue to live, help one another, and preserve collective memory,” said Sergey Belyaev, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine.
The Jewish History of Ukraine in Numbers
| Period | Events |
|---|---|
| 1920s | The heyday of Jewish communities, culture, and education. |
| 1941-1945 | Holocaust, mass killings of Jews in occupied territories. |
| 1945-1991 | Soviet policy of repression and a ban on the study of Judaism. |
| 1991–2022 | Revival of Jewish culture, opening of synagogues and communities. |
| 2022–2024 | War: Jewish communities under bombing, evacuation, and a new wave of repatriation to Israel. |
When and Where to Visit the Exhibition?
- Place: Exhibition Center “Living Memory,” 46A Yuri Ilenko St., Kyiv
- Dates: Until February 28, 2025
- Entrance: Free
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This project is implemented with support from:
- The Jack Buncher Foundation (Pittsburgh)
- The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation (Los Angeles)
- The German Foreign Office (Berlin)
- Stiftung EVZ (Berlin)
- The Austrian Embassy in Ukraine
Conclusion
The exhibition “Ukrainian-Jewish Century” serves as a reminder of our shared history and the importance of preserving memory.
“This exposition not only speaks of the past, but also illustrates how history influences our present,” emphasized Anatoly Podolsky, Director of the Holocaust History Center.
Nanovosti – Israeli News continues to monitor events related to Jewish history and culture in Ukraine.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see unique archives and modern photographs revealing the history of Jewish communities in Ukraine!
