Young Leaders Promote Jewish Learning in Ukraine

Two important youth conferences took place recently in the Jewish communities of Odessa and Nikolaev, South Ukraine. At both conferences, participants explored various aspects of communication, including how the context in which information is presented can greatly impact its outcome. The Odessa event, coordinated by Migdal Jewish Community Center (JCC), focused on "The World of Information", while the Nikolaev seminar, under the patronage of the Shofar Jewish Cultural Society, focused on a Holocaust theme.

The Odessa Youth Conference is the fourth annual event of its kind, and is increasingly recognized as a hotbed of innovative ideas. A group of young researchers from Kerch noted that, "The conferences in Odessa are becoming more interesting and prestigious. Sometimes even the certified educational establishments – like colleges and universities – where we are students cannot boast the creative atmosphere and engaging speakers that are present at [these] conferences."

To further inspire young Jewish people to explore history-related studies, four major sub-themes were covered in lectures and presentations: Ways of Information Transfer, Control over Information, Jewish Informational Environment, and Objective Character of Information.

One of the guest speakers was Maks Shenkerman, II Secretary of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine and Director of the Israeli Culture Center in Odessa. In an interactive lecture utilizing videos and slides, Mr. Shenkerman illustrated how manipulating information – specifically related to Israel – can negatively impact the political environment and public opinion. He explained that such a lack or altering of information can often result in more casualties than war or terror attacks.

Hands-on advertising and radio-news classes (held by a professional radio editor and reporter), as well as psychological training, were also provided so that participants could learn to deal responsibly with information and how to present it.

At the same time, a conference took place in nearby Nikolaev as part of the Educational Project – an initiative of the Shofar Jewish Cultural Society which lobbies for the inclusion of Jewish subjects in the curriculum of non-Jewish educational institutions, and Jewish research themes in the work of the city museums. With support of the JDC, regional state administration, and the Nikolaev Council of Nationalities, Shofar has developed a fruitful collaboration with two universities – the University of Culture and the Nikolaev Affiliation of Odessa State University – as well as with two museums – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Local Lore Museum.

One of the University partners hosted the Holocaust seminar, which explored issues related to World War II in the Nikolaev territory, as well as new forms of anti-Semitism in present-day Ukraine. Chairman of the Regional Committee of National and Cultural Societies Muhrad Kaimarazov and Shofar Director Mikhail Goldenberg lectured to a large audience of graduate and undergraduate history majors.

Students became acquainted with results of Shofar research activities, as well as materials that will be included in an upcoming book on the Holocaust and Ukraine. Special acknowledgement was also given to students of the University of Culture who are conducting Holocaust research, compiling materials about places where the execution of Jews took place in Nikolaev region, and preparing an archive of documents on the Holocaust for publication in the near future.

In upcoming months, there will also be an unveiling of a Holocaust monument, constructed by the students themselves.