On March 18, Kyiv hosted the official launch of the UNESCO project “Preserving Ukraine’s Jewish documentary heritage, honouring collective memory, enhancing knowledge and access to archives while promoting intercultural dialogue”. The project is funded by the European Union.
Its main goals are to digitize and preserve important historical documents, train experts in library science, archival work, and restoration, provide access to these documents for researchers, journalists, artists, and the public, and support creative projects that explore Jewish heritage through art, film, literature, and music.
Anastasia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for digital development, digital transformations, and digitalization, stressed the importance of preserving the country’s documentary heritage.
“Today, we are launching an important project that is not just scientifically and culturally valuable, but also deeply historical. Our goal is to preserve documentary memory, which is a crucial part of our shared history and our fight for truth, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Ukraine has always been a crossroads of cultures, and today it is vital to protect not only our cities and landmarks but also our historical records — documents, archives, and manuscripts — that are essential to both Ukrainian and European heritage”, said the Deputy Minister.
The event included two panel discussions:
- “Ukraine’s Documentary Heritage at Risk: Challenges and Global Responsibilities”, where participants discussed the challenges archives and libraries faced during the war, particularly the risk of losing valuable historical documents. The focus was also on preserving Jewish documentary heritage, which holds important records of Jewish life, culture, and the Holocaust.
- “Jewish Identity and Cultural Expression in Contemporary Ukraine”, where experts, artists, filmmakers, and cultural scholars explored issues of inclusion, the fight against anti-Semitism, and the role of art and media in protecting and promoting Jewish cultural heritage.
At the event, participants highlighted that preserving historical memory is vital for Ukraine’s democratic future. The UNESCO project will help preserve documentary heritage and serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue and modern cultural initiatives. With international support, archival materials will be protected and accessible to all those interested in the history and culture of Ukraine’s Jewish community.
