Istruzione e Formazione
Ukraine honors people who saved Jews during Holocaust at new Babyn Yar synagogue
KYIV, Ukraine , May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At a ceremony hosted by the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center (BYHMC), Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andrii Yermak, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal , and Ukraine's Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko honored Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Holocaust. Mr. Yermak announced that those still alive will receive a lifelong monthly state stipend, in recognition of their heroism.
The ceremony marked the first Remembrance Day for Ukrainians who rescued Jews during World War II. Earlier this year, Ukraine's parliament passed a resolution designating 14 May as an annual commemoration to honor their actions.
Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine commented,
Following World War II, a total of 2,659 Ukrainians were awarded the prestigious title of "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Of all countries, Ukraine has the fourth largest number of "Righteous Among the Nations." However, it is believed that a far greater number of Ukrainians risked their lives and those of their families to save Jews from the Nazis. BYHMC is working to uncover many of these unknown stories.
At the ceremony, it was announced that the 18 Ukrainian "Righteous Among the Nations" who remain alive today, will each be recognized by the state for their bravery with a monthly state stipend for the remainder of their lives.
Prime Minister of Ukraine said,
Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine emphasized the importance to " adding
Chief Strategist and Head of the Academic Council at BYHMC, said,
The ceremony took place at the new symbolic synagogue at Babyn Yar and was attended by state officials, diplomats, religious leaders, cultural and community figures. The symbolic synagogue is the first construction to be completed in the planned Babyn Yar memorial complex, which will stretch over an area of 150 hectares, making it one of the world's largest Holocaust memorial centers. A dozen buildings will eventually be erected as part of the complex.
33,771 Jewish victims were shot at Babyn Yar by the Nazis during just two days, 29 and 30 September 1941 . Tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Roma , mentally ill and others were shot thereafter at Babyn Yar throughout the Nazi occupation of Kyiv . The estimated number of victims murdered at Babyn Yar is around 100,000, making it Europe's largest mass grave. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre and commemorations will culminate in an international event including global leaders in September – October 2021.
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