On January 19, the National Historical and Memorial Reserve "Babyn Yar" hosted a meaningful gathering as part of the international educational project “Between Sofia and Bezalel”. The event was dedicated to addressing the profound lessons of history through dialogue and reflection.

During the meeting, Roza Tapanova, Director of Babyn Yar, shared insights into how the Reserve engages with the painful chapters of the past.

“We aim to transform Babyn Yar into a space that not only preserves the memory of tragedies but also inspires reflection and dialogue. Art serves as a powerful medium, enabling visitors to connect with the past and learn from its lessons,” she emphasized.

Historian Andriy Rukkas delivered a lecture exploring the genocides Ukraine has endured—ranging from the events of World War II and Soviet-era terror to the ongoing Russian aggression.

“Ukraine has faced immense trials throughout its history. Today, we have the extraordinary privilege of living in our own independent state. This is what we are fighting for now because statehood provides the foundation for preserving our history and memory,” he remarked.

The gathering gained additional poignancy due to the current realities of war. During the event, an air raid siren forced participants to take a bomb shelter. Despite the interruption, the discussion continued, underscoring the idea that history is not just about the past but also about what unfolds here and now.

This event marked another significant step in fostering dialogue about the complex chapters of history, their impact on the present, and the role of art in preserving memory.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, the Israeli Cultural Center "Nativ", the Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel in Western Ukraine, the National Historical and Memorial Reserve "Babyn Yar," the Kyiv History Museum, the Museum of Avant-garde Art, and the Center for Studies of the History and the Centre for Studies of the History and Culture of East European Jews NaUKMA.