Exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939" in Smila

On 13 July 2025, the Smila Cultural Center hosted the opening of the UJE-supported traveling exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939." It was a significant cultural event, involving historical, educational, and artistic dimensions.

Previously mounted in Kyiv, Lviv, Uman, Vinnytsia, Zhmerynka, Tulchyn, Haisyn, and Cherkasy, the exhibition highlights the centuries-old history of coexistence between Ukrainians and Jews, their mutual cultural influence, common traditions and cooperation, as well as the tragic pages of the past.

Located in the heart of the Cherkasy region and known as a key railway junction and industrial center, Smila has a rich history, vibrant cultural tradition, and deep historical ties with the Jewish community. Until the early 20th century, Jews comprised a significant part of its population, engaging in trade, crafts, and public life. The Ukrainian-Jewish cultural interaction left a noticeable mark on the local heritage. The exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939" was an opportunity to recall and reflect on the common history of Ukrainians and Jews.

In her welcoming address at the exhibition's opening, Deputy Mayor of Smila Tetiana Karlo emphasized the importance of such projects for preserving memory and intercultural dialogue. Larysa Petrushevets, a lecturer and guide at the Smila Local History Museum, gave a tour of the exhibition, introducing visitors to its rich historical and documentary base spanning the period from the first Jewish settlements in Ukrainian lands to World War II.

Nina Lozovatska, a representative of the Smila Jewish community, shared her memories, emphasizing that mutual respect and memory of common history are key to a harmonious future. Sofia Pyndyk, a student at Smila Children's Music School No. 2, sang a Ukrainian folk song, providing an artistic highlight of the opening ceremony. This school will soon be named in honor of Klara Brun, a world-famous Ukrainian opera singer born in Smila. Sofia's performance symbolized the unity of the two cultures and showed that art can transcend any borders.

The exhibition attracted many visitors, including local Jewish community members, students, teachers, local historians, and residents interested in history and culture. It aroused lively interest and resonated deeply, especially with young people.

Each visitor to the exhibition's opening was presented with a copy of the catalog A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1914. This lavishly illustrated 168-page edition was designed to present a coherent narrative and explore the shared historical experience of the two peoples in all its diversity and complexity — both in times of crisis and episodic violence and during extended periods of normal coexistence and multifaceted intercultural interaction.

As the exhibition traveled to Smila, it was another step in spreading knowledge about Ukrainian-Jewish history, contributing to intercultural dialogue, and affirming the value of diversity.

Below is a video in Ukrainian produced by a local television company, which helped raise awareness of the event in the Smila community:

Vladyslav Hrynevych, Jr., Regional Manager, UJE Ukraine