Korostyshiv hosts the exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939"

Continuing its tour across Ukrainian cities, the exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939," created by UJE, came to Korostyshiv in Zhytomyr Oblast. The opening ceremony took place on 18 May in the Korostyshiv House of Culture. The event became an important milestone on the exhibition's cultural and educational itinerary, designed to showcase the centuries-old history of coexistence between Ukrainians and Jews, their interactions, cultural influences, and shared historical experience.

Olena Khmelova, Head of the Culture and Tourism Department of the Korostyshiv Town Council, officially opened the event. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of studying the region's multicultural history, highlighted the vital role of such initiatives in modern society, and thanked the organizers before introducing Vladyslav Hrynevych, Jr., UJE's regional manager in Ukraine.

Hrynevych highlighted UJE's activities and key initiatives, while outlining the exhibition's history and central goal: to promote a deeper understanding of the centuries-old relations between Ukrainians and Jews. Additionally, he detailed the traveling exhibition's tour itinerary, underscoring its cultural significance for communities across Ukraine.

Attendees were treated to a video presentation that captured the exhibition's creation, preparation, and multi-year tour across Ukraine. The video allowed visitors to immerse themselves even further into the project's concept, showcasing its previous iterations across Ukraine and internationally. The video is available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Following the screening, Volodymyr Slivinsky, Director of the Korostyshiv People's Historical Museum, took the floor. His address highlighted the local Jewish community and its profound impact on Korostyshiv's multicultural heritage. Jewish roots in the town date back to at least the 16th century, with the first synagogue built in the early 17th century. Over the generations, the community became a cornerstone of municipal life. By the late 19th century, Jewish residents made up more than half of the population, supporting a vibrant network of synagogues, religious institutions, and community centers.

Born in Korostyshiv in 1889, David Hofstein rose to prominence as a Jewish poet, translator, and playwright who wrote primarily in Yiddish. His rich oeuvre holds a definitive place in the history of 20th-century Jewish literature. Though his life was tragically cut short in 1952 during the Stalinist repressions in Moscow, Hofstein's legacy endures. Today, he stands as a vital symbol of Korostyshiv's cultural heritage, a powerful reminder of the local Jewish community's multifaceted impact on art and letters.

The musical program lent a special atmosphere to the grand opening. Students from the Korostyshiv Children's Music School performed the theme from Schindler's List, while the faculty presented Appassionata. Both selections beautifully complemented the exhibition's theme, giving the event a deeply moving and unforgettable resonance.

After the official part, visitors explored the 20-panel exhibition, actively discussing the materials and sharing impressions. An important addition to the event was the distribution of over a hundred copies of the catalog A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1914, which visitors received as a gift.

The Korostyshiv exhibition marks a vital step forward in preserving historical memory, fostering intercultural dialogue, and deepening our understanding of Ukraine's multifaceted past.

Scenes during and immediately following the grand opening of the exhibition "A Journey Through the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1939" in Korostyshiv, 18 May 2026.

Vladyslav Hrynevych, Jr., Regional Manager, UJE Ukraine