Video: "Shared Histories: Ukrainian-Jewish and Danish-Jewish Relations Through Time" in Copenhagen
Mikaela von Freiesleben, Ph.D., National Director of Humanity in Action Denmark, specializing in minority studies and social cohesion.
An insightful discussion on intercultural relations titled "Shared Histories: Ukrainian-Jewish and Danish-Jewish Relations Through Time" occurred on 23 October at Copenhagen's Ukraine House in Denmark. Nataliia Popovych, the institution's chairperson, moderated the event.
The event began with the showing of an animated short film, "Voices in the Void." The powerful film tells the story of Rabbi Bent Melchior's escape during the Holocaust and reflects on solidarity and courage. It was produced by Humanity in Action, an international nonprofit organization whose objective is to facilitate and promote a dialogue to understand and respond to the challenges that democratic societies face as they become increasingly diverse.
Following the film, a wide-ranging conversation touched on the history of Jews in Ukraine and Demark, parallels and differences in historical narratives, and challenges posed by Russia's war against Ukraine. The discussion featured a diverse panel of speakers, each bringing their unique perspective:
- Paul Robert Magocsi, Board Member of the Ukrainian Jewish Encounter, who is the professorial Chair of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Toronto;
- Signe Bergman Larsen, curator at The Danish Jewish Museum, with expertise in Danish Jewish history during World War II;
- Mikaela von Freiesleben, Ph.D., National Director of Humanity in Action Denmark, specializing in minority studies and social cohesion;
- Lene Rachel Andersen, futurist and President of Nordic Bildung and author of The Nordic Secret.
Before the event, Ms. Popovych took Prof. Magocsi on a tour of the Ukraine House in Denmark, the country's leading center for Ukrainian culture. It is in Copenhagen's Gammel Dok, a former warehouse in the Christianshavn neighborhood. Ms. Popovych highlighted the exhibition "Heart of Earth," one of Ukraine's most significant wartime cultural projects, curated by Kyiv's Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex, which was displayed at the center. The exhibition, which showcased reflections of 17 artists on their nation's connections to its land, is a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Discussion: "Shared Histories: Ukrainian-Jewish and Danish-Jewish Relations Through Time," Copenhagen, 23 October 2024
Voices in the Void — Holocaust Documentary Short Film (2021)
