{"id":24026,"date":"2022-12-08T14:40:08","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T19:40:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukrainianjewishencounter.org\/?p=24026"},"modified":"2022-12-08T14:40:29","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T19:40:29","slug":"ukrainian-jewish-encounter-at-the-2022-frankfurt-book-fair-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukrainianjewishencounter.org\/en\/ukrainian-jewish-encounter-at-the-2022-frankfurt-book-fair-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Ukrainian Jewish Encounter at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Ukrainian Jewish Encounter was a sponsor of the Ukraine country booth and its program at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair. Held 19-23 October, the book fair is the world's largest, drawing publishers from around the globe. Germany's Goethe Institute worked with the Ukrainian Book Institute to ensure the war-torn country was represented at this important forum for publishers.<\/p>\n

Ukraine was at the center of many discussions. Prominent Ukrainian writers, activists, and musicians spoke passionately about Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine and its effect on the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed international publishers in an online statement. Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the fair, promoting Ukraine-related reading projects.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ukraine\u2019s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At one session, she said it was vital for her to be present at Frankfurt, so attendees could hear her speak \"in her native language\" \u2014 Ukrainian.<\/p>\n

The fair concluded with the presentation of the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade to Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan for \"his outstanding artistic work, along with his humanitarian stance.\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ukraine-born musician Yurij Gurzhy (left) and Ukrainian writer Serhii Zhadan (right) at a performance called Fokstroty. Zhadan was awarded the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ukrainian publishers, large and small, were present in Frankfurt. The industry has suffered severe setbacks because of Russian bombing campaigns; many printing houses have been destroyed or damaged. Even so, the number of Ukrainian publishers wanting to participate in this year's book fair meant shelf space was highly coveted, noted Olexandra Koval, head of the Ukrainian Book Institute.<\/p>\n

All books displayed by Ukrainian publishers will be donated to institutions that have set up libraries for Ukrainian refugees to ensure they maintain a literary connection to their homeland.<\/p>\n

Russia, which launched its criminal war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, was absent at the fair, as was Iran. That country has supplied Russia with deadly drones used against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Official China was also not present.<\/p>\n

We will treat the representation of Ukraine in literature, art, and music in a series of essays published in this space in the new year. Those essays will delve into many of the topics raised in Frankfurt.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, several Ukraine-related videos and photos from this year's Frankfurt Book Fair are below.<\/p>\n\n\t\t