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On August 25–31, 2025, in the heart of the Carpathians, near the Richka village, Transcarpathian region, the Summer Camp of the “Hillel Ukraine” International Jewish Student Organization was held, which brought together more than 60 young people from Ukraine, Israel and Moldova. The program of this year's camp was built around the deep symbolism of the motto “Two Hearts – One Rhythm” (Heartbeat of Two Nations) – in unity and mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Israeli peoples, who continue to fight for their freedom in difficult geopolitical realities.

During the week, the camp participants not only traveled through the Carpathians, discovered cultural artifacts, read and exchanged books, and participated in quests, but also had a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the history of the Jewish people and the tragedy of the Holocaust. This block of classes was implemented with the participation of the team of the “Tkuma” Ukrainian Institute for Holocaust Studies – the Director of the Institute, Dr. Igor Shchupak, and the Deputy Director for Scientific Work, Dr. Yehor Vradii.

August 28 – the first day of the historical block – began with an interactive discussion “The Holocaust and its Place in Jewish History”. In the format of an open dialogue, Dr. Igor Shchupak and Dr. Yehor Vradii invited the participants not only to look at the Holocaust as a separate tragedy, but also to consider it as part of the broader context of Jewish history, European memory and contemporary identities. The discussion immediately went beyond a purely academic lecture – the participants actively asked questions, discussed, and expressed their own thoughts and emotions related to the topic.

On August 29, an interactive lecture “The Holocaust and the Denial of the Right of Nations to Existence: A Comparative Approach in History” was held. The focus of the conversation was on the issue of genocide as a denial of the fundamental right of nations to exist. The participants analyzed how the history of the Holocaust resonates with the events that Ukraine and Israel are experiencing today, discussed the dangers of historical revisionism and attempts to “whitewash” the criminals of the past. The discussion did not stop even after the official part ended – it continued in informal conversations around the campfire and during joint evening events.

On August 30, Dr. Yehor Vradii made a lecture-presentation ““The Lost Generation of European Literature”: Writers and Artists – Victims of the Holocaust”. The event was emotionally charged, as it was about the cultural heritage that was irretrievably lost because of Nazi crimes. Participants got acquainted with the biographies and works of Jewish writers, artists, and intellectuals whose work was cut short by the genocide. Special attention was paid to artists from Ukraine who became victims of Nazism or were forced to emigrate, fleeing persecution.

On August 31, the day of the camp's conclusion, an interactive discussion in the “question-and-answer” format took place – “Holocaust Memory in Ukraine and the World: Contemporary Challenges.” Despite a busy day and preparations for departure, more than a dozen participants found time to discuss how collective memory is formed in different countries, what dangers arise from ignoring or denying the past, and why it is the younger generations who should become the guardians of historical truth. The conversation once again showed that for young people these topics are not formal, but deeply personal, emotionally and morally significant.

The topic of the Holocaust, raised in the context of the modern struggle of the Ukrainian and Israeli peoples for the right to be themselves, sounded especially relevant. After all, we live in a world where the threats of totalitarianism, aggression, and silent indifference to evil are once again becoming relevant. That is why the memory of the tragedies of the 20th century – particularly the Catastrophe of European Jewry – is not only a moral obligation, but also the basis for creating a future free from hatred, xenophobia, and violence.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Hillel Ukraine team and all the organizers of the camp, as well as all the participants – for their sincerity, deep questions, concern and openness to difficult conversations. It is thanks to such meetings that new generations are formed, capable of defending the truth, learning from history and creating the future – in the rhythm of solidarity, freedom and memory.