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On April 30, the annual All-Ukrainian scientific and practical conference “Zaporizhzhia Jewish Readings – 2026” was held in a hybrid format at the Faculty of History and International Relations of Zaporizhzhia National University. The co-organizers of the traditional scientific forum were “Tkuma” Institute, ZNU, and Y. Novytsky Zaporizhzhia Scientific Society with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The conference participants were welcomed by Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Acting Rector of the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine Gennady Vasylchuk, Dean of the Faculty of History and International Relations of ZNU, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Olga Maklyuk, Dr. Igor Shchupak.

This year's Readings brought together over 70 scholars, educators, public figures, graduate students, and students. The conference was attended by representatives of leading Ukrainian and foreign universities and research institutions, including Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany), University of Warsaw (Poland), Institute of Ukrainian History of the NAS of Ukraine, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Uzhhorod National University, and other educational and academic centers.

The conference began with a plenary session and continued within three thematic sections:

• “The Holocaust and the History of the Jewish People as an Object of Historical Reflections in the 21st Century”;
• “The Politics of Memory and Memorial Practices in the Formation of Historical Narrative”;
• “Literary Projections of Modes of Being: Memory, Trauma, Identity.”

The participants discussed a wide range of issues related to the experience of the 20th–21st centuries, the politics of memory, the Holocaust memorial practices, and identity issues in modern Ukrainian society, particularly in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

As Dr. Shchupak emphasized, the conference is a unique example of a scientific tradition that has lasted for almost three decades, even in the face of a pandemic and full-scale war. He also noted the high scientific level of the reports, the activity of the discussions, and the sincere interest of young researchers, students, and postgraduates in scientific work. “Today, unfortunately, the study of the history of the Holocaust is especially relevant – a “classic example” of genocides that occurred not only in the 20th century, but also today, when the Russian Federation is waging a genocidal war against Ukraine and Ukrainians.”, – the scientist emphasized.

“Tkuma” Institute expresses its gratitude to all partners, scientists, teachers, and students who joined the “Zaporizhzhia Jewish Readings” and continue to systematically support the development of scientific dialogue even in difficult times for Ukraine.

The conference was made possible thanks to the assistance and financial support of the Claims Conference

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