From 26 to 31 of August, 2014 about 100 students from all over Ukraine and neighboring countries came together to spend five unforgettable days at summer camp that is annually organized by the Youth Organization “Hillel». The place of the meeting this year was Mankivka – picturesque village located in Uman district of Kyiv region. Atmosphere of true Ukrainian villages and beautiful landscapes set to active rest and intellectual development. Jewish history сlasses, meetings with interesting guests, work in creative workshops and fun evening activities were held during the camp.
The camp program was prepared and implemented by friendly madrich team under the guidance of Simferopil “Hillel” Director Diana Liebman. “Make it Jewish” – that’s how the slogan of this year’s program sounded and it accurately reflects the main purpose of the youth camp – strengthening of Jewish students’ identity and the revival of Jewish culture and customs.
Traditionally, “Tkuma” Ukrainian Institute for Holocaust Studies has joined the implementation of the camp curriculum. Dr. Oleksandra Leonova, Institute “Tkuma” Head of Research Department, held three lectures and conversations for camp participants.
The program was based on a “Limud” principle: several lectures and trainings were conducted simultaneously. The students themselves decided which class to attend. Lectures of Dr. Leonova were in great request among a large number of students. At her lectures, questions of the historical past closely intertwined with the problems of our time. During the lecture “Ordinary Fascism and the “Jewish question” attendants tried to understand the concepts of “fascism”, “Nazism” and “nationalism”. Participants drew a lot of analogies and saw parallels between 1930s and the present. Through association and analysis of historical events the lecturer helped students understand the historical terminology which now became the object of manipulation. Another lesson was devoted to Yiddish avant-garde art. Members immersed into the cultural history of their people. Madriches noted that students were so carried away with the proposed theme that continued its discussion outside the lecture hall.
Not everyone was lucky enough yet to visit, while in Dnipropetrovsk, “Menorah” Center and Museum “Jewish Memory and Holocaust in Ukraine”, so Dr. Oleksandra Leonova conducted a virtual tour of around the Museum halls. Participants were amazed by modernity of the exhibitions, multimedia equipment. Students expressed a wish to visit the Museum and to continue cooperation with “Tkuma” Institute.