A Celebration of Heritage and Harmony: Kamianets-Podilskyi Hosts the “Circle of Cultures” Festival and Days of Jewish Culture
In the historic city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, the festival “Circle of Cultures” and the Days of Jewish Culture unfolded over three vibrant and richly textured days, bringing with them a sense of warmth, shared experience and quiet unity. Residents and visitors alike were invited to take part in a thoughtfully curated programme of workshops and lectures, to explore museum spaces, engage in meaningful conversation, and encounter more deeply the richness of Jewish cultural heritage.
The festival’s final day rose to a powerful emotional crescendo, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Its centrepiece was a luminous concert, woven with Jewish melodies, songs and dance. The programme was performed by representatives of the Khmelnytskyi charitable foundation “Chesed Besht”, the volunteer ensemble “Golden Years”, and the dedicated volunteer Mykhailo Veretekha alongside his companions. Each performance resonated with sincerity, offering audiences not only artistic expression but a profound sense of connection to tradition and cultural memory.
Rabbi Yosef Teitelbaum addressed those gathered, marking the significance of the occasion for the city and offering prayers for peace in Ukraine and Israel.
Prior to the concert, attendees were also able to view a digital exhibition showcasing refined examples of historic Jewish funerary art, intricately carved gravestones that speak to centuries of tradition. The exhibition was prepared by regional historian and researcher Dmytro Poliukhovych, whose work drew considerable interest and offered a further layer of insight into the cultural legacy on display.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was deeply affecting: there were moments of quiet reflection and visible emotion, alongside genuine joy, applause and spontaneous singing. The audience responded with warmth and enthusiasm, and the concert became a fitting and inspired conclusion to days marked by cultural dialogue, remembrance and shared humanity.
In the historic city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, the festival “Circle of Cultures” and the Days of Jewish Culture unfolded over three vibrant and richly textured days, bringing with them a sense of warmth, shared experience and quiet unity. Residents and visitors alike were invited to take part in a thoughtfully curated programme of workshops and lectures, to explore museum spaces, engage in meaningful conversation, and encounter more deeply the richness of Jewish cultural heritage.
The festival’s final day rose to a powerful emotional crescendo, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Its centrepiece was a luminous concert, woven with Jewish melodies, songs and dance. The programme was performed by representatives of the Khmelnytskyi charitable foundation “Chesed Besht”, the volunteer ensemble “Golden Years”, and the dedicated volunteer Mykhailo Veretekha alongside his companions. Each performance resonated with sincerity, offering audiences not only artistic expression but a profound sense of connection to tradition and cultural memory.
Rabbi Yosef Teitelbaum addressed those gathered, marking the significance of the occasion for the city and offering prayers for peace in Ukraine and Israel.
Prior to the concert, attendees were also able to view a digital exhibition showcasing refined examples of historic Jewish funerary art, intricately carved gravestones that speak to centuries of tradition. The exhibition was prepared by regional historian and researcher Dmytro Poliukhovych, whose work drew considerable interest and offered a further layer of insight into the cultural legacy on display.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was deeply affecting: there were moments of quiet reflection and visible emotion, alongside genuine joy, applause and spontaneous singing. The audience responded with warmth and enthusiasm, and the concert became a fitting and inspired conclusion to days marked by cultural dialogue, remembrance and shared humanity.
Restoring Memory: Work Begins to Memorialise a Mass Execution of Jews Site
The work of restoring memory began with a chance recollection. During his journey through western Ukraine, Oleg Pertsev, the businessman and philanthropist, was reminded of the name of Lyakhovtsi, the hometown of his family. Today known as Bilohiria, the settlement witnessed the murder of approximately 3,500 Jews from surrounding areas during the Nazi occupation of 1941–1942.
It was here, in a forest at the site of a mass execution, that six of Pertsev’s relatives were buried. For many years, the mass grave received neither official status nor proper care. Upon learning this, the philanthropist became directly involved in efforts to preserve the memory of those who perished. At his initiative and expense, a new perimeter fence stretching approximately 180 metres has been installed, the entrance to the memorial site has been arranged, and a separate stele has been erected in memory of his family members. Financial support has also been extended to a local museum and a charitable foundation dedicated to preserving the history of the destroyed community.
A memorial prayer ceremony at the site of the tragedy was led by a Khmelnytskyi rabbi. Together with the representatives of the local authorities and community, further steps were discussed, including securing official recognition of the mass grave and the creation of a fully developed memorial complex.
According to Mr Pertsev, this work is only just beginning. His aim is to draw the attention of Ukrainian and international institutions to the site and to ensure the systematic preservation of the memory of the thousands of innocent victims of the Holocaust.
This story stands as a strong reminder of how personal memory can become the catalyst for a wider act of remembrance, and how even a single individual can help restore names to history and dignity to a place of tragedy.
The work of restoring memory began with a chance recollection. During his journey through western Ukraine, Oleg Pertsev, the businessman and philanthropist, was reminded of the name of Lyakhovtsi, the hometown of his family. Today known as Bilohiria, the settlement witnessed the murder of approximately 3,500 Jews from surrounding areas during the Nazi occupation of 1941–1942.
It was here, in a forest at the site of a mass execution, that six of Pertsev’s relatives were buried. For many years, the mass grave received neither official status nor proper care. Upon learning this, the philanthropist became directly involved in efforts to preserve the memory of those who perished. At his initiative and expense, a new perimeter fence stretching approximately 180 metres has been installed, the entrance to the memorial site has been arranged, and a separate stele has been erected in memory of his family members. Financial support has also been extended to a local museum and a charitable foundation dedicated to preserving the history of the destroyed community.
A memorial prayer ceremony at the site of the tragedy was led by a Khmelnytskyi rabbi. Together with the representatives of the local authorities and community, further steps were discussed, including securing official recognition of the mass grave and the creation of a fully developed memorial complex.
According to Mr Pertsev, this work is only just beginning. His aim is to draw the attention of Ukrainian and international institutions to the site and to ensure the systematic preservation of the memory of the thousands of innocent victims of the Holocaust.
This story stands as a strong reminder of how personal memory can become the catalyst for a wider act of remembrance, and how even a single individual can help restore names to history and dignity to a place of tragedy.