On October 6, 2016 in the Column Hall of the Kiev Mayor’s office held a traditional annual honoring of Righteous Gentiles, Righteous Gentiles of Ukraine and of Babi Yar – Mayor’s reception took place. The tribute was paid to the people who rescued Jews during the Second World War.
The event was organized by Kiev City State Administration, ACF “To You” (2U), the Jewish Council of Ukraine (JCU) and Kyiv City Jewish community.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of authorities, foreign embassies, local and international Jewish organizations. This year Holocaust Survivors joined Righteous Gentiles and attended this event.
Among guests there were Kiev City Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, German Ambassador Dr. Ernst Reichel, Ambassador of Lithuania Marius Janukonis, Israeli Consular Gennadiy Polishchouk, Chief Rabbis of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman and Alex Dukhovny, Vice-President of the Jewish Council of Ukraine Simon Belman, ACF 2U Board Chair Julia Goldenberg, businessman and philanthropist Alexander Loifenfeld, Kiev City Jewish Community Executive Director Anatoliy Shengait, representatives of the local and international NGOs.
Vitali Klitschko assured the audience that Holocaust and Babi Yar Museum will be constructed in Kiev. The mayor emphasized that the tragedy that happened 75 years ago in Babi Yar, should not be forgotten, as well as the Righteous, who saved human lives. Candles in the memory of those who perished were lighted by all guests.
Head of Association of the Righteous Gentiles Sofia Yarovaya warmly thanked all those who provide assistance to the Righteous, whose number is decreasing year by year. She especially thanked Kiev Hesed and ACF 2U for their ongoing support.
Classical music and warm wishes to Righteous accompanied the event.
ACF “To You” expresses its gratitude to all those who made this event possible:
– Kiev City State Administration (KCSA);
– The Jewish Council of Ukraine;
– Kiev City Jewish community;
– The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC);
– Hesed “Bnei Azriel”;
– Alexander Loifenfeld;
-Albert Feldman;
– and all those who came to express their respect and gratitude to the holy people – Righteous.
Until next year….