Lives of the Great Patriotic War: The Untold Stories of Jewish Soldiers in the Soviet Red Army During WWII
The Blavatnik Archive Foundation manages a private collection of postcards, documents, photographs and oral testimonies pertaining to 19th and 20th century Jewish history. Through this project, and with the support of the Genesis Philanthropy Group, the Blavatnik Archive seeks to educate the public about an important and largely unknown chapter of Jewish history: the participation of Jewish soldiers in the Soviet Red Army during World War II. This project includes a public exhibit, a lecture series, and the publication of a bilingual print volume.
In 2011, an exhibit entitled Lives of the Great Patriotic War: The Untold Stories of Jewish Soldiers in the Soviet Red Army during WWII, as well as a series of lectures and discussion panels, took place at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. War-time diary and letter excerpts from individual soldiers were on display, as well as recent interviews where veterans reflect upon their lives and path to victory during the war, pre-war Jewish life, valor and fear in combat, Nazi atrocities, mourning for loved ones, and ultimate victory.
Prior to the opening of the exhibition, the inaugural volume of a Russian and English-language periodical publication, entitled “Lives of the Great Patriotic War: The Untold Stories of Jewish Soldiers in the Soviet Red Army during WWII,” combined academic historical context, individual veteran testimonies, and powerful archival visuals. This volume will be made available to visitors of future exhibits, with plans to hold such exhibits at different venues throughout North America in 2012 and beyond.
Financial support for the project was provided by Genesis Philanthropy Group in partnership with the Blavatnik Family Foundation, David Berg Foundation, and 92nd Street Y.
Goals and Objectives
- Introduce American Jews to the heroic experiences of Soviet Jewish soldiers during World War II and their contribution to the allied victory.
- Develop and enhance Russian-speaking Jews’ connections with one another and with the American Jewish community.