“Vremia” (time) information agency invited the heads of the Jewish community programs on memorial activity to give a press conference for the city and region media.
It was titled “Preservation of cemeteries, respect to the dead: experience of the Dnepropetrovsk Jewish community”.
In the conference participated:
- Oleg Rostovtsev, a member of the community Board of Trustees,
- Igor Romanov, director of the regional union of Jewish communities,
- Elena Kolpakova, head of scientific programs of TKUMA Holocaust research center,
- Olga Tovkach, director of Hilel Jewish students’ center.
The community representatives told to the Dnepropetrovsk journalists how they catalogue and describe cemeteries, put memorial signs on mass graves of Holocaust victims, participation of volunteers and first of all local students.
The journalists showed great interest to Matseva memorial and future Jewish museum at the world biggest Menorah center.
Oleg Rostovtsev emphasized that this work is a public initiative supported by sponsors and grants of various foundations. He said, “We can’t wait for the state to give us some money. We should take the initiative since it’s our duty to the forefathers. Our community managed to attract many volunteers including students, and we can share our experience. Preservation of cemeteries and mass graves of repressions and genocide victims is a mission of the society and every individual”.