Illuminating Jewish History Through Art and Culture

On February 2, Project Kesher Ukraine (PKU) brought together members of its network to explore the deep-rooted connections between Ukrainian and Jewish cultures. Participants gathered in a unique and intimate space in Odessa, a city long celebrated for its artistic spirit, to bring history alive through personal stories of both famous and lesser-known Jewish figures across literature, music and painting. This gathering and others like it create space for reflecting on successes and challenges within Ukraine's Jewish community while encouraging meaningful conversations.

The event, Odesa Artists in the Global Avant-Garde, highlighted the creative journeys of Jewish artists Sonia Delaunay, Amshay Nurenberg and Theophil Fraerman—pioneers of the artistic styles Fauvism and Cubism—who worked alongside masters like Matisse and Rodin. Organized by Nelli Divenko, a graduate of Project Kesher's Leaders: Next Generation program, the evening showcased a lecture by art historian Kateryna Yergieieva and focused on deepening appreciation for Odesa's impact on European modern art.