The documentary film “The Markish’s Case”

The documentary film “The Markish’s Case” is about the life of David Markish, a writer and public figure. It’s a unique project made by the bookstore «Babel» (Tel Aviv) and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

David Markish’s a writer, author of a dozen novels, a publicist, a public figure, the son of a poet and one of the leaders of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee Peretz Markish. He has been living in Israel since the early 1970s. Markish is the winner of Israeli and foreign literary awards, many of his books have been translated into Hebrew and  European languages.

“Markish’s case” is not just movie, it’s the writer’s lively speech about his life, the history of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee, about the “refusal” and about the arrival of David Markish and his family to Israel, their life here, about the people with whom he had a chance to communicate, and also about books. The film consists of five series and will be broadcast both online and on television.

The creators of the film – Lena Kogan (director) and Evgenii Kogan (producer), the founders of the bookstore “Babel”. After the release of the film, Eugenii and Lena want to release a book-biography of David Markish.

Movie:

Series:

“Sobibor” – The Movie

The film was shot based on real events that occurred during the Second World War in the Nazi death camp Sobibor, in Poland. The film shows how, in just three weeks, together with a group of Soviet prisoners of war, Alexander Aronovich Pechersky, a lieutenant of the Soviet army, who was captured and imprisoned in the camp, managed to plan and carry out an unprecedented, successful uprising of prisoners from various European countries. On October 14th, 1943, about three hundred prisoners escaped from the camp, but most of them later died. All the prisoners who remained in Sobibor were killed, and the camp itself was soon destroyed.

“We hope that the film will inspire the audience to learn more about the history of the heroic successful uprising of Sobibor concentration camp prisoners, which became a unique event in the history of the Second World War,” – said EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili.

The film “Sobibor” became the directorial debut of the famous Russian actor Konstantin Khabensky, who also played the main role – a Soviet officer, a Jew, Alexander Pechersky.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress provided financial support to the Pechersky Foundation to promote and expand the international presentation of the film “Sobibor”, which has been released on May 3rd, 2018.

Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies

The Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS), founded by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, is envisioned as an academic think-tank and platform for academic and professional exchange among leading experts that study Jewish communities of the Former Soviet Union, Balkan and Asian countries, as well as “transnational Jewish diasporas”—communities that are detached from their countries of origin.

The Institute will facilitate academic and applied studies that examine the current affairs and needs of Euro-Asian Jewish communities, their social and political standing in their host countries, as well as their relations with the State of Israel and other global and regional powers. It will also investigate Jewish migration processes and the historical, cultural and political heritage of these communities.

Communities, organizations included in the EAJC and Congress partners can assist in researching and collecting materials, selecting authors for publications, developing proposals and ordering projects (including their co-financing). Moreover, they can help organizing presentations of the Institute’s materials.

The institute, in partnership with colleagues from the countries of the former USSR, has launched a large-scale sociological study “Jewish communities of the post-Soviet space: the current state and the dynamic trends”. The study includes a survey of the Jewish (in the broad sense of the word) population of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Moldova in order to understand the development of the Jewish and other ethnic identities of these communities better, as well as to observe the current trends in the formation of Jewish communities. Additionally, the survey will help to evaluate the preferred mechanisms of joining the Jewish community by non-Jewish and mixed origin individuals. Moreover, it will help to examine migration dynamics, socio-economic status of various groups of Jews of these countries and their relationship to Israel.

The institute will be happy to assist communities in organizing this survey, and will provide them with the results of this study, which, in our opinion, should help in their future work planning.

Theatrical Competition “Memory of the people”

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, in conjunction with the Youth Parliament under the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, held a theater festival-contest dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims – “The Memory of the People” in order to preserve the memory of the events of the Holocaust tragedy. The organizers and partners of the contest were also the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, the Russian Peace Foundation and Russian Union of Jewish Students.

The competition involved youth creative teams of Russia; it consists of two stages, regional and federal. Participants presented their work to the regional organizing committee, the best teams showed their performances in Moscow.

The winner of the contest in 2018 and the winner of the prize for “Best Performance” was the only Russian theater studio organized in the orphanage. The performance “Memory”, presented by the theater-studio “Children’s Island” of the Ivanovo Special (Correctional) Children’s Home Rainbow, received the majority of the jury’s votes. The organizers and partners of the “Memory of the People” contest announced that the contest will be held every year.

Support of educational project “Limmud”

Limmud is the first and only Jewish educational, cultural and entertainment event designed for everyone and providing an opportunity for active, intense and incredibly exciting learning. The Limmud conferences are built on a unique model and consist of seminars, lectures, master classes and discussions covering the most diverse topics: from the history of the Jewish communities of the world to issues of Israeli politics, from religious discussions to rock concerts and performances, from questions of Jewish spirituality and philosophy to Jewish cuisine. Moreover, in Limmud do not forget about science, art, technology and many other relevant and exciting topics.

In 2017, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress supported the Limmud conferences in three countries. The conferences were held in Odessa, St. Petersburg and Eilat. In 2018, the EAJC also announced its support for the project.

Aaron Frenkel, Chairman of the EAJC Board andthe President of Limmud FSU, said: “Limmud’s beautiful concept attracts many Jews. The inherent spirit of learning and innovation unites Jews around the world. ”

EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili said: “Limmud is a great project in which various people share their unique experience, their unique knowledge, introduce others to their worldview. For ten years, the Russian-speaking Limmud FSU is rightfully one of the most successful projects in the Jewish world “.

Support of the Sefer Center

The International Public Organization “Sefer” is an association of researchers and university lecturers of Judaica which exists since 1994. This organization supports students, graduates and academic workers in all areas of Judaism studies, contributing to the development of scientific research in this field.

Today, “Sefer” is the largest organization in the post-Soviet space, which unites all those who are involved in the research of Jewish civilization, its heritage and studies of the current situation of Jewish communities. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress supports the activities of «Sefer» and assists in the implementation of large-scale international conferences, publishing activities and youth programs.

Center “Sefer” contributes to the establishment of the intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the post-Soviet space and the development of interest in Jewish studies, history and culture. Moreover, it focuses on the improving the quality of teaching Judaism in the universities.

Sefer’s activities are not limited to academic frameworks: the project plays a huge educational role in Jewish communities, preserving the memory of traditions and the life structure of the Jews in the Eurasian region.

Sefer’s conferences are the most important platform for the meetings of Jewish scientific organizations’ leaders, where people can share their experience. In 2018, in Moscow was held the 25th Anniversary International Conference of Judaica, where a special place was given to the State of Israel, its history, modernity and ties with Diasporas. Another important event was the International Conference from the cycle “The Culture of Slavs and the Culture of Jews: Dialogue, Similarities, Differences».

Sefer’s schools play a significant role in the preparation of the young professionals who are interested in studying Jewish cultural heritage, history and etc. The ethnographic and epigraphic areas of field work allow closer acquaintance with the traditions and family history of Jewish communities.

Sefer’s publishing activity is one of the main sites for research publications in the field of Jewish civilization. The project provides such publications as a yearbook for young researchers “Tirosh”, a yearbook on studying the interaction of Slavic and Jewish culture, a periodical Judaic-Slavic Journal and materials on the results of field studies.

Additionally, educational activities of “Sefer” are highly developed – they include webinars and video lectures for the general public in order to open up a worldwide access to communication with the leading experts and to give more possibilities of familiarization with the latest results of their researches.

Sunday educational platform “JFuture”

JFuture – Sunday educational platform with the use of new technologies and teaching methods, where children and parents will get new knowledge, take advices from professional specialists and can spend time productively in a warm family atmosphere.

Creating a JFuture – an educational platform to involve non-affiliated Jewish families and strengthen the Jewish heritage.

Principles:

  • Jewish heritage: studying the history and traditions of Jewish people
  • Novelty in learning: A system of unique, creative, and intellectual development that helps to open up and “unlock the potential”. Studying process based on STEAM approach stands for Science (Science), Technologies (Technology), Engineering (Engineering), Art (Art) and Math (Mathematics). All these components are related to the most promising and prospective sectors and areas of the future.
  • Global Jewish Network: the feeling of unity of the Jewish people, regardless of the place of living, a sense of belonging to the global Jewish community.
  • Warm family atmosphere: A platform where you can discuss topics of interest, learn, develop and feel like at home.

JFuture platform opens on the basis of a community center. The project involves weekly Sunday meetings for groups of children and parents.

Participants unite in age groups: J-fan 5–6 years old, J-lab 7–9 years old, J-prof 10–12 years old, parents. In each age group – from 6 to 15 people. Lessons are held in different formats: separately for children and parents and once a month for all groups together. Sunday platform includes 3 hours of productive classes for each age group. It is suggested to have 15-minute breaks for participants between classes (if possible).

Project programs are developed by leading experts and are based on best practices. They are interactive and focused on practical application. In each lesson we use multimedia equipment (interactive Smartboard, projector, etc.). Lessons are developed for three age groups, taking into account individual age features. For the smallest, we use lego-technology. This makes the lesson unusual, interesting, attracts children’s attention and allows them to better absorb the material.

For all questions related to the project, you can contact the EAJC Israeli branch:  [email protected]

Publication of secret diplomatic documents about Soviet-Israeli relations

The selection and publication of secret diplomatic documents about Soviet-Israeli relations is a special project being implemented between Russia and Israel with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

The collection of documents from the period from 1945 to 1967 is planned to be published in 2021. This will be the second part of the collection; the first was published in 2000 and covered documents from the period from 1941 to 1953. The second collection will be the largest compilation of documents of bilateral relations, it will include more than 700 encrypted telegrams.

The leader of the reactionary group on the part of Israel is a researcher at Tel Aviv University, Boris Morozov. According to him, for the first time the Russian Foreign Ministry has declassified more than 800 cipher telegrams, and the Israeli side has declassified the documents of the Nativ and Bar commissions.

The project will publish documents related to the Suez crisis, the Six-Day War, the Israeli struggle for the repatriation of Jews from the USSR, the creation of a mass movement in the West on this issue.

According to the project participants, the period from 45 to 67th was extremely painful for both parties and the publication of these documents leads to the strengthening of cooperation between countries in all areas.

Supporting “Hillel” Russia

Hillel Russia – part of the world’s largest Jewish student organization that introduces young people to the history, traditions, values and culture of the Jewish people.

Hillel Russia was formed in 1994 with the mission of strengthening Jewish identity among young people and encouraging them to actively participate in the life of the global Jewish community. The focus of Hillel’s cultural activity – informal study of Jewish history and traditions, introduction to Israel and participation in leadership and volunteer programs.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress supports various Hillel Russia projects, including:

• Madrichim School – an intensive three-month training course for madrichs in non-formal Jewish education. The school of madrichim educates leaders who are well-versed in matters of Jewish culture and history, able to organize, captivate and pass their knowledge onto others.

• Young Jewish Leaders: Student Leadership and Self-Government – a program that develops and supports a new generation of leaders in the Jewish communities of Russia. Participants implement their projects over the course of six months, after which the best project managers undergo special trainings at Hillel and participate in Moscow shabbatons. The program contributes to the enrichment of Jewish life in Russia and the awakening of Jewish identity among its participants.

• Online Course: Leading Shabbat – preparatory crash course for Shabbat leaders to learn about the culture of Shabbat in webinar format with the help of rabbis, cultural scientists and Jewish leaders. The two best participants, based on test results, will be rewarded with a trip to a Hillel of another city with the possibility of leading a Shabbat for local youth.

• Student initiatives, including tsevet and volunteering:

— Tsevet supports and gives new knowledge to active students of Hillel – madrichs or project coordinators.

— Volunteering – support program targeting volunteer initiatives. The project aims to support and develop the motivation of community activists in Russia.

• Professional Training – four-day conference for all Hillel Russia staff to increase knowledge in areas of work, exchange of experience and professional development.

• Jewish Holidays – student celebrations of the main Jewish holidays: Purim, Pesach, Rocha ha-Shanu, Hanukkah, etc. Each time the program includes something new: parties, picnics, seminars and lectures.

Supporting Hillel Case

The main task of “Hillel CASE – education of the new generations of educated and enlightened Jews who are proud of their heritage, the involvement of Jewish youth in the process of the revival of Jewish life and raise a new generation of Jewish leaders, the study of Jewish history, religion, traditions and culture, the formation of Jewish identity of young Jews , the implementation of programs aimed at promoting the spiritual development of young people in education and culture.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress actively supports the activities of the organization and assists in the implementation of the following projects:

HAP (Hillel Art Project)

The project is conceived as a platform for professional, creative development in the company of like-minded and new friends from different cities. Under one roof collected participants from different cities of the region, led by star to teachers, the real masters of their craft to comprehend the secrets of creative professions. Every year, 30-40 participants gather in Kiev, where they painted and photographed, removed, and write, produce advertising and installation. In a word – create.

HAP- is a four-day workshop consisting of lectures, workshops and creative studios. This is a great opportunity to socialize and make new friends in gilelevskoy family

The project involves the introduction of actively produced during the workshop skills and knowledge into practice “Hillel” in the field, as well as creating the actual product operations for the 4 days of the seminar, applicable in further Hilel’s life.

HAP includes the four artistic direction:

– Video: try for yourself and learn all the nuances of shooting (script, directing, shooting, editing) within the format “48 hours”?

– Theater. Participation in staging theatrical process, acting work, in parallel with the obtaining of relevant knowledge (rhetoric, stage speech, acting)

– Media. Getting knowledge and practical skills of modern media technologies. Blogging and vlogs, the subtleties of creating content for the social. networks

– Art. A study of trends in contemporary art, as well as the creation of installations, the creation of individual creative products.

Intellectual wars

The international tournament on the popular smart games. Intelligent War Hillel – a unique educational project, born in Odessa in 2007. The International tournament on intellectual games involving teams “Hillel» CASE region, Odessa Jewish organizations and teams from other cities and countries. Since 2013 the festival has received the status “International”. For teams from Belarus, Moldova and Russia were joined by representatives of Israel. In 2018, for the first time in history, USA representatives joined.

Summer Forum

Every year in late August, “Hilel” gathers more than 150 new kids on the Black Sea, to, acquaint them with programs and projects that inspire “Hillel”. Top madrichim trained in gilelevskoy “School madrichim” prepared for the participants of a unique thematic program, which will never be repeated. Five days of educational and entertainment programs, intellectual battles, interesting meetings, new friends, good mood and positive sea, contribute to the fact that most children become regular participants of our programs, and eventually many of them can be seen among the activists and leaders of the “Hillel” of their cities.