The Holocaust in Volhynia through the eyes of Herman Grebe

A distinctive feature of the project is that it highlights historical events through the prism of personal stories of people who risked their lives and careers to save Jews. The central figure of the project is Hermann Friedrich Grebe, a German engineer who, during the occupation, was the head of the Jung company's representative office in Zdolbuniv and saved many Jews from death.

The main goal of the project

To create a powerful tool for historical memory and civic education that will promote understanding of the tragic events of the Holocaust, popularize the history of interethnic tolerance and civic courage, and counteract contemporary forms of intolerance and anti-Semitism.

Key objectives of the project

• Creating permanent and mobile exhibitions that provide detailed and accessible information about the Holocaust in Volhynia, particularly in Zdolbuniv.
• Developing modern educational materials based on personal stories.
• Organizing public events that will promote awareness of the Holocaust and engage the community in discussing complex historical topics.

Project components

1. Permanent exhibition at the Zdolbuniv Local History Museum:

• A display case with personal items from the first half of the 20th century, symbolizing the peaceful life of the Jewish community before the arrival of the Nazis (clothing, religious items, jewelry, children's toys).
• Separate display cases showing items from the period of Soviet and Nazi occupation.
• Interactive audio stations with oral history testimonies from eyewitnesses to the Holocaust in Volhynia.
• Thirteen information stands recounting the chronology of the Holocaust in the region, including such key topics as the creation of the ghetto, the first killings, life under occupation, the liquidation of the ghetto, as well as contemporary manifestations of intolerance and anti-Semitism.

2. Mobile exhibition:

• Stands and information banners for exhibitions in other cities and communities in Ukraine.
• Educational materials adapted for use in schools and public institutions.

Educational component of the project

The project includes the development of specialized educational programs for pupils and students, as well as teaching materials for educators, which will promote a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the formation of critical thinking about historical events and contemporary issues of discrimination.

Expected results

• Raising awareness among local and national audiences about the events of the Holocaust in Volhynia.
• Fostering a culture of remembrance and responsibility among local communities.
• Increasing public awareness of the historical facts of the Holocaust and the heroic deeds of those who saved others during the war.

Project partners

• The Center for Sustainable Initiatives NGO is the coordinator and initiator of the project.
• The Zdolbuniv Local History Museum is the main partner and venue for the permanent exhibition.
• International and national historical and memorial organizations working to preserve the memory of the Holocaust.

Implementation status

The project is in the preparation stage for implementation: the concept of the exhibition has been developed, the first exhibits have been collected, work has begun on recording oral history testimonies and creating information stands.

How to get involved

We invite historians, museum professionals, volunteers, partners and sponsors who want to support the important mission of preserving historical memory to cooperate. 

Contact: centersustainableinitiatives@gmail.com