Historic Memorial Ceremony at Babi Yar for Righteous Among the Nations from Ukraine
[61208] Historic Memorial Ceremony at Babi Yar for Righteous Among the Nations from Ukraine
A large-scale ceremony was held at Babi Yar to honor Ukrainian citizens who saved Jews during the Holocaust, in the presence of leaders and diplomats.
Memorial Ceremony for the Righteous Among the Nations at Babi Yar
On May 14, 2026, a central ceremony was held at Babi Yar to honor the deeds of the Righteous Among the Nations from Ukraine, who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The event took place in the presence of government officials, diplomats, and religious leaders.
Carmel News reported that the event was organized in partnership with the charity foundation "Zarady Tebe" (For You). Yulia Goldenberg, the director of the foundation, called for learning from the actions of the rescuers: "We remember them all — those who hid [Jews] throughout the years of occupation, and those who offered a cup of water. They saved despite the fear" according to Carmel News. Goldenberg emphasized the importance of ensuring historical justice and remembering the rescuers, whom the foundation and the Jewish community in Kyiv support on an ongoing basis.
Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, participated in an interfaith prayer for peace in Ukraine. Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Olena Kovalska, noted that the memory of the rescuers strengthens society in dealing with contemporary evil: "The heroes of the war in the past and the heroes of the war today are our 'one hundred percent good'" according to Carmel News.
The event was also attended by authorized representatives from the international community. Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine, Mila Tsur, noted that the Righteous Among the Nations chose morality even in dark times. Conversely, Selina Hübner, First Secretary of the German Embassy, emphasized that memory is essential for the future. Hadashot 360 noted that Ukraine is ranked fourth in the world in the number of Righteous Among the Nations, with 2,713 official recognitions by Yad Vashem, although it is estimated that the actual number is much higher.