On December 25, during the annual interfaith ceremony of lighting the first Hanukkah candle, Rosa Tapanova, Director of the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, was honored with a award from the Presidium of the Kyiv City Jewish Community and the All-Ukrainian Charitable Fund “To You”.

The award recognizes significant contributions to preserving historical memory. This honor extends to the entire Babyn Yar team, which works tirelessly to safeguard the legacy of the past while upholding humanity and justice.

The event, held at the Museum of Kyiv, gathered notable attendees, including Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky, Austrian Ambassador Arad Benkö, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy Tim Prange, Deputy Ambassador of Canada, Head of Nativ in Ukraine Mark Dovev, Father Vitaliy Danchak, representatives of Jewish communities, clergy, military personnel, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The ceremony began with expressions of gratitude to Ukraine’s military, followed by the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle by Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman, together with diplomats and representatives of various religious denominations, as a prayer for Ukraine’s victory.

This year’s ceremony uniquely combined the light of the Hanukkah candle with Christmas and a shared belief in the triumph of good over evil. The remarks of diplomats and spiritual leaders underscored that each of us can be a beacon of light to dispel the darkness.

The award presented to Rosa Tapanova is a profound acknowledgment of the Babyn Yar Memorial’s mission. It serves as a reminder that the memory of past tragedies can inspire the creation of a brighter and more hopeful future.

The event was organized in partnership with the Museum of Kyiv, the Kyiv City Jewish Community, and the All-Ukrainian Charitable Fund “To You”.