The museum is dedicated to the study of genocides of different peoples. It features stands highlighting the tragedies of the Holodomor, the deportation of Crimean Tatars, the Holocaust of Jews and Roma, the Armenian genocide, and Russia’s current crimes against Ukrainians. Its main goal is to arouse interest in the study of history, to understand how and why mass killings of people based on their belonging to a particular group became possible, and to explore the methods by which these crimes were committed.
“We donated unique exhibits from the time of the German-Romanian occupation of Odesa to the museum. Orders, leaflets, etc. I believe that they will take a worthy place and will help to tell visitors about those inhuman times of the Holocaust, the times of persecution and extermination of Jews,” said Mykola Kutsak, a member of the Alliance’s board.
The opening of this museum became possible thanks to the efforts of Pavlo Kozlenko and close cooperation with local and international cultural organizations. The museum’s organizers collected photographs and unique objects all over the world, buying lots at global auctions, which then became exhibits. Among the exhibits are the uniforms of German soldiers who shot Jews, the clothes of Ukrainians who died during the Holodomor, and much more.
“During the Romanian occupation of Odesa, at least a quarter of a million Odesa Jews were killed by shooting, burning alive, and hanging. And yet people continue to emphasize that during the Romanian occupation there was a comfortable, peaceful life. I propose to study the documents that describe in detail how people were hanged by rubber cords and to imagine how they were beaten with the whip that is on display,” said Yuriy Maslov, head of the Alliance.
The organizers plan to make the museum a hub for students and educators. “This museum once again reminds us that we must not forget our own history. Genocide is a terrible crime against humanity that has no statute of limitations.
