Interview with Oleh Kozerod, Researcher at the Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Correspondent: We know you as a researcher of the Jewish history of Ukraine and of contemporary Jewish life in Europe. Could you tell us a little about the state of Jewish studies in Europe and its prospects?
K.: Jewish studies are going through a difficult period. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer students are choosing this field as a specialisation, and there are relatively few universities in the EU that can boast major schools dedicated to the study of Jewish history and culture.
The current situation was highlighted by the European Commission’s attempt to establish a research hub for Jewish studies. Unfortunately, in the end, the initiative merely brought together the efforts of specialists who were already working on these issues across Europe.
Correspondent: What are the main centres for studying contemporary issues affecting Jewish life in Europe that you would identify?
K.: These are undoubtedly the Centre for the Study of Jewish Policy in London and the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at our Institute. There are, of course, well-known centres specialising in Hebrew and Jewish studies, including those in Oxford, Gothenburg, Heidelberg, Berlin and other European cities.
Correspondent: Tell us about the situation regarding antisemitism in contemporary Ukraine.
K.: Unfortunately, the overall level of antisemitism present on the internet and social media is increasing. On the other hand, antisemitism and interethnic relations have not become major public problems. Such problems include corruption, low salaries for military personnel, and for members of the academic and creative communities. This indicates that Ukraine has a strong culture of interethnic relations, which has not changed despite the war and the severe challenges the country has faced.
Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine are not experiencing any pressure during the war with Russia. Could you imagine this, for example, happening to Germans in various countries during the Second World War?
Correspondent: How do you assess the EU’s current policy towards Jewish communities?
K.: We have the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, but its implementation has been far too slow. Instead of being at the stage of implementing its policy provisions, we are still at the stage of creating a network of experts who will develop these provisions. This cannot but be disappointing.
Correspondent: Will Ukrainian experts be able to contribute to shaping the EU’s “Jewish policy”?
K.: Absolutely. There are more than a dozen young and rapidly developing specialists in Ukraine who could make an effective contribution to this process. I very much hope that, during Ukraine’s integration into the EU, this will become a reality.
