Pilgrimage of Remembrance and Repentance — August 2024

In August 2024, we organized the first Pilgrimage of Remembrance and Repentance — a symbolic gesture of deep respect for the victims of the Holocaust, a pursuit of historical truth, and a commitment to intercultural dialogue. During the journey, we visited six cities across three countries, with a special focus on Kamianets-Podilskyi — the site of a mass execution where, in 1941, over 23,000 Jews from various European countries were murdered.

Our international team consisted of more than 30 participants from 8 countries, united by a shared purpose: to honor memory, express repentance, and strengthen international connections. The pilgrimage carried a profound spiritual message and was marked by prayer, remembrance ceremonies, and meetings with local communities.

The route included:

• Šahy (Slovakia) – the starting point of our journey;

• Budapest (Hungary) – a city with a tragic legacy of Jewish history;

• Uzhhorod, Kolomyia, Zabolotiv, and Kamianets-Podilskyi (Ukraine) – each holding unique chapters of Jewish life and suffering in their historical memory.

Throughout the pilgrimage, we closely collaborated with local authorities, historians, Jewish communities, and spiritual leaders to organize public memorial events, honor the victims, and discuss the importance of preserving historical truth and fostering a culture of responsibility.

This pilgrimage was the first — but not the last. We believe that such initiatives contribute to deeper understanding between nations, shape a new approach to remembrance, and help cultivate a responsible, tolerant society.

Šahy – Slovakia

Budapest – Hungary

Uzhhorod

Kolomyia

Zabolotiv

Kamianets-Podilskyi