Chernovtsy (Ukrainian Chernivtsy, German Czernowitz) is a regional center in Western Ukraine, along with Lviv is considered to be cultural center of Western Ukraine. The city has a rich history, architecture and cultural background (in different periods it was part of Turkish Empire, Austrian-Hungarian Empire and Romania, the city is called ‘little Vienna” or “European Alexandria” because of its rich cultural and historic backgrounds), and very multi-national community.

One of the biggest ethnic groups is Jewish, and before 2nd World War the Jewish minority was playing an important part in the life of the city. One of the traces left by Jews is a large cemetery from 19th – first half of 20th century (6.5 hectares), which has many tomb stones made by famous artists. During Nazi-occupation, however, large numbers of the Jewish population was either murdered or deported to concentration camps, and those who survived the war mostly emigrated to Israel, Australia or the US.

In the meantime the cemetery has been bady neglected & is overgrown with weeds & nettles. Together with local NGOs & school children, the PMT of SVIT-Ukraine has now initiated a long-term project to restore the cemetery. The first international workcamp is planned to take place from 7-21st August this year. Further activities are planned e.g. a round-table as well as other local actions.

In order to provide food & organise a study program for the volunteers of the first workcamp, SVIT needs still to raise around 1000 dollars. The study program aims to inform Ukrainian local people & foreign volunteers about the history & culture of the Jewish community and also warn of the dangers of increasing Anti-Semitism in the Ukraine today. 

We therefore kindly ask for your help to make this project possible. 

The bank details for any donations within Germany are as follows:

SCI Deutscher Zweig e.V.
Sparkasse Bonn
BLZ: 370 501 98 
Konto: 9600941

Alternatively, for those wishing to transfer money to our account from abroad:

Sparkasse KölnBonn
IBAN: DE62 3705 0198 0009600941
SWIFT: COLSDE33

Thank you in advance for your generosity!
John Myers SCI D
Julia Myasyshcheva SVIT Ukraine