Community members are invited to visit a photo exhibition titled, “Kyiv, the Unbreakable Heart of Europe” in the Zima Room at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library and Cultural Centre until Dec. 8.
In partnership with the Ukrainian Community of Bradford and IOUC Fourth Wave, the BWG Library is showcasing the exhibition which has travelled around the world, from Austria to Germany, the U.K., and cities in Canada.
The display was recently at Toronto City Hall and in Hamilton before making its way to Bradford.
The exhibition showcases iconic photographs by Ukrainian and foreign photographers, depicting a year in the life of Ukrainians in Ukraine.
Organizers say the photos serve as a vivid representation of the heroism, suffering, hope and victories of the Ukrainian people.
“This exhibition illustrates the impact of war on Ukrainians and their resilience in the face of adversity. We as Canadian-Ukrainians wanted to show our Bradford community that the war is still going on and that Ukraine is still fighting,” said Oksana Kobzar, one of the leads of the resident-led Ukrainian Community of Bradford, which meets monthly at the BWG Library.
“Ukraine is paying such a high price for our independence and freedom,” Kobzar said.
A free opening reception of the exhibition was held Saturday afternoon.
It was significant to have the opening reception held on Saturday, Nov. 25, as it was the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor.
A display of items including a vase of wheat, beaded jewellery, embroidery, and a candle was set up in the Zima Room to commemorate and recognize this moment in history.
The Holodomor, a term meaning "death by hunger," stands as a harrowing chapter in history, representing a man-made famine inflicted upon the Ukrainian people from 1932 to 1933.
Orchestrated by the Soviet government under Joseph Stalin, this tragic event resulted in the mass starvation and death of millions, as agricultural policies and forced collectivization led to the deprivation of food.
The Holodomor remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of political ideologies and the devastating impact of authoritarian regimes, organizers say.
Honouring the memory of those who suffered, it serves as a sombre testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and a call to never forget the profound consequences of unchecked power on the lives of innocent civilians.
“We gather in our community in honour of the millions of victims of the Holodomor,” Kobzar said.
“We want to bring the message to Bradford and the Bradford area….to realize that this is their real stories, and the war is still happening. Keep Ukraine in your hearts. Pray and the victory will be soon.”
