Jewish-Uzbek historical archives open up to the public

During WWII, Uzbekistan became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, etc. Jewish refugees established a thriving cultural life there, including Yiddish theater.

EJP is fully supporting the decision of Uzbekistan to promote archival cooperation with Israel. Uzbekistan is now officially researching and documenting the history of its Jewish community, which has existed in the central Asian nation since the region was crushed by the hooves of Genghis Khan’s horses.

This also includes hundreds of thousands of Jews who managed to escape the chains of Germany’s Panzer tanks. When the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan hosted Jews and many others fleeing the Germans.

Now the republic is welcoming the public to step into the official Uzbek archives and view the history of its Jewish community for themselves.The Central State Archive of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been instructed to make information about the lives of Jews during World War II and before available to the public. The archive is also currently in the process of signing an agreement with the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People in Jerusalem, and soon afterward also with Yad Vashem. 

(photo credit: UZBEKISTAN FOREIGN MINISTRY)