This year, as the global Ukrainian community marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, Razom for Ukraine, has joined with Holodomor90, “an anti-genocide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and commemorating” the man-made famine that killed an untold number of Ukrainians from 1932-1933.
Holodomor is the Ukrainian word for “death by hunger”. Millions of Ukrainians are estimated to have perished this way as a result of Soviet forced, agricultural collectivization policies endorsed and executed by the dictator Josef Stalin, intended to slowly and systematically starve people and eradicate a nation.
Alongside a host of other mission-aligned partners based in North America, we are working on the stated objectives of raising awareness about this historical trauma so as to never forget, paying tribute to the victims and calling for official designation of the Holodomor as a genocide.
The Holodomor90 campaign culminates on Holodomor Memorial Day (the annual day of remembrance, every fourth Friday in November). This year, on November 25th, activists and allies alike are urged to light candles – an action known as запали свічку – in memory of the victims.
Here is how you, dear Razom supporter, can participate:
Sign the Petition for U.S. Genocide Designation
A petition on Change.org has been launched urging U.S. President Biden to issue a proclamation declaring the Holodomor a genocide. The goal is to obtain at least 25,000 signatures by Holodomor Memorial Day 2023. It would be a historic first for a U.S. president to bestow such a designation.
Mykola Murskyj, Razom’s Director of Advocacy said, “As Ukraine faces aggression from the Kremlin once again, it is paramount that the United States officially acknowledges that the Holodomor was a genocide. This historical recognition is an essential step in preventing such atrocities from happening in the future.”
Write a Blog
The Holodomor90 campaign invites writers of various disciplines and perspectives to contribute to the Holodomor literary space by submitting blog posts. Areas of expertise include: Survivor Stories, Historical Analysis, Research Insights, Artistic Expression, Holodomor Educational Resources, Reflections and Commentary.
#ShineALight
The #ShineALight campaign encourages individuals and groups to post “selfie” images or videos to their social media during the month of November. In these videos, participants can share their thoughts on why it is important to recognize the Holodomor as a genocide and express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Purchase a Holodomor Sunflower Candle
The Sunflower Holodomor candle, created by Razom’s generous corporate partner Door County Candle Co., is now available on its website www.doorcountycandle.com.The candle comes in a 16 oz. jar and features a sunflower yellow wax with a vanilla scent. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity with those who suffered and 100% of the profits from the candle will be donated to Razom for Ukraine
Hold or Join a Candlelight Vigil
On Saturday, November 25, 2023, candlelight vigils will be held worldwide to honor the victims of the Holodomor. Joining a vigil near you is a meaningful way to pay tribute to those who perished and to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community.
Inspire the Future!
By participating in the #ShineALight movement, attending candlelight vigils, and supporting other Holodomor awareness initiatives, we can collectively honor the memory of those lost during the Holodomor and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Together, we can illuminate this dark chapter in history and inspire a brighter future for Ukraine.
