Participants

Svetlana Pogodina¹; Maria Kaspina²; Daria Malyuta³; Elina Vasiljeva¹; Svetlana Amosova⁴;  ¹ University of Latvia, Latvia;  ² Independent Researcher, UK;  ³ Sorbonne University, France;  ⁴ Personal capacity, Russian Federation

Discussion

The proposed roundtable delves into the intricate methodological challenges that researchers face when collecting and interpreting oral histories from Jews of the ex-Soviet Union. Our focus extends to case studies spanning diverse Jewish communities, including those within post-Soviet states and those who have embarked on global migrations from the ex-Soviet Union. These individuals have endured profound and enduring traumas, including persecution and the lasting legacies of the Holocaust. We trace how actual war aggression serves as a catalyst, shaping their traumatic memories, and explore the intricate mechanics governing the transformation of memory within the narratives of survivors and ensuing generations. We also examine how ongoing military violence complicates the research process and dissect the phenomenon of re-traumatization within these narratives.

Ultimately, our dynamic dialogue on actionable strategies is designed to craft practical tools and concrete approaches that researchers need to adeptly navigate the intricate complexities of traumatic memory. Our roundtable is dedicated to enriching the exploration of the fields of oral history, memory, and the profound impact of military violence on both personal and collective narratives.