“Not Jewish Enough, Not Ukrainian Enough”:  Sense of Belonging of Members in the Jewish-Ukrainian Diaspora in Hannover

This paper explores the perceptions and experiences of belonging among members of the Jewish-Ukrainian diasporic community in Hannover. Using a qualitative methodology, seven interviews were conducted with participants across different age groups, and the data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Through the study, several key themes were identified, such as the context of Jewish identity in Soviet Ukraine and Germany, as well as the role of Hannover in shaping the community's sense of belonging. That includes the influence of the local Jewish community (“Gemeinde”), Russian-language institutions, and the dynamic changes within the city due to the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the emergence of Ukrainian cultural events. The findings highlight the multi-layered nature of belonging, influenced not only by top-down politics of belonging and cultural institutions, but also by language, and sensory experiences such as music. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of...Show moreThis paper explores the perceptions and experiences of belonging among members of the Jewish-Ukrainian diasporic community in Hannover. Using a qualitative methodology, seven interviews were conducted with participants across different age groups, and the data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Through the study, several key themes were identified, such as the context of Jewish identity in Soviet Ukraine and Germany, as well as the role of Hannover in shaping the community's sense of belonging. That includes the influence of the local Jewish community (“Gemeinde”), Russian-language institutions, and the dynamic changes within the city due to the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the emergence of Ukrainian cultural events. The findings highlight the multi-layered nature of belonging, influenced not only by top-down politics of belonging and cultural institutions, but also by language, and sensory experiences such as music. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how diasporic belongings are navigated and maintained within urban settings.Show less

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“Not Jewish Enough, Not Ukrainian Enough”: Sense of Belonging of Members in the Jewish-Ukrainian Diaspora in Hannover