Odesa resident and Holocaust survivor Roman Shvartsman, spoke at Germany’s Bundestag

Roman Shvartsman, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor from Odesa, delivered a speech in the Bundestag, expressing gratitude to Germany for its support of Ukraine against Russian aggression and urging for increased assistance. Speaking in Ukrainian during a special session commemorating National Socialism victims, he highlighted the parallels between Hitler’s attempts to annihilate the Jews during World War II and Putin’s current efforts against Ukrainians.

Shvartsman recounted his harrowing experiences during World War II, including his deportation as a child to a ghetto and witnessing the murder of his brother by Nazis. He contrasted these experiences with the current threats and destruction caused by Russian attacks, including a missile strike on his home in Odesa in December 2024.

He called for Germany’s continued support by providing air defense, aircraft, and long-range missiles to counter Russian military attacks and liberate occupied territories. Shvartsman also emphasized the importance of establishing a memorial in Odessa for the Jewish victims of the October 1941 massacre, a project currently stalled by the ongoing war.

Bundestag President Bärbel Bas acknowledged the challenges posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine. After the session, Shvartsman engaged with young representatives from Germany and neighboring countries as part of a memorial event commemorating the anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation.