In the years 1917-1919, it is estimated that more than 240,000 Jews and others were killed in pogroms in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. The pogroms took place in over 1,000 towns and cities in countries that fell within the Pale of Settlement. The events were one of the great horrors of human history.

Felshtin Society members lost more than six hundred ancestors in the events that took place in our town of Felshtin (now Hvardiyske, Ukraine) in 1919. The blood of our forebears beckons us to raise our voices in their memory and the memory of all the lives destroyed, families torn asunder and a culture upended throughout this part of the world at that time and, in recognition of all those lives that continue to be lost in senseless slaughter and oppression today.  We ask all of our many brothers and sisters who are descendants of families touched by these horrors and people of good will everywhere to join us in memorializing those who perished and help us to shine a light on this horror of human history.  Our goal is to have one candle lit for every person that was lost.  We will announce the results of our efforts on April 14, 2019 at the Felshtin Centennial Memorial Reunion to be held at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. Please join us by letting us know that you will light a candle to honor those who perished.