UWC’s Holodomor Descendants Network calls on respondents to take Holodomor survey

CHICAGO – A Ukrainian Canadian psychologist with whom the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has partnered is seeking respondents for research on the impact that the Holodomor has had on survivors – and not only – in the United States.

In doing so, Brent Bezo, an instructor and PhD candidate at Carleton University in Ottawa (Canada), has partnered with the UWC’s Holodomor Descendants Network that is chaired by Olya Soroka. 

Respondents aged 18 years and older comprise the sample size for the online survey.  

The purpose of the multi-generational study up to the grandchildren of survivors, is to better understand how the genocidal, man-made famine is perceived by the tragedy’s descendants and how it has affected their lives, families and communities. Another goal; is to ascertain the strengths and resilient characteristics exhibited by the descendants. 

The research team emphasized that participants do not have to be a descendant to take part in a control group.

“The findings from this survey may help Holodomor descendants recognize intergenerational trauma responses in themselves that they may not have realized were due to their family history,” said Olya Soroka, Global Chair of the UWC’s Holodomor Descendants Network (HDN). 

She continued: “Our organization supports Mr. Bezo’s efforts to shed light on this important topic.” 

The Ukrainian Canadian psychologist’s previous research into the intergenerational impacts of the Holodomor has found that trauma effects have been found in at least two generations of descendants of the tragedy’s survivors.

HDN support of the sociological study sheds light on the uniquely searing experience for those who have survived the Holodomor famine-genocide. Most notably, research on its long-term psychological, physiological and attitudinal effects has been lacking thus far. 

It is the first of this kind in the U.S. 

The HDN has had a working relationship with Bezo since 2022. He studies intergenerational trauma using quantitative methods.  His findings have been published in various academic journals and cited in the USA Today newspaper, Canada’s Globe and Mail, and other mainstream media outlets. 

His research has also been incorporated into school curricula in parts of Canada. His previous research subjects have been Ukrainian-Canadians and Ukrainians residing in Ukraine. This is the first study focused on Ukrainian Americans.

Soroka added that the survey is anonymous, and respondents are not asked to provide any personally identifying information. The results will be published aggregately in a scientific journal.  Upon publication the material will be shared with participants and be available on the HDN’s social media pages as a key objective to raise awareness among Holodomor descendants and the public in general. 

Additionally, the HDN will host a webinar with Bezo in 2025 when he will present his findings and hold a question-and-answer session with the audience.

To take the survey, please follow this link or visit Holodomor Descendants Network.