Branches

The idea of bringing together Odesites (and not only Odesites) in Australia under a branch of the World Club of Odesits belongs to Harry Vovk. Learning about Harry's initiative, Mikhail Zhvanetsky described him in his greeting to the Odesa diaspora as a man who "never makes empty promises."

On January 23, 2000, at a gathering of Odesites living in Los Angeles attended by nearly 500 people, a decision was made to establish the Los Angeles Odesa Community Association. The Association's Charter was approved, its Council, Audit Commission, and the editorial board of the community newspaper Odesa Lighthouse were elected. The newspaper's first issue was published in January 2000. In August 2018, after a short pause caused by the passing of the branch's first leader, the renewed association resumed its activities under the leadership of World Club of Odesits member Boris Yudilevich.

On the 229th anniversary of beloved Odesa, the World Club of Odesits is delighted to announce the opening of its New York branch in the United States! Uniting hearts, connecting continents—our mission is to preserve Odesa's heritage. From the very heart of Odesa, where talent is born, across the oceans to the vibrant streets of New York, we have built a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and aspirations. The mission of the New York branch of the World Club of Odesits is simple yet profound: to preserve Odesa's rich heritage, celebrate its legacy as a city of talent, and unite the vibrant Odesa diaspora around the world.

The Odesa Community in New York is a non-profit organization serving the Greater New York area. It brings together Odesites and people from other regions of the former Soviet Union who recognize and support the Association's Charter.

September 18, 2009, marks the founding of the Vancouver Odesa Club. Its members include not only people born in Odesa but also everyone who knows and loves our unique and incomparable city. People may ask me (though certainly not Odesites): "Why is Odesa so unique?" I answer in true Odesa style—with another question: "Does any other city have the world's finest Opera House, the Potemkin Stairs, its own distinctive language, and above all, a World Club dedicated to that city?" The answer is obvious.

The event we had been waiting for so long... For the first time in 5,770 years (since Creation), on Odesa Day, April 1, the Israeli branch of the World Club of Odesits, modestly named "Apogovorit", officially opened its doors.

The geography of the World Club of Odesits continues to expand, and despite the pandemic, the Club's activities remained as active as ever. During the quarantine period, we communicated online even more frequently with our Indian friends, exchanging news and ideas. Later, the Presidential Council of the Club met online and decided to support the establishment of another branch.

The Berlin Odesa Club considers April 10, 2001—the date of its first General Meeting held at the Russian House and dedicated to Odesa Liberation Day—as its founding date. By decision of the World Club of Odesits (Odesa), the Berlin Odesa Club became a collective member of the organization.

The Prague branch of the World Club of Odesits, known as Lanzheron, was founded on October 25, 2007. In a cozy Prague café, people who share a deep love for Odesa came together. The club's main goal is to foster communication among Odesites and with members of other Odesa clubs around the world.

March 28, 2018, marked the creation of the youngest branch of the World Club of Odesits and the Club's first branch in Poland, located in Wrocław. Odesa remains forever in your heart, even if you have visited it only once. Inspired by the role of an ambassador of Odesa's goodwill and supported by the World Club of Odesits, the idea emerged to establish a branch in Wrocław. An initiative group was formed, an application was submitted to the Club, and with the support of the Presidential Council, our branch on the Oder River came into being. We warmly welcome everyone who believes that Odesa has not only left a mark on their soul but will forever remain the greatest city on Earth.

Dear admirers of Odesa! The long-awaited moment has arrived when we can unite through our shared love for this remarkable city. During the Merchant Fleet Day celebration on July 5, 2009, graduates of the Odesa Institute of Marine Engineers unanimously decided to establish the Estonian Odesa Club (EOC). Those familiar with medicine may find the abbreviation amusing, as it is commonly associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Yet, in many ways, our club truly gives new life to the spirit of Odesa in Estonia.

The club has around 30 permanent members. They include native Odesites, people who studied, served, or sailed from Odesa, and simply devoted admirers of the city. Like everyone infected with the "Odesa spirit," they are talented and extraordinary individuals. Among them are musicians, linguists, scientists, engineers, sailors, and professionals from many other fields—as well as poets, writers, and artists.