Margaryta Paliy
Stories between Kharkiv and Düsseldorf — about Jewish life, chess, and finding your place.
Seven books with story.one publishing. Readings for congregations, schools, clubs and stages — now booking for 2027.
Foto: Ilja Kagan
A voice between worlds
Margaryta Paliy was born in Kharkiv in 1997, grew up in Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam, and now lives in Düsseldorf. After a bachelor's degree in cultural work (cultural studies and business administration), she completed a master's in Germany and European Studies at the University of Haifa. For six years she helped build the Nevatim programme of the Jewish Agency for Israel — and then led it, encouraging young Jewish adults in Germany and Europe to embark on projects of their own. Along the way came roles with Taglit, Masa and the European Janusz Korczak Academy, internships including at Yad Vashem — and the online community “Instajews”, founded on her own initiative.
In her writing, all of this finds its form. Her seven books to date with story.one publishing tell of searching and of belonging: of the seasons of a life, of encounters that stay, of a chessboard that becomes a school for life — and of Jewish tradition, from Esther to the trilogy around Purim, Chanukah and Passover. In “7 October” she writes about that day and its aftermath. The book is also a clear no to antisemitism.
Margaryta Paliy was a competitive chess player: a multiple state champion, Bundesliga player, and medallist at the 2015 European Maccabi Games. Today she teaches chess — in “Bauernzug ins Unbekannte” she tells what the game knows about life.
“I want to strengthen the Jewish community from within.”Margaryta Paliy in conversation with Jüdische Allgemeine, May 2024
Of searching, belonging — and the game
Of searching, belonging — and the game
Newest first — the current book leads the way.
A reading that moves your audience
Proven, uncomplicated, with real conversation — enquiry in two minutes.
“Der 7. Oktober” — Reading & Conversation
For congregations, education departments, schools (upper grades) and awareness weeks. What happened, what it does to us, how we talk about it — with a preparatory meeting and clear moderation.
Purim · Chanukah · Passover
The “Tresen” trilogy for each Jewish festival — narrative, warm, for congregational evenings and cultural programmes. Ideal ahead of the festivals.
“Bauernzug ins Unbekannte”
A reading plus a chess lesson or simultaneous display — for chess clubs and school clubs. A format that exists only once.
“Lebenswege” & “Selbstreflexion”
For literary circles, bookshops and festivals — quiet, resonant evenings about meaning and life paths.
Reply within 24 hours, Mon–Fri. Weekend enquiries are answered on Mondays.
Already heard, already read
Portrait of the Week
“Mein Weg zum Empowerment” — a major interview on Jewish engagement, chess and writing. To the article →
Stallgasse, Dortmund
“Der 7. Oktober” — reading and conversation as part of the education and action weeks against antisemitism.
Chess at a high level
Medals at the 2015 European Maccabi Games, participant at the 2017 Maccabi Games.
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