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When perestroika began in the late 1980s, I didn’t have faith in this promise of a better life. I’ve always been far from politics. I’ve taken interest in books, museums and theaters rather than newspapers and news programs on television. However, life was changing. Many things became more transparent, and there was freedom of press and speech. There were books published that hadn’t been allowed before. We were allowed to travel abroad and invite friends from abroad. I wish this had happened earlier. In my age I didn’t feel like traveling somewhere far away, but younger people could enjoy this opportunity. I remember how much I liked traveling, when I was young. I felt sorry for young people in the Soviet country. They didn’t have these opportunities to see the world. However, perestroika didn’t progress as it should have. Life became more and more costly. Perestroika ended up in the breakup of the Soviet Union [1991]. I wouldn’t say I feel sorry for it. I think that every country or former republic is entitled to have independence and do the best for their people. I want all the people to have a good life. May there be peace everywhere. Peace is very important. It’s good that Estonia became independent [see Reestablishment of the Estonian Republic] [31]. I know that it takes time to improve things in the country that had lived a long period under a different rule without having the right to make its own decisions. It will take years to regain everything we were deprived of in 1940. However, our government does a lot, and its efforts are evident. I hope everybody understands that they have to make their contribution for the good of the country rather than criticize and watch from aside.
During perestroika a Jewish community [32] was officially established in Estonia. Regretfully, I can’t take an active part in the community life, but I know what is going on and watch the Jewish life in our country. Of course, not everything is smooth. When something goes wrong with the policy, they need to distract people’s attention from their failures, and then there are anti-Jewish demonstrations in mass media and on the radio. I don’t like this. It’s good that the community responds to this adequately. In some cases, the community has sued people for anti-Semitic demonstrations, and won. I like Zilia Laud, the chairman of our community. She is a very nice lady and a wonderful manager. She ensures that the older Jews have sufficient food, medications, care and assistance. The community also pays much attention to children and teenagers, and this is a very important aspect. They ensure that they know they are Jews, Jewish culture, religion and traditions. There is also a singing and dance studio, a computer class and a language studio where children can study English, Yiddish and Hebrew. Jews have always wanted to study, and our community helps them.
During perestroika a Jewish community [32] was officially established in Estonia. Regretfully, I can’t take an active part in the community life, but I know what is going on and watch the Jewish life in our country. Of course, not everything is smooth. When something goes wrong with the policy, they need to distract people’s attention from their failures, and then there are anti-Jewish demonstrations in mass media and on the radio. I don’t like this. It’s good that the community responds to this adequately. In some cases, the community has sued people for anti-Semitic demonstrations, and won. I like Zilia Laud, the chairman of our community. She is a very nice lady and a wonderful manager. She ensures that the older Jews have sufficient food, medications, care and assistance. The community also pays much attention to children and teenagers, and this is a very important aspect. They ensure that they know they are Jews, Jewish culture, religion and traditions. There is also a singing and dance studio, a computer class and a language studio where children can study English, Yiddish and Hebrew. Jews have always wanted to study, and our community helps them.
Period
Location
Talinn
Estonia
Interview
Maria Sorkina