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In the 1970s many Jews were leaving for Israel. When I heard about the first emigrants I thought they were traitors. I couldn't understand why they were leaving. My friend moved there. Before she left we had a conversation. I didn't call her a 'traitor' but she knew what I thought. I told her that I couldn't understand how she could leave her motherland for a strange country hoping to acquire a new motherland. I said that there was only one motherland. I was a class tutor at my school and a boy from my class also left. We condemned him at a class meeting. Later I changed my opinion about Israel and the people that wanted to live there and build their own country. However, it isn't an option for me - I was born here and will die in my country.
In 1994 I got an invitation to Israel from my friends. It's a very interesting country. We traveled to the Dead Sea, and I saw sand dunes on the way. I was in 13 towns and saw a lot. I have many friends in Israel, and they were all happy to see me. Someone I cared for a lot left for Israel two years ago. He calls me every second day. I watch the situation in Israel very closely. I'm very concerned about my friends. But I'm very attached to my land and cannot imagine myself living anywhere else.
I don't know any Jewish traditions and that can't be changed. I'm an atheist and a cosmopolite. I share the joys and sorrows of the people around me.
I retired in the early 1990s. I got in touch with the Jewish Fund in Chernovtsy and began to conduct 'Friday meetings' for aging people. We arrange lectures on art and literature for them. I've been with this club for over ten years. Later we organized 'Sittings' for old people, especially lonely people. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to get together with friends for a cup of tea and a nice chat. I'm also a member of the board at Hesed. I am also Chairman of the Social Commission. I have many friends at Hesed. I'm happy to be with my people.
In 1994 I got an invitation to Israel from my friends. It's a very interesting country. We traveled to the Dead Sea, and I saw sand dunes on the way. I was in 13 towns and saw a lot. I have many friends in Israel, and they were all happy to see me. Someone I cared for a lot left for Israel two years ago. He calls me every second day. I watch the situation in Israel very closely. I'm very concerned about my friends. But I'm very attached to my land and cannot imagine myself living anywhere else.
I don't know any Jewish traditions and that can't be changed. I'm an atheist and a cosmopolite. I share the joys and sorrows of the people around me.
I retired in the early 1990s. I got in touch with the Jewish Fund in Chernovtsy and began to conduct 'Friday meetings' for aging people. We arrange lectures on art and literature for them. I've been with this club for over ten years. Later we organized 'Sittings' for old people, especially lonely people. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to get together with friends for a cup of tea and a nice chat. I'm also a member of the board at Hesed. I am also Chairman of the Social Commission. I have many friends at Hesed. I'm happy to be with my people.
Location
Ukraine
Interview
izolda rubinshtein