The Fellowship’s work in the former Soviet Union brings staff face-to-face with Holocaust survivors. These individuals grew up during World War II and under Soviet rule—a time when being Jewish could lead to discrimination, persecution, and even death. Many hid their faith in fear.
This was the case for Vladimir. As World War II was ending, he and his family were evacuated to Kazakhstan from their home in Russia, though his great-grandmother stayed behind to protect the apartment where they lived. She was murdered by the Nazis when they arrived.
Vladimir and his family never returned to Russia, and even after the war ended, the fear of openly expressing their Jewish identity continued. His family didn’t want him speaking Yiddish, and he couldn’t identify himself as Jewish on government documents. They observed Jewish traditions in secret and never spoke openly about their faith.
He says, “my grandmother said to me, ‘say that we are Russian. Don’t tell that we are Jews.’ Because at that period, it was very dangerous to be a Jew. It was prohibited to get some professions. Many people changed their names, changed everything to show that they are not Jews. During Soviet rule, we couldn’t get together. We were afraid to meet another Jew because they would call it a conspiracy.”
When the Soviet Union collapsed, Vladimir was finally able to embrace his Jewish identity and practice his faith without fear of persecution. He now goes to synagogue, speaks Yiddish at times, and sings Jewish songs. Aid he receives from The Fellowship helped him purchase a phone and internet access so he can attend Torah lectures and services online.
Today, Vladimir lives alone in his small apartment. Age has brought health challenges, and the pension he receives isn’t enough to cover his basic needs. The Fellowship provides him with a bank card so he can purchase food and medicine. But what truly keeps Vladimir going at 80 years old is being around people—whether virtually or in person.
“Loneliness is a threat to my spirit,” Vladimir said. “When I retired, I didn’t know what to do. I need to be around people. Today, the only places where I’m needed are The Fellowship and the synagogue.”