Irina Lidskaya and her nephew Mikhail Lidskiy

This is me, Irina Lidskaya, and my nephew Mikhail Lidskiy,who lives in Israel, during my trip to Israel in 1994. Misha, my nephew, wanted to study biology and decided to enter Kiev University. But at 16, when he was getting his passport, he had insisted that item 5 say that he was of Jewish nationality. By doing this he lost his opportunity to enter the University. His answers during entrance exams were 'excellent', but the teachers only gave him 'good' grades. He wasn?t admitted. At my brother Yura's advice he agreed to go to the Agricultural Academy to get a degree. By that time Misha had already decided he would move to Israel, but Yura convinced him that it was better to go there with a diploma. Misha studied in the Academy for three years. Then he gave up his studies and submitted his documents for departure to Israel. His parents followed him. This was in 1991. They live in Tel-Aviv. My brother and his wife found jobs at the Tel-Aviv University. Misha has become a journalist and works for Russian language publications. He also became a professional photographer and published a photographic book called 'Israel 2000: Contradictions & Metaphors.' In 1994 I visited my brother in Israel. I found this country amazing. There is history in every stone there. I traveled a lot around the country. I was overwhelmed with impressions. I am proud of the people who could construct beautiful towns in the desert, grow gardens and preserve ancient monuments. This was unforgettable. It is my dream to go to Israel again.