Selected text
It’s hard to say whether it’s good or bad that the Soviet Union collapsed. I’ve never been interested in politics. Politics is such a dirty thing. It’s terrible! I think Estonians are happy to have gained independence [22]. However, I often recall our life in the Soviet Union with yearning. I was young; I had my mother, my friends and the job I liked. My salary was sufficient for my mother and me to live on, though I didn’t earn much. We had no problems. There were many good things in our Soviet life. During perestroika [23], and nowadays they write so much about all the bad things the communists did in the Soviet Union, but these people sincerely believed that they did things for the wealth of their country. I think these memories are no good. This is the past, and why disturb people’s minds with the past.
Well, many things have changed, but I can’t say that all changes are for the better. Anti-Semitism in our country is still alive. I can’t say that all Estonians are anti-Semites. There are different people and different attitudes towards Jews, but anti-Semitism has always been there. People always found something to blame the Jews for. This is how it has been and how it is. However, there are many decent people. It’s not only true for Estonia, but for other parts of the world as well.
The Jewish community supports me. Life of a lonely and unhealthy woman isn’t easy. The community makes my life easier. A social worker visits me to clean my apartment and buy food products. I have no luxuries, but I don’t starve. I have everything I need. Another day passes, and I’m grateful for it. I don’t understand those who demand benefits from the community. They do all they can for us, and I appreciate it. The community started providing assistance to us a few years ago, when my mother fell ill, and I received no pension. At that time the community really supported us well.
My school friend Tsylia, Laud in her marriage, started working in the community from the day it was established. Tsylia was still working at a library, and after work she volunteered for the community. They created a database and delivered food packages to the needy. Then Tsylia organized WIZO [24], a women’s organization and after some time she became the head of the community. Our community has gained the strength and capacity to provide support to us. They don’t only provide material assistance, but also give people the opportunity to communicate. The community celebrates all Jewish holidays. There are various sections and clubs. There are young and old people in the community.
I used to visit the community some time ago. It’s my fault that I withdrew from the life of the community. When my mother was ill and after she died I didn’t feel like going anywhere. Now it’s hard to force myself to go there, and each time I find an excuse not to go there. I just have no interest in life. However, I hope this will pass. I can already enjoy a nice book, music and just a kind word. I want to get back to life, and I hope this will happen.
Well, many things have changed, but I can’t say that all changes are for the better. Anti-Semitism in our country is still alive. I can’t say that all Estonians are anti-Semites. There are different people and different attitudes towards Jews, but anti-Semitism has always been there. People always found something to blame the Jews for. This is how it has been and how it is. However, there are many decent people. It’s not only true for Estonia, but for other parts of the world as well.
The Jewish community supports me. Life of a lonely and unhealthy woman isn’t easy. The community makes my life easier. A social worker visits me to clean my apartment and buy food products. I have no luxuries, but I don’t starve. I have everything I need. Another day passes, and I’m grateful for it. I don’t understand those who demand benefits from the community. They do all they can for us, and I appreciate it. The community started providing assistance to us a few years ago, when my mother fell ill, and I received no pension. At that time the community really supported us well.
My school friend Tsylia, Laud in her marriage, started working in the community from the day it was established. Tsylia was still working at a library, and after work she volunteered for the community. They created a database and delivered food packages to the needy. Then Tsylia organized WIZO [24], a women’s organization and after some time she became the head of the community. Our community has gained the strength and capacity to provide support to us. They don’t only provide material assistance, but also give people the opportunity to communicate. The community celebrates all Jewish holidays. There are various sections and clubs. There are young and old people in the community.
I used to visit the community some time ago. It’s my fault that I withdrew from the life of the community. When my mother was ill and after she died I didn’t feel like going anywhere. Now it’s hard to force myself to go there, and each time I find an excuse not to go there. I just have no interest in life. However, I hope this will pass. I can already enjoy a nice book, music and just a kind word. I want to get back to life, and I hope this will happen.
Period
Location
Talinn
Estonia
Interview
Edith Umova