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There was a famine and epidemic of typhoid in 1921. We were ill, but survived. This same year we moved to the village of Berezovka, Baltski district, for a short period of time. Probably, our father had a job there. We observed Jewish traditions. We spoke Yiddish with our father, but we communicated in Russian between ourselves and with friends.
I was helping my father. We made doors, window frames and repaired windows and doors. Dodik didn’t quite like what we were doing and he went to work at a farming guild. Many young Jews were attracted by communist ideas and he joined the Komsomol 11 in 1922. I also submitted my application following my brother’s example, but I had to wait for half a year until I turned 14. I gave up Jewish traditions after I joined the Komsomol.
I was helping my father. We made doors, window frames and repaired windows and doors. Dodik didn’t quite like what we were doing and he went to work at a farming guild. Many young Jews were attracted by communist ideas and he joined the Komsomol 11 in 1922. I also submitted my application following my brother’s example, but I had to wait for half a year until I turned 14. I gave up Jewish traditions after I joined the Komsomol.
Location
Ukraine
Interview
Isaac Klinger