Rachil Lemberg with her granddaughter Yekaterina Ganchak

This is a photo of me and my granddaughter Yekaterina Ganchak at my home. This photo was taken in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, in 2002.

My husband died in 1998. Since then I've lived with my daughter and granddaughter. In 1999 Hesed was established in Uzhhorod. It's hard to imagine our life without Hesed now. These people do so much good. I am grateful to all Jews who care about us across the world! They support us a lot. They particularly care about older people and I can feel their care. I receive food packages. They pick my laundry and send a doctor to visit me. They also provide medications. I receive Jewish newspapers for free. They celebrate Jewish holidays and birthdays in Hesed. Unfortunately, I cannot attend these events in Hesed due to my health condition. Other people call me to tell me what's new. Hesed has given me an opportunity to socialize with people. It's very important for me. I've never been religious and I won't become one. This is alien and strange to me, but I am interested in the Jewish history and culture and I read books about this.

Our daughter Yelena studied in a secondary and music schools. She always played the piano at school concerts. She finished school successfully. After finishing school Yelena entered a Music Higher School. Yelena got a job assignment in a distant village after finishing her music school. My husband helped her to get a transfer to Mukachevo near Uzhhorod [650 km from Kiev, 40 km from Uzhhorod]. Yelena worked at a music school there and lived with us in Uzhhorod. It took her about two hours to get to work. Yelena worked there 7 years. In 1981 she met her husband to be Ivan Gonchak, Ukrainian. He courted Yelena very nicely. He was a worker at the plant of non-standard equipment in Uzhhorod. They got married in 1982. When she got pregnant it became difficult for her to commute to Mukachevo every day. She had a problem pregnancy and I was very concerned about her condition. My husband and I found people who helped Yelena to get a transfer to Uzhhorod. In 1985 Yelena and Ivan's daughter Yekaterina was born. Some time later Ivan left Yelena and his daughter for another woman. He only recalls Yekaterina on her birthday, although he lives in Uzhhorod. Yelena lives with me. It's very hard for Yelena to support the family. She teaches in a music school in Uzhhorod. She receives a very low salary and my pension is small. My son supports us. Yelena loves her job. She also spends much time with her daughter. My granddaughter is a 3rd-year student at the Art College. She is very fond of drawing. Next year she is finishing her college. I think the girl needs a father. It's hard for Yelena to raise her.