Zinoviy Rukinglaz with his wife Gitl Rukinglaz

I, Zinoviy Rukinglaz, with my wife Gitl, photographed with the bouquet of flowers from our friends on our golden wedding, Kherson, 1997.

My wife and I have lived a very good life loving each other. Gitl retired at the age of 55. I worked until 1990. In 1990 I had flu and it resulted in heart problems. I had to quit work and I am often ill now. In 1988 the Jewish life progressed in our town and I began to take part in it. A Yiddish school was established. Professor Modiyevskiy and Professor Ruzberg taught it. There were about 30 Jewish activists and we wrote a request to the town executive committee for the return of the synagogue to Jews. We also arranged a meeting in from of the town administration. The synagogue was returned in 1988. It housed a mental clinic before. The Jews of Kherson collected money for its repair. I installed the whole electrical part. The synagogue opened in 1989. I attend the synagogue to pray and study in the yeshivah. I often ask myself why we didn't move to Israel, when we were young, but I can find no answer. I was probably too busy having two jobs and didn't have time to think of changing my life. I feel sorry about it now. I've always sympathized with Israel and their struggle. I am very happy that at least my grandchildren will live in their Jewish country.

In 1997 Gitl and I celebrated our golden wedding in a restaurant. Our grandchildren arrived from Israel and our relatives came to see us. We were happy. In 2001 Gitl visited Israel. She was eager to see her brother Ziama and the grandchildren. On the 10th day of her visit she had severe liver pain and she had to go to bed. When she returned to Kherson and went to hospital it turned out that she had liver cancer. On 12 October 2001 my Gitl died. I've been often ill since then. I had a 3rd heart attack recently. I socialize with old people like myself who go to the synagogue. I also attend the Day center in Hesed once a week. It means a lot to me: it means, people have interest in me. I am very grateful for their support. I don't think I would survive without their care, medications and food supplies.