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World Jewish News
Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine confessed his love to Sholom Aleichem in Yiddish
05.03.2009
In Kiev, a celebration was held on the occasion of the 150-th anniversary of the birth of a classic of Jewish Yiddish literature Sholom Aleichem (Solomon Rabinovich).
By that date, a commemorative coin, stamp and envelope were issued, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine announced the establishment of a special prize, and in Kiev, though a former architectural monument where the writer had lived had been demolished, but a museum was opened in another building, in which the writer had not lived, but which stands on the spot of the house where Sholom Aleichem did live.
"In Kiev there are a lot of places where Sholom Aleichem lived," says the well-known historian and expert on Jewish history of Ukraine Vitaly Nahmanovich.
"The writer did not have his own house, and he rented apartments in the tenement houses. These homes are being demolished, some sooner, others later, but several houses have been preserved. One house was demolished just a few days ago, and the museum received a little space in the 'Arena City' complex, built
on the site of a historic quarter near Besarabsky market".
At the opening ceremony, the representatives of various Jewish institutions, the Ambassador of Israel in Ukraine, and representatives of authorities both of Kiev and Ukraine were present. The most prominent figure among participating was Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine on Humanitarian Affairs, Ivan Vasiunyk, who said a lot of warm words about the writer, and stressed that his love to Ukraine was mutual.
Ukrainian mass media covered the event rather sparingly, and did not assign it much value, although some were surprised at the statement of the representative of Kiev administration, who said that 2 million UAH had been allocated into the museum.
"This is, to put it mildly, not true," claims Vitaly Nahmanovich. "I do not know how much was spent on repairs, but the exposition did not get any funding. It is based on the exhibits from the Museum of Kyiv History store: furniture, household items, Jewish attributes which have nothing to do with Sholom Aleichem. Besides, a few known photographs, lists of good graphics that illustrate his books - that's really all."
Many people emphasize the formality and haste of all activities dedicated to the anniversary. It seems they were aimed at delivering the reports on time. This impression is increased by the contrast between the scarcity and provincialism of Sholom Aleichem museum and thoughtful splendor, located in the same building, "Pinchuk Art Center", the best museum and gallery of contemporary art in Ukraine.
This not so pleasant impression was somewhat offset by a magnificent speech presented by the Vice-Prime Minister of Ukraine on Humanitarian Affairs Ivan Vasiunyk commemorative literary and artistic event, which took place in I.Franko National Theatre and had a symbolic name - "Sholom Aleichem and Ukraine."
The full speech can be read here: http://eajc.org/anons_gen_e.php?id=356
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