Narrator: Boris Sapiro

Date: 07/06/2020

Location: Over the phone in Ithaca, New York

Summary: Boris shares his experience as an irreligious Jew in Ukraine, discriminated against for his background, choosing with his family to begin observing Jewish holidays to gather without threats. He explains his resettlement in the U.S. as a result of difficulty finding employment as a Jew in Ukraine, happy to join his daughter’s family in America.

Topics: Discimination, Family, Employment, Religious Practice

Outline

Section 1: (01:03)

• Moving to the United States - Mr. Sapiro discusses when he decided to come to the US and what that was like for him

Section 2: (02:28)

• The Role of Religion - Mr. Sapiro did not practice any religion but it was still a difficult time for him while in Ukraine. Jews were not allowed to go to synagogues and Mr. Sapiro lived in occupied territory.

Section 3: (05:24)

• Life in Ukraine - Due to discrimination against Jewish people lead by facist movements, Mr. Sapiro had a difficult childhood in occupied territory. When he was older, he became a military man.

Section 4: (06:19)

• The Meaning of Home - Mr. Sapiro states that home is “the basis of family” and started his own in 1960. He is very happy with his family.

Section 5: (07:14)

• Resettlement in the US - Mr. Sapiro and his family resettled after they were retired in Philadelphia and received help from New World Association with their transition.

Section 6: (08:30)

• Experiences in the Military - Mr. Sapiro was a mechanic for the military aviation but was never promoted due to his Jewish background.

Section 7: (9:45)

• Religion in His Present Day Life- Despite not being religious, Mr. Sapiro and his family began to observe Jewish holidays in order to have the opportunity to gather with family without any threats.

Section 8: (10:40)

• Motivation to Move to the US- Mr. Sapiro moved to the US because his daughter was already there but also because the situation for Jews in Ukraine was worsening and it was difficult to find work as a Jew.

Section 9: (12:58)

• Experience in the US- Mr. Sapiro expresses that he is very happy in America and that his family was welcomed. His experience is that his family, from his children to his great-grandchildren, is with him in America.