Part 3 of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 7-15

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryEEKLY Vol. LXXXVIII No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 $2.00 Zelenskyy faces challenges of history Oleh Sentsov: The nail that will not bend and diplomacy in Israel and Poland memoration on such terms and told Israeli media that Mr. Putin was spreading lies to conceal the Soviet Union’s responsibility for the war along with that of Nazi Germany. In this highly tricky situation, Mr. Zelenskyy bided his time and did not con- firm whether he would be going to Jerusalem and Warsaw until the last min- ute. While still preoccupied with the after- math of a Ukrainian airliner’s downing in Tehran and the return of the bodies, President Zelenskyy nevertheless made his line known. The Times of Israel reported on January 19, after interviewing him in Kyiv, and on the day he announced he would be going to Israel: “He speaks at length about the Holodomor, the Soviet- imposed deliberate famine of 1932-1933, Olena Blyednova which killed millions, and with great Oleh Sentsov during his presentation on January 25 in New York. The discussion was respect for the victims of the Holocaust – moderated by Razom volunteer Maria Genkin. and the need to bring a belated, honest his- torical account of these events into the by Irene Jarosewich in Switzerland – that he does not consider open. He acknowledges but says less on the himself to be, foremost, a Russian political Presidential Office of Ukraine issue of Ukrainians’ participation in NEW YORK – Ukrainian film director prisoner. He prefers to focus on his self- and writer Oleh Sentsov arrived recently in identity as a human rights activist and a President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Holocaust crimes, preferring to highlight the United States for his first visit and a fighter for Ukraine’s right to self-determi- Ukraine speaks in Poland on January 26 the actions of Ukraine’s Righteous Gentiles, at a dinner marking the 75th anniversary and the relative marginality of overt anti- multi-city speaking tour that included a nation. of the liberation of the Auschwitz- Semitism in modern Ukraine.” late afternoon presentation at the This position that Ukraine, and all those Birkenau Nazi concentration camp. In Israel, Mr. Zelenskyy adroitly pulled Ukrainian National Home in New York who consider themselves Ukrainian, must off a surprise maneuver. He met with the City’s East Village on Saturday, January 25. assume serious responsibility to help by Bohdan Nahaylo Israeli president, the prime minister, and Since his release during a Ukraine- assure the nation’s success was Mr. the speaker of the Knesset and discussed Russia prisoner exchange in September Sentsov’s primary message on January 25. KYIV – During the final days of January, not only the commemoration of the 2019, Mr. Sentsov has often stated publicly While PEN America, a writer’s organiza- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – most recently on January 22 during his tion and freedom-of-speech advocacy carried out two sensitive “working visits,” (Continued on page 20) appearance at the Davos Economic Forum group, is the main sponsor of Mr. Sentsov’s to Israel and Poland. They were connected U.S. tour, Razom for Ukraine, an interna- with the 75th anniversary of the liberation tional network of volunteers dedicated to of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration initiating projects that increase awareness camp located in Poland and International Ukraine House Davos promotes about, and work for the betterment of, Holocaust Remembrance Day observed on Ukraine hosted the event at the Ukrainian January 27. country at World Economic Forum National Home. Given the broader context involving the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Focus on freedom, not on me by Roman Tymotsko image of Ukraine as a modern European they were a veritable test for Mr. country with attractive investment Introducing Mr. Sentsov to a standing Zelenskyy’s diplomatic skills, both at home DAVOS, Switzerland – On January opportunities. The venue hosted captivat- ovation by close to 300 guests, Razom and abroad. And the commemorative 21-24, this small Swiss town in the ing panel discussions on investment, board member Maryna Prykhodko stated events themselves revealed current atti- mountains hosted the 50th annual World infrastructure, IT, and education, as well from the outset that Mr. Sentsov was reluc- tudes towards the Holocaust in Ukraine Economic Forum. The world’s most influ- as evening receptions and cultural diplo- tant to focus on his past and would prefer where, according to the Ukrainian presi- ential people, politicians, businesspeople macy events. The House was a hive of to respond to questions about the present dent, “one in four” of the total victims lived. and philanthropists flew into Switzer- activity throughout the week and attract- and future of Ukraine. Matters were complicated by several land to join this elite gathering. ed an influential international audience, Mr. Sentsov, 43, spent much of his life in simultaneous factors. First, the recent Alongside the official invitation-only becoming one of the favorite spots for the Crimea. He was arrested there in May 2014 recriminations between Warsaw and the program, Davos’s main promenade hosts Davos crowd. by Russian occupying forces, transported in Kremlin over who was responsible for the dozens of alternative events set up by cor- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of secret to Russia and then, on August 25, outbreak of World War II. And secondly, porations, global organizations and coun- Ukraine visited Ukraine House Davos on 2015, was found guilty on baseless charges that Israel organized a World Holocaust tries. Ukraine House Davos was one of January 22 to congratulate organizers on of terrorism. His was sentenced to serve 20 Forum on January 23-24 devoted to the these for the third consecutive year; its aim the success of this year’s event. Also that years in a Russian prison. 75th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz was to promote Ukraine as a young and day, Mr. Zelenskyy was supposed to lead a When arrested, Mr. Sentsov, along with concentration camp at which Mr. Putin was vibrant democracy in the heart of Europe closed meeting of the National Investment many others, had been protesting the ille- invited to speak, but not the leaders of that is undergoing a massive transforma- Council of Ukraine. Ultimately, he did not gal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula Poland and Ukraine. tion and is led by a resilient, highly edu- manage to get to Ukraine House in time, by a stealth Russian military operation of Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, who cated and innovative new generation. unidentified soldiers, the now infamous organized a similar event in Warsaw on Ukraine House strengthened the (Continued on page 24) January 27, refused to attend Israel’s com- (Continued on page 23) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

ANALYSIS

Ukraine’s economy in 2020: Zelenskyyy: Holodomor was genocide Research Center survey for 2018, Ukraine has the lowest level of anti-Semitism in For Ukraine, the Holodomor of 1932- Europe. He added: “I have Jewish blood. A diffi cult road ahead 1933 is genocide, not a social or economic And I’m the president.” Mr. Zelenskyy said, tragedy, as some try to present it. This was “as elsewhere in the world, now and in the by Vladislav Inozemtsev whom President Zelenskyy reappointed to stated by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr past, there is a certain percentage of people Eurasia Daily Monitor serve in the new government – the authori- ties began to tighten borrowing to push the Zelenskyy in an interview with the Times who do not see anyone but their nation,” The start of 2020 in Kyiv was initially yields down (Worldgovernmentbonds.com, of Israel, according to Gazeta.ua. “Many and the same thing happened during World thought to be a triumphant one. The last January 20). The National Bank slashed the people were eliminated. They were seized, War II, during the occupation of Ukraine by weeks of 2019 brought some de-escalation refinancing rate five times during 2019, their property – their houses, land, cattle, Nazi Germany. The president noted that in the war in the Donbas (EADaily, December bringing it down to 13.5 percent in everything was taken from them. And if “the same complex attitude was demon- 30, 2019), new hopes for peace and, impor- December (Bank.gov.ua, accessed January they didn’t surrender their assets, they strated to the Jewish people in Soviet tantly, formidable economic successes. 20). This allowed the Finance Ministry to were killed. They were shot. Millions of times,” now Ukraine has “the lowest level of Notably, the United States adopted new extend the average duration of domestic people died. Many countries have recog- anti-Semitism.” Mr. Zelenskyy stressed that sanctions that delayed construction of the bonds, from less than six months in 2018, nized that the Holodomor is a genocide. during World War II, there were people in Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, thus to more than two years (Facebook.com, And I know that Israel understands this France, Poland, Germany, Belarus and forcing Russia to sign a renewed gas transit December 7, 2019). After establishing a and understands that Ukraine recognized Ukraine who saved Jews from the Nazis, contract with Ukraine (Ukrinform.net, reliable instrument for domestic borrow- the Holocaust as genocide. For Ukraine, this but “at the same time there were people December 31, 2019) as well as to pay ing, the government took on additional for- is not a social or economic tragedy. This is who collaborated with the Nazis.” He eign investors, offering 1 billion euros ($1.1 Gazprom’s penalties to Ukraine’s Naftogaz, genocide. Millions of Ukrainians were elim- underscored that Ukraine is proud of the billion) of sovereign eurobonds that in line with earlier rulings by a Stockholm inated,” the Ukrainian leader said. “There low level of anti-Semitism. The country became six times oversubscribed and sell- arbitration court (Naftogaz.com, December was a lot of silence in different media “has a percentage of radical people, but it is 31, 2019). At the same time, in recent ing them with a yield of 6.75 percent in because of the policy of the USSR, because June, reducing the borrowing cost by a very small,” he said. (Religious Information months, fears of a sovereign financial the USSR hid all the information. It hid the Service of Ukraine) default – widely discussed since President quarter compared to the previous offer records; it hid mass graves. There wasn’t Volodymyr Zelenskyy started his tenure (112.international, June 15, 2019). Inflation enough information about it. This is how EU expands Russia sanctions list last May (EADaily, May 29, 2019) – have hit a post-2014 low of 4.3 percent (Bank. history was created. We understand that now entirely evaporated. gov.ua, accessed January 20). there are different histories. But I am sure The European Union has added seven But in mid-January, the situation in Kyiv In late December, Ms. Markarova noted, that in the future people will understand names to its list of people facing sanctions the yields on dollar-denominated bonds fell was roiled again, this time by a political the history of Ukraine and the real facts. for undermining Ukraine’s territorial integ- to 3.75 percent (on the euro-denominated scandal involving the release of tapes on Millions of Ukrainians were killed during rity and independence. The sanctions list, bonds to 2.2 percent), providing investors which Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk the Holodomor,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. More which now consists of 177 individuals and can be heard rudely dismissing the presi- over 30 percent returns in 2019 (Economic 44 entities, was established after Russia Times, December 21, 2019); while domes- than 7 million people died in the dent’s abilities to understand and analyze Holodomor in Ukraine in 1932-1933. At seized control of Ukraine’s Crimea region in the economic situation (Strana.ua, January tic bonds, if converted into dollars, secured March 2014 and has grown over succeeding high-risk-tolerant buyers 40-45 percent the peak of mortality – in June 1933 – 15). Mr. Honcharuk quickly submitted his 34,170 people died every day in Ukraine; years as Moscow has continued to back mil- resignation, which, for now, President returns in 2019 thanks to the hryvnia’s two people died every five seconds. The itants in eastern Ukraine. The EU General Zelenskyy has rejected (President.gov.ua, appreciation against major currencies. true number of victims cannot be calculat- Affairs Council on January 28 added the January 17). Undoubtedly, if the Honcharuk Yet, solving one problem often creates seven individuals to the list for their involve- ed because the Soviet government Cabinet is dissolved in the near future, vari- another. As Ukraine’s balance of payments ment in the local “elections” organized by last year became positive (by $1.3 billion) destroyed all documents related to the ous Ukrainian clans and political groupings Crimea’s Russian-imposed authorities in (Ua-outlook.com.ua, December 13, 2019), genocide against Ukrainians. (Religious will immediately arise, leading to unpre- September 2019. They will have their assets and state debt dropped to 50 percent of Information Service of Ukraine) dictable outcomes. Nevertheless, an over- frozen and be put under a visa ban. The GDP for the first time since 2013 (Tsn.ua, view of recent economic developments Zelenskyy on anti-Semitism in Ukraine seven include Sergei Danilenko, Lidia helps to clarify some of the foreseeable January 2), the hryvnia’s rise grew more intense, causing real issues for the econo- Basova and Yekaterina Pyrkova of Sevasto- challenges and perspectives for the According to research, Ukraine has the pol’s municipal election committee, as well Ukrainian economy going forward. my. The 19 percent appreciation of the lowest level of anti-Semitism in Europe, national currency in 11 months has begun as Yuriy Gotsanyuk, the head of the de facto Since 2017, Ukraine’s economy has been Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Crimean government. The three other tar- on a relatively strong upswing following to undermine the most dynamic sectors of said in an interview with the Times of the Ukrainian economy. Agricultural pro- geted individuals are Mikhail Razvozhayev, the deep plunge caused by the turmoil cre- Israel, as cited by Gordon media. In the duction last year stayed flat, after growing Vladimir Nemtsev and Yekaterina Altaba- ated by Russia’s aggression against the interview published on January 19, he said yeva. In March, the EU is expected to pro- country beginning in 2014. The national by 8.1 percent in 2018 (Ukrstat.gov.ua, that in Ukraine, as elsewhere in the world, long its sanctions by another six months. currency, the hryvnia, moderately strength- accessed January 20). Exports contracted in the fourth quarter, while the producer there is a certain percentage of people who (Rikard Jozwiak of RFE/RL) ened against the dollar, allowing the econo- price index (PPI) has been in decline since do not see “anyone but their nation.” Mr. my to reclaim around a half of its 2014- August (Minfin.com.ua, January 10). In Zelenskyy noted that, according to a Pew (Continued on page 21) 2015 losses in dollar terms (Minfin.com.ua, November, industrial production contract- December 20, 2019). But Ukraine remains ed by 7 percent year-on-year (Facebook. highly leveraged, with state foreign and com, December 25, 2019). domestic debt reaching 2.17 trillion hrv Interestingly, the revaluation of the hryv- ($78.3 billion U.S.) (Mof.gov.ua, December HE KRAINIAN EEKLY FOUNDED 1933 nia was in fact what Prime Minister T U W 31, 2019). In 2018, this debt equaled 60.9 Honcharuk was discussing with his col- percent of annual GDP (Delo.ua, March 22, An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., leagues on the leaked tape where he criticized 2019), and servicing the loans required a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. the president’s understanding of economics. more than 13 percent of total government Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Recent months were also marked by budget outlays the following year (112.ua, Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. growing discontent between Finance (ISSN — 0273-9348) January 1, 2019). Minister Markarova and Minister for Since the government had to borrow National Economy Timofey Milovanov, a for- The Weekly: UNA: more to cover growing defense spending mer U.S. university professor. The Ukrainian Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 while relying on a shrinking tax base, yields economy minister first introduced new on both domestic and external debt went taxes on individual entrepreneurs and small Postmaster, send address changes to: up: in December 2018, they hit 20.5 per- businesses – provoking thousands to take to The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz cent for newly issued three-month domes- the streets in protest (24tv.ua, November 4, 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas tic government bonds and 9.75 percent for 2019) – and failed to deliver the final ver- P.O. Box 280 dollar-denominated eurobonds (Epravda. sion of a crucial law that would lift the ban Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] com.ua, December 19, 2018; Emerging on trading agricultural lands. Europe, March 19, 2019). With $12 billion Thus, should Prime Minister Honcharuk The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com of foreign debt to be repaid in 2019 and ultimately step down in the coming weeks negotiations with the International or months, Ms. Markarova may be the most The Ukrainian Weekly, February 2, 2020, No. 5, Vol. LXXXVIII Monetary Fund (IMF) postponed, Ukraine experienced candidate for the position of Copyright © 2020 The Ukrainian Weekly seemed to have no other option than to head of government. This is particularly the default on its loans. Mr. Zelenskyy’s pre- case because in 2020, Ukraine’s confronta- sumed backer, oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, tion with Russia is likely to ease now that ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA openly suggested this option in his May President Vladimir Putin is preoccupied 2019 interview with the Financial Times with domestic issues of constitutional Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 (Financial Times, May 25, 2019). reform and a government reshuffle (see e-mail: [email protected] However, under the leadership of Eurasia Daily Monitor, January 16). Thus, Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Finance Minister Oksana Markarova – one e-mail: [email protected] of only two former Cabinet members (Continued on page 27) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukraine working out revisions to the Minsk accords by Vladimir Socor which applies country-wide. Moscow wants tance of international control of that bor- 2014 and 2015 and the negotiation formats Eurasia Daily Monitor the amended Constitution to include a refer- der, as a transitional solution toward ulti- (Normandy Quartet and the Contact Group ence to Donetsk-Luhansk’s special status, as mate Ukrainian control. on Ukraine) that it imposed on Ukraine five In the wake of last month’s (December the Minsk agreements prescribe. However, years ago under military duress. Kyiv, by 2019) Normandy format summit (see the draft amendments’ latest published ver- Ukraine proposes that the Minsk Contact contrast, is trying a revisionist approach to Eurasia Daily Monitor, December 11, 12, sion (Ukrayinska Pravda, December 16, Group• Working create an group additional on border (fifth) control:working these same documents and forums. They 2019), and awaiting the same forum’s top- 2019) does not reference any special status group to deal with the status of the Ukraine- never acquired any legal validity, but have level meeting in April, Ukrainian officials are for any territory of Ukraine. Russia border in the Russian-controlled ter- been endorsed all along by Germany and airing proposals to revise the Kremlin- This version has, in the meantime, been ritory. Under Kyiv’s proposal, Ukraine and France in the Normandy forum (bringing imposed Minsk agreements of 2014 and withdrawn for reworking due to domestic Russia would delegate representatives of together the leadership of Ukraine, Russia, 2015. The accords, designed to legalize political considerations unrelated to their respective border troops and customs France and Germany), to which the Minsk Russia’s control of the Donetsk-Luhansk ter- Donetsk and Luhansk. President Zelenskyy services to begin discussing the procedures Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, the ritory and to disrupt Ukraine farther afield, is committed to enacting the special status for transferring border control from Organization for Security and Cooperation remain unimplemented to date thanks to in a new law – one that would, moreover, Russian hands to international or Ukrainian in Europe, and the Donetsk and Luhansk the previous Ukrainian government’s suc- incorporate the Steinmeier formula. This is hands, in conjunction with local elections. “people’s republics”) is subordinate. cessful maneuvering and stalling. That work the high price that Mr. Zelenskyy agreed to Revising the Minsk agreements, and recon- has made it possible for President pay for meeting with Russian President Ukraine proposes changing the composi- figuring the negotiating formats designed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration now Vladimir Putin at the recent Normandy tion• of Working this working group group on withinpolitical the issues: Minsk implement those documents, would neces- to call for revising the Minsk accords. summit. However, Mr. Zelenskyy plans an Contact Group. This particular working sitate the consent of all parties involved. Whereas the former president, Petro enactment by ordinary law, necessitating a group is mandated to discuss a special sta- The Kremlin takes the position that the Poroshenko, and the Ukrainian Parliament simple majority in the Verkhovna Rada. tus for Donetsk-Luhansk and related issues Minsk agreements are “without alterna- had unilaterally introduced domestic legal Enshrining the special status into the such as local elections under the Minsk tive” and that Ukraine must “execute of all barriers to the implementation of the Constitution would require a two-thirds agreements. Representing Donetsk and of the Minsk agreements’ stipulations to Minsk accords, the Zelenskyy administra- majority, forcing Mr. Zelenskyy into a deep- Luhansk in this working group are the del- their full extent and in their sequence” tion proposes to revise these documents by ly embarrassing collaboration with Viktor egates of those two “people’s republics.” (TASS, January 11, 17). negotiation with Russia, Germany and Medvedchuk’s pro-Kremlin party. But Kyiv is now challenging their claims to Ukraine’s best available legal protection France in the so-called Normandy format. represent this territory’s population. at this stage remains the legislation enacted Kyiv launched its revision campaign in a Ukrainian side calls for the right of internal- Instead, President Zelenskyy and his envoy by the preceding Parliament in January stunning volte-face on the eve of the recent ly displaced• “Elections” persons in Donetsk-Luhansk: (IDP) to participate The in to this working group, Oleksiy Reznikov, 2018 and signed by then-President Normandy summit (see EDM, December 9, these local elections as a precondition to propose empaneling a larger and more Poroshenko in February of that year 2019), partly adopting Ukrainian civil soci- such elections being held in this territory. diverse Donetsk-Luhansk delegation, one- (Ukrinform, January 18, 19, 2018 and ety’s “red lines” against a solution on The IDPs are those war refugees who half of whose members would be approved February 20, 2018). Under that enactment, Moscow’s terms. Mr. Zelenskyy, however, moved to Ukraine’s interior (as distinct by Kyiv from among IDPs or local residents it would be unlawful for Ukraine to accept failed to make any headway with revisions from those who moved to Russia). The not connected to those “people’s republics.” the special status and “elections” in at the recent summit. Moreover, he is IDPs’ return to participate in elections is a Donetsk-Luhansk in the presence of trapped by his consent to negotiate a new new precondition on Kyiv’s part. It is also a promised more than once to raise the issue “unlawful armed formations” and while “special status” law for Donetsk-Luhansk security issue, as are the disarmament of •Crimea Crimea: at the President December Zelenskyy 9 Normandy had Russian forces control the border there. and his acceptance of the Steinmeier for- and/or withdrawal of “unlawful forces” and summit. That promise was one of his justi- Although the 2018 enactment is valid in mula – two commitments that the the replacement of Russian control by fications for seeking that summit as avidly terms of Ukrainian domestic law (not inter- Ukrainian president confirmed at the some form of international control of the as he did. He failed to bring up Crimea at nationally), the Minsk agreements have no recent Normandy summit. Ukraine-Russia border as prerequisites to the summit, claiming afterwards to have legal standing of any kind, nor would any Nevertheless, the Zelenskyy administra- any elections in this territory. run out of time and promising to bring it up implementing arrangements, unless tion persists with its proposals in the Minsk at the next Normandy summit. Doing so President Zelenskyy and his Servant of the Contact Group and in the public arena to steps: The Contact Group’s December 18 would play well domestically and might People party decide to give them the force revise the Minsk accords in Ukraine’s favor. and• SequencingJanuary 16 sessionsof military have and seen political Kyiv also provide a smokescreen for concessions of Ukrainian law. The proposed revisions concern a common reaffirm the “security first, elections after- on the Donetsk-Luhansk special status and The 2018 legislation amended Ukraine’s interpretation of certain key clauses, the ward” principle. For its part, Russia main- the Steinmeier formula. But the Normandy law on a special status for the Russian- sequence of their eventual implementation tains that the term “unlawful forces” in the format is only mandated to address the controlled Donetsk-Luhansk, which had and a reconfiguration of the Minsk Contact Minsk accords does not apply to the conflict in Ukraine’s east. been adopted in 2014 and 2015 under Group. The Ukrainian side is channeling Donetsk-Luhansk forces (let alone to the Russia uses a strict-constructionist these proposals through the Contact Group Russian military, which Russia claims is not approach to defend the Minsk accords of (Continued on page 6) in anticipation of the next Normandy summit present there). Similarly, Russia holds to be held in April in Berlin. It introduced strictly to the letter of the Minsk accords, these proposals in the Contact Group’s whereby Ukraine would not regain control December 18 and January 16 sessions, mark- of the Ukraine-Russia border in that terri- ing the start to a hoped-for revision process tory even after the local elections there. IN THE PRESS: Why Americans (Ukrinform.ua, Hromadske.ua, December 18, Instead, under those 2014 and 2015 docu- 19, 2019, and January 16, 17, 2020). ments, Kyiv would merely begin negotiat- should care about Ukraine ing with Donetsk-Luhansk about sharing Ukraine’s Presidential Office is currently control of that border. However, Kyiv con- “Yes, Secretary Pompeo, Americans Should Care About Ukraine,” by William B. drafting• Donetsk-Luhansk constitutional amendments special status:on the siders the possibility of accepting local Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, The New York Times, January 26 country’s administrative decentralization, elections in return for Moscow’s accep- (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/opinion/Pompeo-ukraine-taylor. html?searchResultPosition=1): As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prepares to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Kyiv later this week, he has reportedly asked, “Do Americans care about Ukraine?” Congressional Ukraine Caucus resolution Here’s why the answer should be yes: Ukraine is defending itself and the West against Russian attack. If Ukraine succeeds, we succeed. The relationship between reaffirms bipartisan support for Ukraine the United States and Ukraine is key to our national security, and Americans should care about Ukraine. WASHINGTON – Congressional Ukraine firming U.S. support for the Ukrainian peo- Russia is fighting a hybrid war against Ukraine, Europe and the United States. This Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Marcy Kaptur ple and Ukraine’s democratic trajectory, war has many components: armed military aggression, energy supply, cyberattacks, (D-Ohio), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Mike Quigley free from Russian malign influence,” said disinformation and election interference. On each of these battlegrounds, Ukraine is (D-Ill.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) on the co-chairs. the front line. January 16 released a statement after intro- “As Russia’s democracy sadly deterio- … the front line in the Donbas region marks the only shooting war in Europe. Every ducing a resolution expressing bipartisan rates before our eyes with President week Russian-led forces kill Ukrainian soldiers — and take casualties in return. … support for Ukraine and its people. Vladimir Putin’s recent power grab, Since the Russians invaded in 2014, 14,000 Ukrainians have died in this war. … This vital and time sensitive measure Ukraine continues to take action strength- Until Russia withdraws from Ukraine – both Donbas and Crimea – and recognizes reaffirms the United States’ strategic inter- ening its democratic institutions. As mem- that Ukraine is an independent, sovereign nation, other nations cannot be secure. est in strengthening liberty and democracy in bers of Congress, we commend the Until Russia recommits to a rules-based international order, Western nations are in Europe, a feat which is not possible without Ukrainian people’s resilience and accom- jeopardy. Ukraine is the front line. U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight to coun- plishments in the face of Russian aggres- In an even broader sense, Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the West is an attack on ter Russian aggression, said a news release sion. Ukraine’s success will only boost U.S. democracy. The question of how nations govern themselves – democracy versus from the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. national security interests in the region and autocracy – is being fought out among and within nations. …In the contest between “As co-chairs of the bipartisan Congress­ globally,” they noted. democracies and autocracies, the contest between freedom and unfreedom, Ukraine ional Ukraine Caucus, we are pleased to Source: Office of U.S. Congresswoman is the front line. … introduce this bipartisan resolution reaf- Marcy Kaptur. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

OBITUARY George A. Perfecky, retired professor of foreign languages PHILADELPHIA – On Saturday, January ue his graduate work under renowned lin- to that reader. 11, the Ukrainian American community of guist and philologist Yurij Shevelov. He Recently, the third volume of Mykhailo Philadelphia bid its final farewell to Dr. received his M.A. in 1966 and then in 1970 Hrushevsky’s monumental “History of George A. Perfecky, retired professor of for- his Ph.D. in Slavic languages and philology Ukraine-Rus’ ”appeared in print in Canada. eign languages at La Salle University. The from Columbia. This volume is dedicated to the history of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Prof. Perfecky began teaching in the the Galician Volynian State. Dr. Gajecky Church was filled to capacity with family, Department of Foreign Languages at La noted that “all base their work on that of friends, colleagues and two generations of Salle University in 1965. It was a very grat- Perfecky,” because it was he who first former students. Also in attendance was ifying and successful career that lasted 50 pointed out correctly, relying on his the past president of the university, Brother years. He taught and developed courses in research, that the heir of Kyivan Rus’ was Michael McGinness, FSC. Russian, German, Ukrainian, Polish and, for Galician Volynian Rus’ and not Muscovy or After an insightful homily delivered by the last decade, Spanish, after getting yet Suzdal. Father John Ciurpita , Prof. Leo Rudnytzky another master’s degree in bilingual bicul- Prof. Perfecky also translated the 17th read a very stirring and deeply meaningful tural studies in Spanish. In 1989 he was century Hustyn Chronicle, which repre- letter of condolences sent by Archbishop- named a full professor. For years he served sented the first attempt of early chroniclers Metropolitan Borys Gudziak. as the faculty advisor to the Ukrainian to write a systematic history of Ukraine, Prof. Perfecky, the son of Bohdan and Club. and the Bykhovets Chronicle. Natalia (Czolij) Perfecky, was born in the The core of Dr. Perfecky’s academic and He authored “Intermediate Ukrainian II: Polish crown city of Piotrkow Trybunalsky research work centered around Old Church A Manual for Individualized Instruction” on May 27, 1940, and died on December Slavonic chronicles. His most important (with Assya Humesky and Kateryna 28, 2019, in Warminster, Pa., at the age of scholarly contributions were his book “The Dowbenko, published by Ohio State 79. His childhood and youth followed the Hypatian Codex II : The Galician-Volynian University), as well as vocabulary supple- path of World War II refugees, who fled Chronicle – An Annotated Translation,” Prof. George A. Perfecky ments to all four volumes of the Ukrainian war-torn Ukraine, were detained in which was published in Harvard’s Series in language series. Dr. Perfecky wrote widely Displaced Persons’ camps, and finally emi- Ukrainian Studies and several important translation of this Chronicle, historian Dr. published articles on the status of the grated to America. The young Perfecky articles related to this chronicle, such as George Gajecky, described it as a pioneer- Ukrainian language in the Ukrainian SSR family settled in Philadelphia, where “The Galician Volynian Chronicle as a ing and important documentary work on and on the linguistic Russification of George joined Plast, enrolled in the Source of the Ukrainian Language and the history of this Ukrainian medieval Ukrainian. He reviewed several editions of Ukrainian Music Institute and played varsi- Historiography” (in Ukrainian), and a series state. He stated that the author had to Ukrainian dictionaries and other publica- ty soccer. of articles on the language, authorship and resolve many linguistic problems and ter- tions. After attending Central High School, Mr. composition, chronology, bias and bibliog- minological phrases. He added that the Prof. Perfecky is survived by his wife of Perfecky graduated with honors from the raphy of that chronicle which appeared in work gave the English-language reader a 55 years, Christine (Konaszewycz), daugh- University of Pennsylvania with a degree in the Annals of the Ukrainian Academy of primary-source interpretation of 13th cen- ters Tanya Harvey and Marta Neuenhaus Russian and German, and entered Arts and Sciences in the U.S. tury Rus’. Up to this time, only a Russian (David) and granddaughter Sophia Columbia University in New York to contin- Writing in 2017 about Prof. Perfecky’s translation of the Chronicle was available Neuenhaus.

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: November 2019 Amount Name City State $80.00 Ritter Alexandra Bethlehem PA Masley Helen Rochester NY $5,000.00 Mazur Leonard L & Helena Mountain Lakes NJ $70.00 Kramarchuk Alex Jupiter FL Nebesny Michael & Stefana Clinton IN $50.00 Babiak Adrian Silver Spring MD Stefaniuk Myrosia Warren MI $250.00 Hrycelak George Elmwood Park IL Boyko Christine Henrico VA Zabijaka V Silver Spring MD $115.00 Holowinsky Yurij Maryville TN Seubert Emelia Blackwell OK $15.00 Duchnycz Bohdan & Oksana Newark NJ $110.00 Guty John Greely ON Sydoriak Stephanie Los Alamos NM Hanas Orest & Zirka Timonium MD $100.00 Bula Walter Columbus NJ Zinych Walter Bethany CT Lewko Michael Little Falls NJ Fedoriw Bohdan Redondo Beach CA $45.00 Zaplitny Paul Richmond Hill NY Swanson Ann Palo Alto CA Hayuk Hlib Lakewood CO $30.00 Kowal Marta Florham Park NJ Swiatkiwsky Steve North Tonawanda NY Kuritza George Park Ridge IL $25.00 Bilos Z Elk Grove Vlg IL $10.00 Bellinger Marian Riverton WY Bodnar-Balahutrak Lydia Houston TX Hrycak Olga Morristown NJ Zurawski Bogdan Clifton NJ Martiuk Marijka Ramsey NJ Warshona M Mayfield NY $6.00 Haftkowycz Nadia Wethersfield CT Matwijiszyn Steve Clifton NJ $20.00 Brozyna Mykola Bridgewater NJ $5.00 Konrad Mykola Newton MA Olds Natalie Fenton MI Fizer George Guttenberg NJ Sarachman Chrystyna Philadelphia PA Shklar Alla Toronto ON Hlynsky Boris Vienna VA $85.00 Mulyk Michael Holmdel NJ Kaszczak Ivan Kerhonkson NY TOTAL: $7,281.00

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: December 2019

Amount Name City State $45.00 Dudycz Petro Arlington Hts IL Lyktey Michael & Vera Cary NC $200.00 Shklar Eugene Jacksonville FL $30.00 Sklierenko Bohdan & Luba Mississauga ON Melnycky Peter Edmonton AB $120.00 Blethen Olga Kernersville NC $25.00 Bamber Katia Madison CT Pawluk Markian Lansdale PA $115.00 Pawlenko Natalie Brick NJ Hywel Gregory Mansfield Twp NJ Puszka Danylo Millwood NY $100.00 Courtney Laryssa Washington DC Korsun Halina Fountain Hills AZ $12.00 Cybyk Maria Long Valley NJ Dashawetz Yaroslav & Oksana Cragsmoor NY Melnyk Roman & Kathy New Hartford NY $10.00 Cybyk Andrij Morris Plains NJ Deychakiwsky Yuriy & Irena North Potomac MD Miahky Natalie Akron OH Kataryniak William Bayonne NJ Horodysky Tamara Eugene OR Mizak Bohdan Philadelphia PA Pawlowsky Myron Winnipeg MB Hrycelak Maria Park Ridge IL Stasiuk Irene Clarendon Hills IL Shust Nestor Fairlawn OH Melinyshyn John Arlington Hts IL Syzonenko Wolodymyr Randolph NJ Skrypka Wolodymyr Gainesville GA Zalisko Walter Estero FL Woloszyn Gregory & Maria Forest Hills NY Soroka Marusia Mississauga ON $60.00 Olijnyk Thomas Ozone Park NY $20.00 Kozicky Lilia Bethlehem PA $5.00 Goras Stephan Jersey City NJ $55.00 Omelczenko Victor West Hollywood CA Kramarenko Mary East Windsor NJ TOTAL: $2,272.00 $50.00 Bardyn Tania Bothell WA Kuzycz Jurij Glen Ellyn IL Derhak Martha W Hartford CT Macko Steven Hoffman Estates IL Sincere thanks to all contributors Kowal Igor Concord MA Rishiy Christina Trenton NJ Kuzma Alexander Glastonbury CT Tarasiuk George Newtown PA to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Kuzycz Adrian Venice CA Trojan Bohdan Park Ridge IL Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH $15.00 Brenycz Ewhen Whitehouse Sta NJ The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH Cap Demetrius Newburyport MA fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Yurechko Joseph Middletown NJ Kostiuk T Silver Spring MD the work of this publication. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 5

UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history, 1954

Seen above is the Massachusetts delegation to the Ukrainian National Association’s 23rd Convention held on May 31 to June 5, A photo archive of 1954, in Washington. With them is Rep. John W. McCormack (fourth from right) of Massachusetts, the second-ranked Democrat UNA history has been in the House of Representatives. The congressman addressed the delegates on the third day of the convention, speaking of com- launched on the UNA munism as a “world killer.” He told the audience of 437 delegates and 19 supreme officers that the Free World, including the United website. It is a work in States, would someday free the enslaved peoples behind the Iron Curtain. Other congressmen who addressed the convention were progress that will be Michael A. Feighan (D-Ohio), Charles J. Kersten (R-Wis.), John R. Pillion (R-N.Y.) and Kenneth B. Keating (R-N.Y.). The sena- expanded and refined. tors who spoke were: Everett Dirksen (R-Ill.) Irving M. Ives (R-N.Y.), Homer Ferguson (R-Mich.), Paul H. Douglas (D-Ill.), William To take a look, go to F. Knowland (R-Calif.), Speaker of the House Joseph W. Martin Jr. (R-Mass.), Thomas A. Burke, (D-Ohio), H. Alexander Smith unainc.org/una/the- (R-N.J.) and John F. Kennedy (D-Mass). una-is-125-years-old/.

Organizations bring carols to UNA Home Offi ce PARSIPPANY, N.J. – During the Ukrainian Christmas season – which encompasses both the Gregorian and the Julian calendars – the Ukrainian National Association’s Home Office was visited by several groups of carolers. These included (as seen in the photos, clockwise from top right): the Whippany branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA), Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s Newark, N.J., branch (based in Whippany at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey), the Jersey City branch of the UAYA, and the Whippany branch of the Ukrainian Music Institute. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

FOR THE RECORD “Zhyvyi Lantsiuh” – 30 years The following statement by the Ukrainian and independent state. Congress Committee of America was Inspired by the highly successful Baltic released on January 22. Way human chain of 1989, 1990’s “zhyvyi lantsiuh” (human chain) was also marked America still stands with Ukraine This January 21 marked 30 years since by the widespread use of Ukrainian nation- I doubt that anyone could have imagined almost a given; it is an article of faith. This half a million smiling, flag-waving and inde- al symbolism by the participants: waving back last summer that Ukraine would be at has reinforced in the public mind the reali- pendence-seeking people joined hands the blue-and-yellow flag, proudly display- the center of an impeachment of an ty that America stands with Ukraine, not- across the 300 miles between Kyiv and Lviv. ing the banned tryzub, and singing American president. Yet, since late withstanding President Trump’s inexplica- Organized by Narodnyi Rukh Ukrayiny (the Ukrainian songs. September, when the story broke of allega- ble affection for Mr. Putin, his negative com- People’s Movement of Ukraine) when the The Ukrainian Congress Committee of tions of President Donald Trump’s cam- ments about Ukrainians and his pressure country still suffered under the yoke of America (UCCA), the largest representation paign to pressure Ukraine to publicly com- on Ukraine for personal political reasons. Soviet oppression, Ukrainian activists from of Americans of Ukrainian descent, contin- mit to investigating a political opponent, Importantly, the Washington policy across this largest country in Europe man- ues the decades-long Ukrainian American notably by withholding military aid, Ukraine world remains supportive, with all of the aged to inspire enough of their countrymen legacy of marking the 1919 Act of Union has been in the news on a daily basis. key foreign policy think-tanks – liberal, to come out for a peaceful demonstration of (Akt Zluky) along with this significant How has impeachment impacted moderate and conservative – squarely on national unity and pride to demonstrate the moment in history – Unity Day – recog- America’s public perceptions of Ukraine? Ukraine’s side. Of course, the Ukrainian national will “for a united, independent nized in 1999 as a national holiday in More importantly, how has it affected U.S. American community and the plethora of Ukraine.” At one end of the chain, Kyiv resi- Ukraine. The UCCA honors the activism of support for Ukraine? First, as tragic as this U.S. NGOs and individuals who have dents began their section from St. Sophia’s those everyday citizens whose simple act of scandal has been for the United States, it worked with and in Ukraine for many years Square; winding for kilometers out of the handholding came to symbolize the demo- has not been the unmitigated disaster for remain steadfast in their support. city and westward, thousands of youth and cratic ideal Ukrainians continue to fight for elderly, Catholics and Orthodox, ethnic to this day. Ukraine or its standing with America’s pub- Strong, consistent statements on Ukrainians, Jews, Poles and others linked lic and political elites that some fear. Mr. Ukraine also continue to flow from the themselves through the streets of Zhytomyr, EDITOR’S NOTE: Other sources, includ- Trump’s politicization of the U.S.-Ukraine State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Rivne, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk. ing the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, refer to relationship has harmed and complicated and the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. These In the end, these activists managed to the “Ukrayinska Narodnia Respublika” as U.S.-Ukraine relations in the short-term. physically link Lviv, capital of the Western the Ukrainian National Republic. That is the The lack of a bilateral ambassador, a special send the message to Ukraine, Russia and the rest of the world that, despite the cur- Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR) and term used by The Ukrainian Weekly. Also, envoy for Ukraine (who most likely will not Kyiv, capital of the Ukrainian People’s Narodnyi Rukh is properly called the be replaced), or Ukraine policy experience rent troubles, the United States is commit- ted to Ukraine. Republic (UNR), on the 71st anniversary of Popular Movement of Ukraine. Above, we at senior levels of the National Security the 1919 Act of Union (Akt Zluky), when have retained the terminology as written Council, certainly does not help matters. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been supportive. During the Ukrainians last united as a single sovereign by the UCCA in its statement. Thanks to the shadow foreign policy of House hearings, even those Republicans Rudy Giuliani and other Trump lieutenants, who parroted Mr. Trump’s talking points there is understandable confusion and con- into alleged Ukrainian interference into the sternation in Ukraine regarding U.S reliabil- 2016 U.S. elections have not challenged the ity and commitment. Moreover, America’s notion that the U.S. stands behind Ukraine International Holocaust Remembrance Day moral standing in Ukraine has been some- in its war with Russia and have voted for The following statement was released by repeated. We draw inspiration from the what damaged because of the scandal – continued assistance. although I would argue not irreparably. the Ukrainian Canadian Congress on bravery and compassion of those who On December 19, President Trump January 27. risked their lives during the Holocaust to And yet, despite the mess, U.S. support signed a massive spending bill to keep the for Ukraine remains robust. help their neighbors. U.S. government running. This bipartisan, On January 27, the world marks Today marks the 75th anniversary of the In terms of public attention, the “Ukraine bicameral appropriations legislation affair” offers a mixed picture. Not without International Holocaust Remembrance Day. liberation of the Nazi death camp of approved nearly $700 million for security On this day, we honor the memory of the Auschwitz-Birkenau. The gates and the bar- foundation, Ukraine is perceived as corrupt, and foreign assistance for Ukraine in Fiscal although often its extent is exaggerated. At millions of victims of the Holocaust. racks and the gas chambers and the crema- Year 2020, a slight increase over FY 2019. Over 6 million Jews, and millions of toria of Auschwitz-Birkenau stand today as the same time, members of Congress during The aid includes military/security assis- other victims – Ukrainians, Poles, Roma, an eternal reminder to us all of human the impeachment hearings and many in the tance to help Ukraine fight Russia’s aggres- and many others – were murdered by the beings’ capacity for evil and of the need for media have often pointed out that sion. It also encompasses vital non-security Nazi German regime. May the Memory of eternal vigilance against the scourges of Volodymyr Zelenskyy is at least trying to assistance that supports Ukraine’s demo- the Victims Be Eternal. Vichnaya Pamiat. anti-Semitism, racism and totalitarianism. fight corruption – something that cannot be cratic trajectory, rule of law, anti-corrup- We pay tribute to the Survivors of the We condemn the horrible crimes of Nazi said of other countries such as Russia. tion, economic development, energy, health Shoah, whose courage in sharing their sto- Germany and remain united in our obliga- The American people have become and agriculture. ries ensures that we and future generations tion to ensure that such crimes are never more familiar with Ukraine. The country The end of the year also saw passage of learn of the horrors of the Holocaust and repeated. has become part of the American story – the massive National Defense Authorization that these terrible crimes are never again We Remember. even if not in the way one would have Act (NDAA), which imposes sanctions relat- wanted. Significantly, far more Americans ed to Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline and are now aware of Ukraine’s struggle against bars military-to-military cooperation with standing with Moscow that this old law Russian aggression. The media often refer Russia. The NDAA also includes the reau- Ukraine working... would be replaced by a new one in 2020 to Ukraine not just as a partner or friend, thorization of $300 million of funding for (see EDM, January 16, 2020). The new law but as an ally, something not often heard the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. (Continued from page 3) on the special status would incorporate the before the scandal erupted. Alas, there are There are other pieces of legislation on Russian military coercion and German Steinmeier formula, as per Mr. Zelenskyy’s some regrettable exceptions, notably com- Ukraine in this that have been introduced political pressure. The amendments passed promise to Moscow and the other ments by Fox News host Tucker Carlson, or seen some kind of action since the scan- in 2018 were designed to block the imple- Normandy participants at the recent sum- who questions giving aid to Ukraine and dal emerged. These include the House- and mentation of that special status on Russian mit. Moreover, Kyiv seems willing this time sides with Russia in its war against Senate-introduced Ukraine Religious terms, preserving, however, the possibility around to discuss the special status and the Ukraine, but most Americans recognize Freedom Support Act (drafted by my for- of a solution compatible with Ukraine’s ensuing implementing legislation in the that Vladimir Putin’s invasion and occupa- mer colleagues at the U.S. Helsinki sovereignty. Minsk Contact Group with Donetsk and tion of Ukraine is just plain wrong and that Commission) that opposes violations of The Kremlin wants President Zelenskyy Luhansk. To mitigate these concessions, Ukraine deserves our help. religious freedoms by Russia and its prox- to replace Ukraine’s existing law on the Kyiv seeks to change the composition of the Millions of Americans watched the ies in the occupied territories, and a bipar- special status (as amended in 2018) with a Donetsk-Luhansk delegation in the Contact impeachment hearing testimony of wit- tisan resolution introduced just a few new law on the special status of Donetsk- Group and hopes to avoid amending nesses such as William Taylor, George Kent, weeks ago by the co-chairs of the House Luhansk. The existing law never came into Ukraine’s Constitution. Marie Yovanovitch, Fiona Hill, Alexander Ukraine Caucus “reaffirming U.S. support force, partly because Ukraine declined to The looming danger is that Mr. Vindman, David Holmes and others. In each for the Ukrainian people and Ukraine’s introduce the notion of “special status” into Zelenskyy’s team would eliminate the 2018 opening statement, as well as during the democratic trajectory, free from Russian the Constitution (hence this inoperative amendments from the old law in the pro- questioning, you heard unequivocal, elo- malign influence.” law is unconstitutional), and partly because cess of drafting the new law on the special quent, well-argued backing for Ukraine’s Notwithstanding the current adversity, I Moscow wants Kyiv to negotiate the special status. If so, Ukraine would lose the legal Western direction and its struggle against remain confident that U.S. political support status legislation with Donetsk-Luhansk, safeguards that could, if necessary, block an Russia’s ongoing aggression. The same to Ukraine, as well as concrete assistance – instead of Kyiv determining that special externally imposed political settlement holds true in the presentations during the both security and non-security – will not status unilaterally. injurious to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Senate trial. Supporting Ukraine in defend- only be maintained, but even see future President Zelenskyy and the Parliament ing itself against Putin’s predations is increases in certain areas. The longstanding have prolonged the validity of the existing The article above is reprinted from pattern of bipartisan support for Ukraine law one last time in December 2019, a few Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at days before its expiry, in order to avoid its its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, [email protected]. (Continued on page 27) extinction on December 31, and in under- www.jamestown.org. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 7

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW For Ukrainians in the U.S.: a multitude of major events or Ukrainians in the U.S., notable events included Holodomor commemorations and exhibits, the 75th Fanniversary of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee (UUARC), the 125th anniversary of the orga- nized Ukrainian diaspora, the centennial of the unification of the Ukrainian National Republic and the Western Ukrainian National Republic, and the expanding work of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). The United Ukrainian American Relief Committee sent the first humanitarian aid shipment of 2019 to Ukraine on January 12. The shipment included medical equipment and supplies, medical consumables, surgical instruments, patient hospital beds with mattresses, regular and electric wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, adult diapers, hygiene products, equipment for children with severe dis- abilities, clothing, shoes, linens and books. The items were distributed to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who are suffering from the ongoing war in Ukraine. This particular shipment was intended for the Hospital for the Disabled of the War and Repressed in Vynnyky, Khodorovsky District Hospital, Zhuravnivsky Municipal Hospital, the Red Cross of Chortkiv, the Znamensky Children’s Boarding School, Guests and delegates of the inaugural Holodomor Forum in the U.S. on October 4-6 in Philadelphia. In the front the Zaluchansky Orphanage, the Congregation of St. row (seated) are Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. and Michael Sawkiw Jr., Vincent DePaul in Sniatyn, Social Services of the Sisters chairman of the U.S. Holodomor Committee. Servants in Lviv, and others who help the needy in Ukraine. The books were sent to the Kobrynsky Museum of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. Their session, “The Awareness Award for his leadership and dedication to the in Kolomyia and the Curia of the Major Archbishop of Genocide Canary: Recognizing When Food is Becoming Holodomor Memorial bill in the U.S. Congress. In present- Kyiv-Halych of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. Weaponized,” was explained through the lens of the ing the award, Mr. Sawkiw said, “you are more than a The UUARC announced its 75th anniversary celebra- Holodomor, the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. The doc- friend to us – you are family.” As a result of the forum and tions would include a jubilee commemorative book and umentary “When We Starve” by Dr. Borys Buniak was to increase awareness for future generations, a an official celebration on October 12 in Philadelphia. The screened to explain the physiological and psychological Descendant’s Network of of Holodomor survivors was ini- organization, which has served the needs of the Ukrainian effects of starvation. tiated by Olya Soroka of the Women’s Association for community in the diaspora and in Ukraine, was founded The speakers informed the conference about Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine. The closing pre- on January 22, 1944, during the second congress of the Holodomor lesson plans for grades 6-12, and participants sentation during the farewell luncheon was by Brian Ukrainian Congress Committee of America in Philadelphia. received flash drives with the four sections on the Whitmore of the Center for European Policy Analysis The UUARC celebrated its 75th anniversary on October Holodomor, as well as supportive documents. The presen- (CEPA), who underscored the need to portray the 12 at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in tations also promoted civic engagement and advocacy Holodomor as part and parcel of human and world histo- Jenkintown, Pa. From aiding post-World War II Ukrainian against hunger and genocide, citing publications by the ry. A weeklong commemoration of the fifth anniversary of refugees coming to the U.S., to the modern humanitarian United Nations and outlining 14 risk factors and an the installation of the Holodomor Memorial in aid shipments sent to Ukraine and to victims of natural accompanying set of specific indicators. Assisting the pre- Washington in 2020 was set for November. disasters in the U.S., the organization has not strayed from sentation was Dr. Olena Danylyuk, a member of the The annual Holodomor commemoration at St. Patrick’s its original motto, “Brother to Brother.” The event attract- Holodomor committee, who prepared the PowerPoint Cathedral in New York was on November 16, with a ser- ed more than 200 people and featured performances by presentations and handout materials. vice led by the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Catholic and the trio Strings by the Sea, the Prometheus Ukrainian Male The U.S. Committee for Holodomor-Genocide Ukrainian Orthodox Churches – Metropolitan Antony Chorus, as well as piano duo Anna and Dmytro Shelest. Dr. Awareness (U.S. Holodomor Committtee) announced (UOC-U.S.A.), Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys (UCC), Laryssa Kyj gave a historical overview of the organization Holodomor advocacy days throughout state capitals and Archbishop Daniel (UOC-U.S.A.), Bishop Paul Chomnycky and its program over the years, notably the “Adopt a major cities in early May to promote a Holodomor curric- (UGCC Eparchy of Stamford), and Bishop Emeritus Basil Wounded Ukrainian Soldier,” as Ukraine defends its terri- ulum within the public school systems across all 50 states. Losten (UCC). Responses were sung by the Dumka Chorus tory from Russian invasion. UUARC board members Other advocacy efforts encouraged executive proclama- of New York. Remarks were delivered by UCCA President reminded that although much has been done, much still tions/legislative resolutions recognizing the Holodomor Andriy Futey, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ukraine’s needs to be done, and this only happens because of the as genocide against the Ukrainian people. Ambassador to the U.N. Volodymyr Yelchenko and generosity of its volunteers and donors. The U.S. Holodomor Committee issued a call to action Councilwoman Carlina Rivera (representing the East The UUARC’s 75th anniversary was acknowledged in in 2019 in an attempt to have the Pulitzer Prize Village). The commemoration concluded with the singing an editorial in this newspaper, dated October 20, that Committee strip Walter Duranty, the Moscow correspon- of “Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi” (also known as the “Prayer for commended the work of the organization. The editorial dent of The New York Times during the Holodomor, of the Ukraine”). noted the organization’s founding through the UNA, the prize awarded to him for his reporting. The action item Holodomor events for 2019 concluded with an exhibit Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics and the urged contacting editors of newspapers, magazines, tele- in Naples, Fla., at the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Ukrainian National Aid Association in 1944 as a separate vision, radio stations and through social media. In 2003 a Educational Center of Southwest Florida that ran from non-political humanitarian aid organization to assist similar effort was made, and rejected by the Pulitzer Prize early September until December 17. It was the first-ever Ukrainian refugees during the second world war. The Committee. Evidence, cited in the A.W. Klieforth Holodomor exhibit at a Holocaust museum in the Western UUARC’s mission has adapted to the changing needs of Memoradum, showed that Duranty was not reporting Hemisphere. The event was curated in partnership with Ukrainians in Europe and South America; its work has what he saw, but what Stalin wanted people to see. the museum and the Naples Branch 136 of the Ukrainian included aiding flood victims in Texas and Pennsylvania, The U.S. Committee for Holodomor-Genocide National Women’s League of America (UNWLA). The as well as running an information bureau for newly Awareness hosted a Holodomor Forum on October 4-6 in museum has reached out to educate the public not only arrived immigrants. The organization continues to aid Philadelphia. The forum served as a working session for about the Holocaust, but other genocides as well. The immigrants, but also focuses on aiding Ukraine through advocates to jointly lay out a blueprint to increase aware- exhibit consisted of 22 panels providing historical back- humanitarian aid and medical equipment and funding ness of the Holodomor by: introducing a Holodomor cur- ground, with 16 panels dedicated to the Holodomor. The PTSD treatment programs in Ukraine as well as physical riculum at the state and local levels; advocating recogni- film “Stalin’s Secret Genocide” was on continuous display and mental rehabilitation. The organization has remained tion of the Holodomor as a genocide; working to revoke and a lecture by Prof. Timothy Snyder on October 20 pro- faithful to its mission of “enhancing the quality of life of The New York Times correspondent Walter Duranty’s vided additional insights. The exhibition received press Ukrainian communities and individuals throughout the Pultizer Prize; and increase media exposure of the coverage in print and radio. Materials for the exhibit were world.” Holodomor. Meetings acknowledged the progress on provided by the League of Ukrainian Canadians, the Holodomor awareness to date, including the Holodomor Canadian Holodmor National Awareness Tour and the Holodomor events Memorial in Washington, annual commemorations at St. Ukrainian Canadian Congress. A two-day conference, “Inciting Inquisitive Individuals,” Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and the film “Mr. Jones” UCCA activities organized by the Michigan Council of Social Studies was that depicts the life of Gareth Jones, the Welsh journalist held on March 22-23 at Hope College in Holland, Mich. who wrote about the Holodomor. Workshops were dedi- The Central Election Commission (CEC) again regis- The Ukrainian community was represented by Doris cated to incorporating the Holodomor into the education- tered the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Duzyj, a retired social studies consultant and education al curriculum, revoking Duranty’s Pulitzer Prize and (UCCA) to monitor the March 31 presidential elections in chair for the Ukrainian American Holodomor Committee media awareness. The documentary “When We Starve” by Ukraine. The UCCA is the only Ukrainian American com- of Michigan, and Vera Andrushkiw, president of the Dr. Buniak was screened and followed by a discussion. munity organization approved for such monitoring of the Detroit Regional Council of the Ukrainian National During the concluding dinner, Rep. Sander Levin presidential elections. Its International Election Observer Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and vice-president (D-Mich) was presented the inaugural Holodomor Mission (EOM) was headed by UCCA President Futey, with 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

UCCA Vice-President Michael Sawkiw as deputy chair and Trump had postponed his sidebar meeting with Mr. Putin from membership in the group of the world’s largest Tamara Olexy as mission coordinator. Reno Domenico at the G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in advanced economies, as its actions in Ukraine contravene served as the UCCA’s chief observer. The mission was December 2018. The letter requested President Trump to the principles and values on which the G-7 operates.” The coordinated with the Ukrainian World Congress. strongly condemn Russia’s aggressive acts against statement added that the president of the U.S.A., “must On March 31, the UCCA EOM officially registered 78 Ukraine, including the illegal annexation of Crimea in take the lead in promoting international norms, defending observers in nine oblasts – Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, 2014; to significantly increase sanctions against the basic human rights and freedoms, and charting a course of Kherson, Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Ternopil and Russian Federation for its continued malign activities in geopolitical stability.” At the same time, the UCCA encour- Zakarpattia – as well as at three diplomatic posts in the Ukraine; and to condemn the illegal imprisonment of over aged Mr. Trump to visit Ukraine. U.S. The UCCA reported that the voting process was con- 70 Ukrainian political prisoners by the Russian Federation The UCCA welcomed the Ukrainian American Bar ducted in a peaceful, transparent and democratic manner. and to call for their immediate release. The letter also Association (UABA) as its newest member-organization Based on information from more than 700 polling sta- cited the U.S.’s moral obligation under the Budapest on December 7 during a meeting of the UCCA National tions, with 96 percent of precincts reporting, the UCCA Memorandum to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Council in New York. The UCCA-UABA partnership is said the polling stations’ performance was “good” or “very sovereignty and independence. expected to enhance relationships with legal experts, good.” There were very few irregularities reported, and The UCCA president visited the Ukrainian community judges, prosecutors and legal scholars in Ukraine and in those that were reported were not systemic in nature and in Oregon on July 9-10, including the Ukrainian American Washington and to better promote Ukraine’s security and did not impact the results. The UCCA’s EOM affirmed that Cultural Association (UACA) of Oregon and Southwest continued development as a sovereign democracy gov- the presidential election met international standards for a Washington. During their discussions, Mr. Futey encour- erned by the rule of law. free and fair election that accurately reflects the will of the aged the UACA to join the UCCA to better represent all Centennial of unification electorate. Ukrainian Americans. He also met with the management Later in the year, the UCCA sought volunteer election and employees of two Pacific Northwest branches of the The centennial of the unification of the Ukrainian observers for the snap parliamentary elections on July 21, Ukrainian Federal Credit Union (in Portland, Ore., and in National Republic and the Western Ukrainian National following a decree on May 21 by President Volodymyr Federal Way, Wash.), highlighting the UCCA’s longstanding Republic on January 22, 1919, was marked by nearly 300 Zelenskyy to dissolve Parliament. collaboration with the Ukrainian National Credit Union members of the Ukrainian American community in The first Ukrainian Day advocacy event of 2019 was Association (UNCUA) – a UCCA member-organization. Mr. Chicago on January 20. Organized by the Ukrainian held on June 12 in Washington, coordinated by the Futey also spoke to the Ukrainian American community Congress Committee of America Illinois Division, the gath- Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) – the on two live radio programs on “Nashe Radio,” stressing ering attracted three members of Congress (all Washington-based information arm of the UCCA. Nearly community unity and various ways the UCCA supports the Democrats) representing Illinois – Reps. Mike Quigley, 50 participants from 11 states met with their elected con- community and its issues of concern. He also met with Danny Davis and Sean Casten. gressmen and senators to promote issues of concern and parishioners of the Ukrainian Bible Church, a large Annual awards for community service and dedication to push their elected officials for a more robust sanctions Pentecostal congregation in Fairview, Ore. Through for 2019 were presented to Olya Soroka, the Rev. Victor regime and enhanced U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Among expanding the UCCA network to include the Pacific Poliarny, Dr. Vasyl Lonchyna and Dr. Roxolana Lonchyna, the topics of concern to Ukrainian Americans: sanctions Northwest, the UCCA can wield much more influence in Yuriy Soroka and Walter Tun. A special award was pre- against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project; increased Washington and have greater ability to assist our brethren sented by UCCA Illinois to Bohdan Watral, former presi- defensive military aid to Ukraine; increased sanctions in Ukraine, Mr. Futey noted. dent/CEO of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal against Russia through the Defending American Security Manor College was welcomed as a member-organiza- Credit Union. The event was emceed by Marta Farion, and Against Kremlin Aggression Act of 2019 (DASKAA); diver- tion of the UCCA on July 12. The unanimous acceptance of presentations were made by Glen Howard, president of sification in the European energy sector; resolutions com- Manor College as a member organization was made offi- the Jamestown Foundation, and Kateryna Smagliy of the memorating the fifth anniversary of the Revolution of cial on June 15 during the biannual meeting of the UCCA McCain Institute. Dignity; and the inclusion of additional members to the National Council. “As UCCA continues to work towards 125th of organized diaspora Ukraine caucuses in the House of Representatives and the unifying the Ukrainian American community, I am delight- Senate. ed to welcome Manor College as our newest member The Ukrainian National Association (UNA), was in the An evening reception at the Russell Senate Office organization, and look forward to their active involvement spotlight at an event marking more than 125 years of the Building honored elected officials for their efforts to sup- and to the many contributions they will make,” said UCCA Ukrainian diaspora community that was held at the port greater U.S-Ukraine relations. The Friend of UNIS President Futey. Princeton Club in New York on September 21. More than Award was presented to Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and The UCCA issued a statement on August 21, strongly 100 participants attended the conference, “Ukrainian Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), co-chair of the denouncing President Trump’s suggestion on August 20 Historical Encounters Series Special Event: Celebrating Congressional Ukraine Caucus, who advocated for greater that he would look favorably on Russia’s re-admittance to the 125th Anniversary of the Organized Ukrainian cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine. Also present during the G-7. Similar proposals made by Mr. Trump in 2018 American Community,” that was sponsored by the Center the advocacy event were a dozen students from the Youth were also denounced by the UCCA. The UCCA’s statement for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations (CUSUR) and the UCCA, as Civics Group of the Ukrainian Heritage School of the reminded Mr. Trump that in 2014 the G-7 cancelled its well as the UNA, which in 2019 celebrated its 125th anni- Philadelphia metropolitan region. planned summit in Sochi, Russia, following Russia’s inva- versary of its founding. Six panel discussions profiled vari- The UCCA issued a statement addressed to President sion of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula – “the first forced ous aspects of the organized community – foundation Donald Trump on June 18 in anticipation of his one-on- annexation Europe has seen since the second world war.” stones, religious life, cultural life, youth organizations, aca- one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the The G-7 countries issued the Hague Declaration in 2014, demia, and financial institutions and charitable founda- sidelines of the G-20 meeting in Osaka, Japan, on June which unequivocally tied Russia’s expulsion from the G-7 tions. 28-29. The letter reminded President Trump of Russia’s to its illegal actions in Ukraine. The UCCA reiterated that A working luncheon featured guest speaker Prof. illegal seizure of Ukrainian vessels and sailors in Russia’s actions have only continued to undermine Alexander Motyl, whose address, “Taking Measure of the November 2018 in the Kerch Strait, and how President democracy in Europe. “…Russia must remain suspended Significance of the Ukrainian American Community to Ukraine,” highlighted the diaspora’s efforts to influence Washington in improving relations between the U.S. and Ukraine. Prof. Motyl also noted the effort of the diaspora to improve institutions of higher learning in Ukraine, including the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. The future, he said, will need to incorporate the Fourth Wave of immi- grants into diaspora organizations. The “foundation stones” panel included the UNA, the UNWLA and the UCCA – the “core of the community at large,” as noted by Mr. Futey. The panel on religious life featured presentations by the Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the Rev. Anthony Perkins of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who chronicled each Church’s history in the U.S., and the role of religious insti- tutions in the formation of an organized diaspora. The cul- tural life included panelists from The Ukrainian Museum in New York, the Ukrainian Museum-Archives of Cleveland, the Ukrainian National Museum (Chicago) and the Ukrainian Institute of America (New York) and the role that these organizations and institutions have played in preserving historical and cultural memory, as well as reaching new audiences beyond the Ukrainian communi- ty. The panel on Ukrainian youth organizations featured presentations by Eugene Luciw (American-Ukrainian Iryna Yatsyshyn Youth Civics and Public Policy Club; and Tryzub Ukrainian At Chicago’s celebration on January 20 of the centennial of Ukraine’s Act of Union of January 22, 1919 (from left) Sports Center), Adam Hapij (Plast Ukrainian Scouting are: Steve Demitro, Paul Bandriwsky, Kateryna Smagliy, Rep. Mike Quigley, Marta Farion, Glen Howard, Rep. Organization), Adrian Dlaboha (Ukrainian American Sean Casten, the Rev. Victor Poliarny, Maria Korkatsch-Groszko and Jerry Dutkewych. Youth Association), and Prof. Nicholas Skirka (Ukrainian No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 9

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Matthew Dubas Stefan Kaczaraj, president/CEO of the Ukrainian National Association, Roma Lisovich, Matthew Dubas chief financial officer/treasurer of the UNA, and Prof. Walter Zarycky, program coordi- The 125th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Association is marked with a photo nator of the conference “Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Organized Ukrainian display showcasing the organization’s rich and vast historic moments on September American Community” at the Princeton Club in New York on September 21. 21 at the Princeton Club in New York.

Sports Club of N.Y.). Academia panelists included Prof. First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, which had served over met with members of UAV Post 1 of Philadelphia and Post Mark Andryczyk (Columbia University), Dr. Lubomyr 56,000 patients. Archbishop Daniel underscored the 42 of Lehigh Valley at the Ukrainian Educational and Hayda (Harvard University), Dr. Anna Procyk (Ukrainian transformation of death into life, as symbolized by the Cultural Center. She later met with the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences) and Dr. Motyl (Shevchenko icons on ammo boxes. “What is important, this victory of Federation of America, which assists soldiers recovering Scientific Society). The panelists noted the loss of Dr. Mark life over death happens not only on the figurative and from the aftereffects of war. On March 3, she met with the von Hagen, who was a leading scholar in promoting symbolic level, but also in reality,” he said. Ukrainian community at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Ukrainian studies. The sixth panel on financial institutions The fifth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity and Church in New Haven, Conn., stressing the need to sup- and charitable foundations included panelists Andrij the sacrifices of the Heavenly Hundred during those pro- port Ukraine’s soldiers from the battlefield to the home Horbachevsky (SUMA Yonkers Federal Credit Union), tests were also honored on February 22 in Chicago at the front after discharge from service. Ms. Friz learned about Bohdan Kurczak (Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Ukrainian National Museum with an event, “Heroes Do the VETSROCK job fair and placement conference at Union), Paul Bandriwsky (Heritage Foundation at First Not Die,” organized by the UCCA Illinois Division and the Mohegan Sun casino, and said she would like something Security Savings) and Motria Bojko Watters (United Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago. More than 200 similar to be organized in Ukraine. Ukrainian American Relief Committee). people participated in the commemoration that featured Ukrainian Medical Association of North America A cocktail reception was held followed by a perfor- candles, barricades, piano, drums, church bells, music, rec- mance of the Dumka Chorus of New York, which marked ollections, hot tea and the late Viktor Hurniak’s photo The Foundation of the Ukrainian Medical Association of its 70th anniversary in 2019. The conference banquet fea- exhibition. At a candlelight vigil, led by Bishop Venedykt North America (UMANA Foundation) donated $10,000 to tured keynote addresses delivered by Ambassador Chaly Aleksiychuk of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy, support and expand the University of Illinois at Chicago and Herman Pirchner, president of the American Foreign people offered prayers for family, friends and fellow citi- Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Training pro- Policy Council. zens of Ukraine who lost their lives during the Euro- gram in Ukraine, with training Ukrainian physicians and The banquet and reception capped off a worthy cele- Maidan. the establishment of BMT programs in Kyiv and Lviv. On bration of the organized Ukrainian diaspora that has March 5, Drs. Mara Krycelak, foundation president, and Ukrainian American Veterans flourished since its founding more than 125 years ago. George Hrycelak, UMANA executive director, met with the Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys led the invocation and Dr. A fact-finding visit to Washington coordinated between university’s Drs. Damiano Rondelli, Daniel Hryhorczuk Mykhailo Cherenkov delivered the benediction. the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) and the Embassy and Patricia Finn, chair of the Department of Medicine, to Participants wished another 125 years to be celebrated in of Ukraine in Washington brought Iryna Friz, minister of deliver the donation to the Global BMT training program the future as they sang “Mnohaya Lita” and the Ukrainian veteran affairs for Ukraine, to New Haven, Conn., and at the UIC College of Medicine. The funds were raised from national anthem. Washington. During the visit on February 27-March 4, the UMANA’s annual Debutante Banquet and Ball held by the minister learned from the Ukrainian American Veterans Illinois branch in Chicago. The debutantes for 2019 had Revolution of Dignity fifth anniversary and the Veterans Administration in the U.S., how to meet chosen to help Ukraine develop its own BMT program. More than 100 people gathered at the Holodomor challenges of creating a new ministry from scratch and The UMANA held its 45th Scientific Conference and Memorial in Washington on February 17 to honor the helping those who bravely serve Ukraine in its struggle 38th Assembly of Delegates on June 19-23 in Park City, Heavenly Hundred, who were killed in Kyiv during the against Russian aggression. The aim of the visit was to Utah. The convention attracted 65 attendees representing Revolution of Dignity in 2013-2014. Leading the com- reduce redundancy in the various Ukrainian government nine chapters of UMANA. The conference focused on memoration were Ambassador Chaly, Inci Bowman of the organizations tasked with veterans affairs. Part of the plan “Current Concepts in Emergent Care – Emergent Threats International Committee for Crimea, Mr. Sawkiw of the is to update the list of all veterans and to create an e-portal to Medicine,” sponsored by the Trinitas Regional Medical Ukrainian National Information Service, Ilona Doerfler of for veterans to access services. Through these online ser- Center of Elizabeth, N.J. During the business portion of the U.S-Ukrainian Activists, and George Sajewych of United vices the government hopes to be able to track and evalu- convention, reports were heard from UMANA officers and Help Ukraine, who was seriously injured during the pro- ate outcomes of the new programs and services. Ms. Friz committees. The organization has grown, with over 50 tests in Kyiv. A memorial service was led by Archbishop said she was coordinating with Dr Ulana Suprun, acting new members joining in the last 24 months. The newly Daniel of the UOC-U.S.A., who was joined by clergy from minister of health, to address mental health treatments for elected officers for 2019-2021 are: President Dr. Peter the Washington-area Orthodox and Catholic churches. veterans, especially PTSD. While in Washington, Ms. Friz Lenchur, President-elect Dr. Leo Woalnsky, Vice-President More than 400 people commemorated the Heavenly held meetings on Capitol Hill, toured VA hospitals and vet- Dr. Marta Lopatysky, Secretary Dr. Lida Wozny, and Hundred on February 20 at St. Andrew Ukrainian erans centers, and met with Ukrainian community and Treasurer Dr. Roman Kozickyj. The keynote address on Orthodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, N.J. relief organizations. Ms. Friz also met with Reps. Marcy “Physician Burnout” was delivered by Dr. Ihor Sawczuk, The memorial service was led by Metropolitan Antony Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Mark Tokano (D-Calif.), and the office and a traditional “roast” feted outgoing president Dr. and Archbishop Daniel of the UOC-U.S.A., as well as Bishop of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Andrew Ripecky (who was awarded for his service to the Paul Chomnycky of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Robert Wilkie and Ted Diaz, association). Stamford, Conn. Joining the commemoration was head of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the VA. Credit unions President Petro Poroshenko, who was in the U.S. on a Ms. Friz learned about the various services provided by the working visit and toured the spiritual center of the UOC- VA, including geriatric care and burial arrangements. Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union held its U.S.A. Metropolitan Antony thanked Mr. Poroshenko for Ms. Friz also toured a VA Hospital in West Haven, Conn., 68th annual meeting on March 17 at St. George Academy in his leadership of Ukraine and emphasized: “The world and its connected community care facility, as well as a New York. The meeting attracted 263 registered members, should know that generations of Ukrainians remember Connecticut’s State Veterans Center. In Philadelphia, the along with representatives of many youth, religious, cultur- that Heroes do not die … They continue to live in the Ukrainian delegation met with groups that assist al and educational organizations. Mr. Kurczak, president/ memory of the nation and be an example for future heroes Ukraine’s soldiers and veterans, and their families, to bet- CEO of the credit union, noted that assets as of the end of who make history.” ter coordinate aid and proposals on new projects. At a 2018 were $1.3 million and that net income for 2018 was On the same day as the commemoration, an icon exhib- luncheon hosted by the UUARC, Ms. Friz expressed her $10.6 million. Dividends paid to members grew by 5 per- it, “Buy an Icon – Save a Life” by Kyivan artists Sofia gratitude to the UUARC for its support and humanitarian cent from 2017, totaling $23.3 million, and at the end of Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko, was held at the assistance, including adopt help for wounded soldiers, 2018, the credit union had 15,272 members. Donations for Pokrova Sisterhood Hall. The icons were written on families with children orphaned by the war and aid fami- 2017 totaled $1.1 million to support youth, cultural, reli- ammunition boxes and the sale benefitted the Pirogov lies of the Heavenly Hundred. Also in Philadelphia, she gious, educational and humanitarian organizations. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

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The credit union has branches in Astoria, Uniondale, Lindenhurst and Kerhonkson, and is headquartered in Manhattan. Stefan Kaczaraj and Adam Hapij were unani- mously re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors. Catherine Popovech was elected board chair- person. The annual meeting of the Chicago-based Selfreliance Federal Credit Union on March 31 attracted 146 members – 96 in Chicago and 50 in New Jersey. In 2018, the credit union saw its longtime president/CEO Mr. Watral retire and the appointment of incoming President/CEO Vitaly Kutnyy. Additionally, Michigan’s Ukrainian Future Credit Union merged with Selfreliance FCU. Dr. Michael R. Kos, chairman of the board, reported another profitable year for the credit union thanks to its management and staff. For 2018, Mr. Watral stated, Selfreliance FCU’s net income surpassed $2.4 million and equity exceeded $589 million. Mr. Watral (treasurer), Roman Yatskovskyy (member) and John Oharenko (member) were re-elected to the board of directors. The Ukrainian National Credit Union Association (UNCUA) held its 38th annual meeting in Washington on June 6-8. Participants representing 12 Ukrainian American credit unions in the U.S. lobbied their legislators on Capitol Hill, attended presentations on current topics of interest to credit union leaders and elected a new board of directors. Elected to lead the 2019-2020 UNCUA Board of Directors were: Andrij Horbachevsky (chairman), Mr. Delegates of the 38th annual meeting of the Ukrainian National Credit Union Association in Washington on June 6-8, with honored guests Patriarch Sviatoslav and Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Kurczk (vice-chairman), George Stachiw (secretary), and Greek-Catholic Church. Stephen Kerda and Mr. Watral, Executive Committee members. with similar projects. The Kraina Win-Win program, cess, and urged more focus on harnessing their egos to On September 26 the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union founded by Go Great NGO, aims to create a network for create, to improve the lives of others, and to do something held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its local communities in the diaspora for advocating of use and value in the world. new branch in Matthews. N.C., just outside of Charlotte. Ukrainian issues on both the national and international Camp Bobriwka in Colebrook, Conn., officially opened The event began with the recitation of the Pledge of levels. The UNWLA organizers, through this effort, hope to its new canopy as part of the ongoing renovations in the Allegiance, an opening prayer by Deacon Pavel promote volunteering and charitable work among the mess hall on June 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Borishkevich of Good News Church, as well as remarks by younger generation. The competition winners toured a Bobriwka President Andy Kebalo presented a donors’ Mayor Paul F. Bailey. Also present was UCCA President military hospital in Kyiv, the Nazareth rehabilitation hos- commemorative plaque to be installed in the rafters of the Futey. Oleg Lebedko, CEO of the credit union, said the open- pital and the Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Center, new canopy. Walter Kebalo, the designer and construction ing of the branch marked a new chapter in the 65-year his- and met with acting Minister of Health Dr. Suprun. manager, held a brief talk on the stage design, and tory of this credit union founded in 1953 by Ukrainian The measure and definition of success was the topic of answered any questions for visitors. The event was Americans in Rochester, N.Y. The credit union has 21,000 discussion at “Hourglass: Success Stories,” at the inaugural capped by a cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers, members, its assets exceed $260 million, and it has 12 full- event of the Ukrainian American Business and washed down with various Ukrainian beers. The camp service branch offices nationwide (N.Y., Massachusetts, Professionals Association (UABPA) on February 23 at the regularly hosts the Bandura at Bobriwka Reunion and the Ohio, N.C., California, Oregon and Washington). Ukrainian Institute of America in New York. Key speakers Orlando Pagan School of Ukrainian Dance Workshop. were entrepreneurs Leonard Mazur (Citius Pharma­ Parishioners at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Other major stories ceuticals) and Yaroslav Azhnyuk (Petcube), and the dis- Catholic Church in Palatine, Ill., broke ground on July 7 for Three winners of the Miss Ukrainian N.J. competition, cussion was moderated by Ivana Lotoshynski, president of a new, expanded church that is set to open in 2020. The organized by the UNWLA Branch 137 of Clifton, N.J. on People Wealth Matters LLC and chair of the UABPA board. church is designated as the Eparchial Shrine of the New November 11, 2018, served as ambassadors of the Mr. Mazur noted his humble beginnings in the U.S., as an Martyrs of Ukraine for the St. Nicholas Eparchy. Bishop UNWLA during the Kraina Win-Win program on January immigrant with his parents, and how he was helped in his Venedykt celebrated the divine liturgy prior to the 9-16. The winners were Yuliya Voznyuk (Miss Ukrainian education when the family fell on financially hard times. groundbreaking ceremony. The new church has been in N.J.), Anna Rak (second runner-up and Miss Popularity), He has repaid that kindness with donations to various the planning stages for 10 years. and Kamila Ivashko (Miss Personality). UNWLA President organizations, including Philadelphia’s West Catholic Prep Drs. Ihor Kurliets and Luke Tomycz spoke at the Marianna Zajac commended the work of Branch 137 and School, which he attended. Mr. Anzhyuk cautioned against Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies said she hoped the event would inspire other branches the delusion of money, fame or power as a measure of suc- on September 25 in Princeton, N.J. Hosted by Razom for Ukraine and the Slavic Studies Department, the event showcased how medicine and culture are transforming Ukraine. The Co-Pilot Project, an initiative of Razom since 2016, aims to bypass the outdated hospitals and corrupted health-care system. Ukraine, in Dr. Kurilets’ assessment, needs to be taught how to fish rather than be given a fish. The program has been able to elevate consultations, oper- ations and protocols to standards in the European Union and the U.S. It includes a training program for younger neurosurgeons, with internship opportunities in the U.S. and EU with the help of Razom for Ukraine; a Saturday Brain and Spine club – a weekly group training for young neurosurgeons; and construction of a new campus of the International Neurosurgery Center Clinic (founded in 2012) – the first hospital in Ukraine built by doctors with- out external investment. Dr. Kurliets underscored, “…we need your advice not only in neurosurgery. We need your experience in other medical specialties as well. Assistance in organizational questions, staff management, nursing care and rehabilitation is also important.” Razom for Ukraine celebrated its fifth anniversary with an annual meeting at the Civic Hall in New York on October 6. Participants learned about the organization’s past activities and projects as well as plans for the future. Guests attending the meeting included Ukrainian veter- ans, who initiated the Invisible Battalion project – an advocacy campaign, a sociological research group and a civil rights project for gender equality in the Armed Forces At the VA Hospital in Washington (from left) are: UAV Post 26 (District of Columbia) Commander Roman of Ukraine. Razom has partnered with the Invisible Fontana, Ukraine’s Military Attaché Col. Andrii Ordynovych, Post 33 (New Haven ) Commander Carl Harvey, Ukraine’s Veterans Affairs Minister Iryna Friz, Col. Oksana Havryliuk, UAV Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk and Battalion project and said it was an honor to have them Ukrainian Military Attaché Volodymyr Humeniuk during a fact-finding visit on February 27 through March 4. speak at the meeting. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 11

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Ukrainian National Association: 125 years of community service ne hundred twenty-five. That was how many years of service to our community the Ukrainian National OAssociation celebrated in 2019. And the celebra- tions, which took many forms, lasted all year long. Issues of Svoboda dated February 22 and The Ukrainian Weekly dated February 24 included special sections dedi- cated to the milestone anniversary of their publisher, the UNA, the oldest and largest Ukrainian fraternal organiza- tion. Indeed, the UNA is among the oldest fraternal organi- zations in the United States. President/CEO Stefan Kaczaraj pointed out in a story about the UNA jubilee: “At the beginning of the 20th centu- ry, there were more than 600 fraternal insurance societies. Now there are less than 100. We are one of them. This is a testament both to the commitment of the UNA to our mem- bers and our community, as well as the loyalty of our mem- bers and our community to the UNA. I am proud to say that, for 125 years, the UNA has been insuring our community.” It was back on February 22, 1894, that a group of Ukrainian (then called Ruthenian or Rusyn) activists con- Larry Deklinski/The News-Item vened in Shamokin, Pa., for the founding meeting of what At Shamokin City Hall on February 22 for the presentation of a proclamation recognizing the UNA on its quasqui- would become the Ukrainian National Association. Svoboda centennial (from left) are: Editor-in-Chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly Roma Hadzewycz, Chief reported: “…on the day when all America celebrates the Operating Officer/National Secretary Yuriy Symczyk, Auditor Luba Walchuk and Advisor Irene Jarosewich of the birthday anniversary of the great George Washington, fear- UNA; City Councilmen Dan McGaw and Scott Roughton; City Administrator Robert M. Slaby; Mayor John J. less fighter for liberty and the rights of man, Rusyn priests, Brown; UNA President/CEO Stefan Kaczaraj and his wife, Swiatoslava; and the Rev. Mykola Ivanov and David delegates of Rusyn brotherhoods and Rusyn patriots from Kaleta of Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church. many areas assembled at 9 a.m. in the Ukrainian church in Shamokin, Pa., to ask God’s help in launching this all-impor- sented by Mayor John J. Brown and the City Council, “on the founding of the UNA would not have been possible tant project – the founding of the ‘Ruskyi Narodnyi Soyuz.’ ” February 22, 1894, a group of dedicated community lead- without the church. Indeed, it was church brotherhoods Those pioneers of the UNA had heeded the call of the ers, immigrants from Ukraine gathered together in that came together in 1894 to create what became the biweekly newspaper Svoboda – founded in September Shamokin, Pennsylvania, deeply concerned over the plight UNA, and the book “Ukrainian National Association: Its 1893 in Jersey City, N.J. – which advocated the establish- of their brethren immigrants in their new homeland, Past and Present” by Anthony Dragan says the Ss. Cyril and ment of “a national organization… that would embrace America. Hard-working immigrants who found themselves Methodius Brotherhood, founded in 1887 in Shamokin, each and every Rusyn no matter where he lives.” The para- in dangerous working conditions, subject to injury and “formed the basis of the Ukrainian National Association.” mount purpose of this organization, Svoboda explained, death, financial hardships, discrimination and bias.” The Quite a number of the UNA’s early leaders were affiliated was to “work together to improve our lot in this new land.” anniversary proclamation also cited the historic significance with Transfiguration Parish, which is evident in the jubilee In those special issues, of the UNA’s newspapers the of Shamokin “as the birthplace of the Ukrainian National book released for the parish’s centennial in 1984. UNA announced that there would be a grand concert – Association – and the foundation of organized community In the evening, Father Ivanov and cantor David Kaleta whose theme would be “Celebrating 125 Years!” – on life of Ukrainian Americans in the United States.” took UNA’ers on a tour of the historic Transfiguration November 2 in Morristown, N.J., not far from the UNA The UNA delegation, which also included Auditor Luba Church, the second oldest Ukrainian Catholic Church in the Home Office in Parsippany. At the same time, the UNA Walchuk, Advisor Jarosewich and the editor-in-chief of United States. The parish was established in 1884, and the adopted the theme “UNA: Insuring Our Community for Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Roma Hadzewycz, was current church’s cornerstone was blessed in 1907 by Bishop 125 Years” for the anniversary year, and a jubilee logo was warmly greeted by Shamokin officials. A story about the Soter Ortynsky, the first Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the designed by Nadiya Folk. An article about the UNA’s anni- proclamation’s presentation was prominently featured on U.S. versary plans was written by Advisor Irene Jarosewich the front page of The News-Item on February 23. “City offi- The very next issue of The Ukrainian Weekly published and a decade-by-decade look at the UNA’s history, com- cials honor fraternal Ukrainian National Association; the first historic photograph in a yearlong series headlined plete with historic photos, was prepared by The Ukrainian Organization founded in Shamokin 125 years ago,” was the “UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history.” Weekly’s editorial staff. headline on the informative report by Larry Deklinski. (The series continues through February 23, 2020.) A special commemoration of the UNA’s quasquicentenni- Speaking with Mr. Deklinski, a staff photographer/ Of course, the UNA Almanac for 2019 was dedicated to al occurred in the place where it all began: Shamokin, Pa. On reporter, Mayor Brown commented: “It’s amazing the the 125th anniversary of the Ukrainian National February 22, a delegation led by President/CEO Kaczaraj things that happened in the heyday of Shamokin. …This is Association. It included several articles related to that mile- and Chief Operating Officer/National Secretary Yuriy just another thing that has come to our attention – that stone and the UNA’s continuing leading role in the Symczyk traveled to the UNA’s birthplace to celebrate the Shamokin is an important place in the history of this coun- Ukrainian community. Other sections of the 256-page organization’s founding on that exact date 125 years earlier. try.” The Rev. Mykola Ivanov, pastor of Transfigur­ation Almanac highlighted the historic events of 1919 in Ukraine, As noted in the proclamation hailing the UNA that was pre- Ukrainian Catholic Church, told the local newspaper that such as the Act of Union of all Ukrainian lands into one Ukrainian National Republic, the Chortkiv offensive, and the fate of Kyiv during the years of the revolution. Also notewor- thy was a section about the 80th anniversary of Carpathian Ukraine, Zenon Stakhiv’s account of Taras Shevchenko’s participation in the Aral Sea expedition of 1848-1849, an article by Orest Deychakiwsky about 100 years of U.S. con- gressional support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian-language publication’s editor is Petro Chasto, who has been in charge of the successful Almanac projects since the year 2000. During the year, the UNA continued a review and rewrite of its By-Laws. On May 10, a joint meeting of the Ukrainian National Association’s By-Laws Working Group (WG) and the UNA General Assembly’s Standing Committee (SC) on By-Laws, was held at the Home Office, with the UNA’s presi- dent/CEO in attendance. Participating were: the chairmen of both groups, Advisor Andrij Szul (WG), and First Vice- President Slavko Tysiak (SC), as well as SC members Director for Canada Ewhen Osidacz and Auditors Andrij Skyba and Luba Walchuk; and WG members National Secretary/COO Yuriy Symczyk, Treasurer/CFO Roma Lisovich, Advisor Oksana Koziak and Editor-in-Chief Hadzewycz. (Second Vice-President Eugene Serba was later named to the SC.) Steve Woch The UNA anniversary was celebrated by the Connecticut A joint meeting of the UNA By-Laws Working Group and the UNA General Assembly’s Standing Committee on District Committee with a concert at Hartford’s Ukrainian By-Laws was held at the Home Office on May 10 with the UNA’s president/CEO in attendance. Participating were: National Home on May 10. The featured artist was (seated, from left) Auditor Andrij Skyba, Mr. Kaczaraj, Advisor Andrij Szul, First Vice-President Slavko Tysiak; Anytchka. UNA leaders in attendance included Connecticut (standing) National Secretary/COO Yuriy Symczyk, Treasurer/CFO Roma Lisovich, Auditing Committee Chair District Chairman Myron Kolinsky, UNA Branch 59 Luba Walchuk, Advisor Oksana Koziak, Editor-in-Chief Roma Hadzewycz and Director for Canada Ewhen Osidacz. Secretary Bohdan Doboszczak, UNA Branch 414 Treasurer 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Gloria Horbaty, who is also a UNA advisor, and UNA Branch 253 Audit Committee Chairman Adam Platosz. During the months of August and September, UNA Home Office representatives as well as members of the UNA General Assembly attended several area festivals to promote the UNA and its products. These included festi- vals held in Lehighton and Horsham Pa., Stamford Conn., and Whippany, Passaic and Clifton, N.J. The education of Ukrainian youth is an investment the UNA continued to make in 2019 to maintain the legacy of helping Ukrainians attain success in the professional world. Forty-four student members received a total of $11,200, of which $5,000 was designated for special scholarships (Joseph and Dora Galandiuk Memorial Scholarship, Drs. Maria, Dmytro and Olha Jarosewych Scholarship, Joseph Wolk Scholarship, Vera Stangl Scholarship and Ukrainian National Home Corp. of Blackstone, Mass., Scholarship). Photos of the scholarship recipients were published in the September 1 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, as well as in Svoboda. The UNA scholar- ship program has now distributed more than $2 million. For the first time ever, in 2019 special UNA Heritage Scholarships were awarded in order to underscore the Christine Syzonenko UNA’s longstanding role in the Ukrainian community. Both The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in their “Classic Hopak,” the finale to the UNA’s 125th anniversary concert held undergraduate and graduate students, enrolled full- or on November 2 at Dolan Performance Hall on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J. part-time in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, were eligible for the new $1,000 scholar- $390,622 increase for the first six months of 2019 in the The ensemble showcased its versatility with performances ships. Five such scholarships were awarded by the UNA UNA’s surplus, which then stood at $11.41 million. CFO/ of a bandura classic, folks songs and the modern Scholarship Committee for the 2019-2020 academic year; Treasurer Lisovich said the UNA “continues to experience “Hallelujah” with a contemporary Ukrainian theme. the students chosen were recognized for their academic consecutive years of solid net profits” and noted that assets Violinist Vasyl Popadiuk, a native of Ukraine who now lives achievements and Ukrainian community involvement. are projected to grow to $182 million by the end of 2020. in Canada, bridged the two countries in his exceptional per- The Ukrainian National Association was among the 37 COO/National Secretary Symczyk analyzed UNA insur- formance of well-chosen music selections. And Khrystyna individuals, teams and organizations inducted into the ance sales for the first nine months of 2019 and noted that Soloviy, a young singer/songwriter from Ukraine making Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 during a dinner on 2020 has a lot of potential for increased sales. her North American debut, provided the connection September 14 at Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center Three standing committees of the General Assembly – between our ancestral homeland and the emigration in her in Horsham, Pa. The UNA was recognized in the Legacy cat- Financial, Membership Outreach and Publications – met rendition of the traditional Lemko folk song “Hamerytskyi egory for its longtime sponsorships of sports tournaments during the annual meeting. The Standing Committee on Krai” (Land of America), which expresses the mixed emo- and competitions, going back to its “Youth and Sports” pro- UNA By-Laws and the Working Group on UNA By-Laws tions of immigrants longing for their native land. Moreover, gram initiated back in 1937. The UNA’s second vice-presi- held a joint meeting on Saturday afternoon, November 2. this young star who treasures her own Lemko heritage was dent, Mr. Serba, accepted the award. Also in attendance was immediately after the General Assembly meeting was also a reminder of the Lemko roots of many UNA pioneers. UNA Auditor Walchuk. Mr. Serba thanked the Ukrainian adjourned. The two groups, which became the Joint Master of ceremonies Roman Hirniak pointed out that Sports Hall of Fame and noted that the UNA has supported Committee on UNA By-Laws, met again later in the year to the UNA was founded with 439 members and assets of a number of sports in its history, among them baseball, bas- iron out further details regarding the proposed new by- $220. Its goal, then and now: to extend “a helping hand to ketball, bowling and soccer. Today, the UNA sponsors golf, laws of the association, which would be voted on in early its members, to the Ukrainian community in the United tennis, swimming and volleyball tournaments. It has sup- 2020 by all delegates to the previous UNA convention and States and Canada, to Ukrainians wherever they have set- ported numerous sports clubs and helps sponsor Ukrainian current members of the General Assembly. tled and to Ukraine itself.” Today, Mr. Hirniak continued, Heritage Day at the New Jersey Devils. On Saturday, November 2, the UNA continued celebra- the UNA is “the oldest Ukrainian fraternal organization, … The Philadelphia District Committee organized an anni- tions of its 125th anniversary with a wonderful gift to its boasting assets totaling almost $200 million.” It maintains versary concert at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural members and the Ukrainian community at large: a gala its mission of preserving the Ukrainian heritage and cul- Center in Jenkintown, Pa., on October 20, which featured concert featuring Ukrainian dance, music and song. In ture, and of educating members and others about Ms. Hadzewycz , editor-in-chief of the UNA’s two newspa- attendance were members of the General Assembly, who Ukraine’s past and present. pers, as the keynote speaker, and internationally known had concluded their annual meeting earlier that day. The UNA Advisor Bohdana Puzyk, the chair of the UNA’s violinist Dr. Solomiya Ivakhiv as the headliner of the artis- concert spotlighted performers from the United States, 125th Anniversary Committee, which had been working tic portion of the program. Also performing were the Canada and Ukraine – as befits a fraternal benefit society on the concert project since mid-2018, remarked: “This Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, the Bells Choir of founded in the U.S. that later expanded into Canada and concert was attended by three generations of Ukrainians, the First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church, the always had Ukraine in its heart. and each generation found an element that overjoyed and Soloveyky children’s choir and a duo of bandurists. Roman The fabulous Ukrainian Shumka Dancers from delighted them. The result was a concert that captivated Dubenko served as master of ceremonies. Event organiz- Edmonton, Alberta, lived up to their name. Shumka means all who attended.” But the concert was even more than a ers chose to focus on raising funds for the UNA whirlwind, and what the audience saw was a whirlwind of celebration. As became evident in conversations with con- Publications Endowment Fund, raising $1,500 from those color and movement in exquisitely choreographed dance cert-goers, it was also an opportunity to reconnect. in attendance. presentations. As Shumka noted, it was a tribute to its roots Indeed, there were those who told The Ukrainian Weekly The Ukrainian National Association’s General Assembly in both Ukraine and Canada. The Women’s Bandura they were happy “to come home,” having lost touch with convened its 2019 annual meeting on Friday and Saturday, Ensemble, whose members hail from throughout the U.S. the Ukrainian community. (Highlights of the concert November 1-2, in the UNA Home Office’s newly designed and Canada, demonstrated that Ukraine’s national instru- appeared in a 6.5 minute video posted on YouTube: conference room. President/CEO Kaczaraj pointed to the ment lives on and continues to inspire new generations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4iR_b36I2Y& feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR39Aqm-uzty7yKyLlG3zLK- W7qH5PkI7s3YXBNlOiI4UncmyxCc7GUrs-7E.) Sadly, the UNA lost two of its former leaders during 2019. Former Supreme Vice-Presidentess Gloria Paschen, who served in that post in 1982-1994, passed away on March 28 at the age of 92. She was also a longtime UNA advisor and secretary of UNA Branch 125 for 46 years. Stefania Hewryk, the first woman elected (1994) as an auditor of the Ukrainian National Association, died on October 23 at the age of 96. (Her late husband, John, was the UNA’s director for Canada.) Toward the end of the year, the UNA sent out its 2019- 2020 Christmas cards, featuring beautiful artwork by Iryna Korchuk and Volodymyr Petryshyn of Ukraine. The annual Christmas card project is a fund-raiser, and this year’s primary beneficiary was the UNA Publications Endowment Fund that exists under the aegis of the Ukrainian National Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Purchasers could also choose to support Soyuzivka Heritage Center or the UNF’s General Fund. Judging by the comments of recipients, this year’s Christmas cards were a hit. At year’s end, the Ukrainian National Association’s Nadiya Folk 125th anniversary was still being marked; the full year of Participants of the 2019 annual meeting of the UNA General Assembly held on November 1-2 at the UNA Home Office. celebrations is to culminate in February 2020. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 13

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Culture: Celebrations, concerts, films, art, etc. krainians celebrated a landmark anniversary in 2019: 125 years of continuous service to Ukrainian Ucommunities in the United States and Canada by the Ukrainian National Association (UNA). Several major cul- tural events commemorated all the work done by the UNA. On July 12-14, the 13th annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival at the Ukrainian National Foundation’s Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., included a gala hon- oring the important role of the UNA’s two newspapers – Svoboda (the oldest continuously published Ukrainian- language newspaper in the world, founded in 1893) and The Ukrainian Weekly (published in the English language and founded in 1933). The UNF is an affiliated company of the UNA that performs charitable activities on its behalf. Ukrainian National Foundation President Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta related how in 1894 immigrants created the UNA. The editor-in-chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Roma Hadzewycz, offered an overview of both publications serving Ukrainians for a combined total of over 210 years. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly congratulated the UNA and both publications for Dumka/Facebook their support of today’s warriors at the front: “The great The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performs at its 70th anniversary concert on October 6 at Hunter support from the diaspora is the reason why Ukraine has College in New York. attained respect. Glory to the Heroes!” To fit the occasion, the festival engaged some of the fin- 20-member ensemble programmed Ukrainian choral clas- Washington, Philadelphia and New York. In New York City, est talent from Ukraine and the diaspora to inform and sics and works by Valentyn Silvestrov and Viktor at the famed Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the chorus, entertain thousands of viewers, including singers Taras Hrytsyshyn. which traces its beginnings to the Kobzar Choir founded Petrynenko, Tonya Matvienko, Max Lozynskyj, the Canadian opera soloist Pavlo Hunka led the third in 1918 in Kyiv, performed before a capacity crowd. The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York, the Roma Pryma Ukrainian Art Song Institute on August 12-18 at the Royal tour also took the chorus to the Ukrainian Catholic Shrine Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop, the Zolotyj Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Mr. Hunka promulgates of the Holy Family in Washington and the Temple Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Hartford, Conn., the music of classical Ukrainian composers by reaching Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia. The renowned and director Roman Brygider with his documentary film out to talented young vocalists on the cusp of their profes- chorus also delivered a hometown performance in Detroit “Our Ukrainian American Legacy.” sional careers. Eight promising artists from Canada, the on October 6. A day earlier, the UBC members held an out- Four months later, a sold-out concert in Morristown, N.J., United States and Ukraine were spotlighted: Alexandra reach program for Ukrainian schools in the Detroit area. celebrated the 125th anniversary of the UNA. The Beley, Julie Anna Gulenko, Yurii Hryhorash, Kateryna As in previous years, Artistic Director Oleh Mahlay direct- November 2 gala, benefiting the UNA Publications Endow­ Khartova, Teryn Kuzma, Katherine Mayba, Andrew Skitko ed the Kobzarska Sich bandura summer camp, which ment Fund that exists under the aegis of the Ukrainian and Olenka Slywynska. marked its 40th anniversary in 2019. National Foundation, featured the first U.S. appearance The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York marked its With the aim of securing the UBC’s future for the next since 2005 of the dance company Shumka from Edmonton, 70th anniversary with a concert at Hunter College on 100 years, the chorus launched a campaign, UBC@100 Alberta. Singer/songwriter Khrystyna Soloviy made her October 6. The chorus under Vasyl Hrechynsky presented Legacy, with three initiatives: Guardianship, Bandura North American debut with her four-member band, includ- Ukrainian classics by Mykola Lysenko and Mykola Project and Education. The UBC@100 Committee stated: ing songs from her Lemko background. Violinist Vasyl Leontovych. Also programmed were arrangements by “…Our artistic and administrative leadership have identi- Popadiuk and the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North Peter Wilhousky and the famous Nabucco chorus by fied three key objectives for our future and the future of America completed the extraordinary program. Giuseppe Verdi. Soprano Anya Kosachevich and the ban- the bandura: develop new outreach and audience pro- dura duo Malvy complemented the program. gramming; rehabilitate and innovate the bandura in order Music The Washington Group (TWG) Cultural Fund spon- to provide it for future musicians; and expand on new and The renowned Kyiv Chamber Choir began its 10-day sored a series of diverse concerts. On March 17, the traditional programming and musical education initia- North American tour on May 17 with concerts in Shelest Piano Duo performed works of Ukrainian compos- tives. In total, we endeavor to raise nearly $2.5 million by Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Hartford (Conn.), ers Mykola Lysenko, Oleksandr Zhuk, Sergiy Bortkevych 2020 to fund these objectives, and to continue our legacy Boston, Rochester (N.Y.), Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit and and Myroslav Skoryk. On May 19 Berlin-based soprano for the next 100 years and beyond.” Montreal. Directed by founder Mykola Hobdych, this Stefania Dovhan sang works by Barvinsky, Bellini, Donizetti, Duparc, Poulenc, Puccini, Rossini and Strauss. Film On November 10, the ingeniously named Spiv-Zhyttia, a In addition to Ukrainian-themed art films and docu- 14 member vocal ensemble of Ukrainians from the mentaries, two made-for-television series excited interest. Washington area, was featured in TWG’s last concert of Premiering on May 6, HBO’s five-part series “Chernobyl” the year. Led by Oksana Lassowsky, Spiv-Zhyttia per- was acclaimed by viewers and critics. It took home 10 formed traditional Ukrainian folk songs and contempo- Emmy Awards, including for “Outstanding Limited Series.” rary compositions by Myroslav Skoryk and Roman Hurko. This historical drama about the 1986 catastrophe was On a lighter note, the Korinya Ukrainian Folk Band written by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck. began its inaugural North American tour on July 19 start- Accepting his award in Los Angeles, Mr. Mazin paid tribute ing in New York and ending in Toronto. Korinya began as a to the victims of the nuclear disaster and hoped “the series family quartet in 2003 as a tribute to the exuberant village will serve as a way to remind people of their legacy.” singing and playing styles. The danceable music of this The second new TV series, the Netflix documentary “The innovative band can be heard on Spotify and iTunes. Devil Next Door” about John Demjanjuk, was more contro- On April 7, the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North versial. In a two-part article on November 17 and 24, the America performed at the University of Connecticut’s School president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, of Fine Arts. This 18-member women’s ensemble breaks Bohdan Shandor, reviewed the strengths and weaknesses with the all-male tradition of bandura ensembles, and is an of this dramatization of the history and prosecution of Mr. effective platform for developing talented female musicians. Demjanjuk, who in 1985 was wrongly accused of being Violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv was artistic director of Music Ivan the Terrible of Treblinka. Mr. Shandor elaborated on at the Institute concert series at the Ukrainian Institute of the disingenuous actions of the OSI and of the KGB who America (UIA) throughout 2019. Ms. Ivakhiv also per- provided “evidence” in order to “drive a wedge between formed Bruce Adolphe’s “Fantasia Krushelnytska”, Anatol Jews in America and Ukrainian Americans.” Kos-Anatolsky’s Poem for Violin and Piano, and Bohdan Award-winning Ukrainian Canadian composer/pro- Kryvopust’s Duma for String Trio at the UIA. Violinist Oleh ducer Danny Schur’s movie musical “Stand!” premiered in Krysa and pianist Mykola Suk performed on March 2 in a the U.S. on November 9 in Santa Monica, Calif. “Stand!” Beethoven sonata program. On November 9, soprano builds on its prequel “Strike! The Musical,” set against the Teryn Kuzma performed songs of Ukrainian composers 1919 Winnipeg General Strike that claimed the life of Myroslav Volynsky, Yakiv Stepovy and Kyrylo Stetsenko. Ukrainian immigrant Mike Sokolowski. Intertwining a Ms. Ivakhiv also recorded “Poems and Rhapsodies” Romeo-and-Juliet plot line, Mr. Schur utilized “the Bogdan Grytsiv with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine under Ukrainian Canadian experience as a metaphor for all dis- Singer/songwriter Khrystyna Soloviy made her North American debut with her four-member band at the Volodymyr Sirenko, and Mendelssohn concerto rarities possessed people and immigrants who were treated so 125th anniversary concert of the Ukrainian National with Theodore Kuchar and the Slovak National Symphony. poorly.” The Canadian Museum of Human Rights is to dis- Association on November 2 in Morristown, N.J., at The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America pre- tribute digital copies of “Stand!” to over 750,000 students Dolan Performance Hall, College of St. Elizabeth. sented its Centennial Concert Series on June 21-23 in in Canada and the U.S. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The Ukrainian Art Center of Los Angeles presented the southern California premiere of Roxy Toporowych’s film “Julia Blue” on July 9. Filmed in Ukraine, it relates the story of Julia, a photojournalist and volunteer at a military hos- pital in today’s war-torn Ukraine, who falls in love with a wounded soldier. “Julia Blue” has been featured at numer- ous domestic and foreign film festivals where it has won “Best Director” and “Best Film” awards. The Ukrainian Community of Western Pennsylvania presented another in its series of Ukrainian Film Festivals on September 21-28 at the University of Pittsburgh. The films were “Donbass” directed by Sergey Loznitsa, “Breaking Point” co-directed by Mark Jonathan Harris and Oles Sanin, “The Guide” directed by Oles Sanin, and “Ukrainian Sheriffs” directed by Roman Bondarchuk. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, the new film “Mr. Jones,” about brave Welsh journalist Gareth Jones expos- ing the Holodomor in Joseph Stalin’s 1930s Soviet Union, was screened on December 15 in Silver Spring, Md. Screenwriter Andrea Chalupa discussed the historical background. “Mr. Jones” was honored as “Best Film” at the 2019 Polish Film Festival, and was selected for 2019 film festivals in Berlin, Zurich and London. UBC The documentary short “War Mothers: Unbreakable” The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus performs as part of its Centennial Concert Series at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Hall on June 22. April 28-May 4. Written and directed by Stefan Bugryn of Melbourne, Australia, it reveals the grassroots response to and anarchy play out against Lukas’ traditional values, but Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. to benefit the the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It portrays leave no clear resolution in this “exquisitely photo- Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital in the Donbas. the inspirational story of 18-year-old Yana Zinkevych, who graphed” film of magical realism. During the week of June 2-9 this exhibit traveled to the put aside her dreams of becoming a doctor to create the The Ukrainian Museum Film Festival in New York com- Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Hospitallers, an organization to help wounded and trau- menced on May 31 with four movies. “Crimea: Russia’s Conception in Philadelphia. matized Ukrainian soldiers. In The Weekly’s issue dated Dark Secret” was a powerful documentary directed by A unique interactive exhibition, Christina Saj’s May 12, Dr. Yuri Shevchuk interviewed Mr. Bugryn, who Jamie Doran about today’s ongoing resistance by Crimean “Transformative Paintings” at The Ukrainian Museum in spoke about his first visit to Ukraine as a member of Plast Tatars to the Russian occupation of their homeland. Emmy New York provided an immersive tactile experience for scouts and encountering “war mothers” searching for Award-winning director Roman Brygider labored for years visitors starting on January 12. The exhibit comprised their sons. He quit his job and flew to Zaporizhia to make to create his documentary “Our Ukrainian American large panels painted by Ms. Saj, on which viewers could an earlier film, “War Mothers,” about Yulia Matviyenko, Legacy.” Of Ukrainian background, he had realized how lit- align pre-painted, magnetized objects. Said the artist, “I who spends 10 days out of 40 as a sniper at the front, and tle information existed about Ukrainians. Combining archi- want visitors to experience working with color, shape and who also founded the volunteer center Pryval to house val videoclips with new footage and interviews, Mr. ideas in order to become co-creator and to engage in wounded soldiers. Brygider shaped and narrated a beautifully edited docu- thinking like an artist.” On March 3, the Ukrainian Culture Center in Los mentary of Ukrainian life and concerns in America. “The U.S. Army combat veteran Jenn Blatty had no ties to Angeles celebrated the life and career of legendary First Company,” by a group of young filmmakers called Ukraine when she traveled there in 2018. As a fellow soldier, Ukrainian American actor Jack Palance (Volodymyr “Albatross Communicos,” proclaimed it would rip away she quickly bonded with many veterans she met. She has Palahniuk) on the 100th anniversary of his birth. The the mask of society during Maidan and war years to show since been photographing and gathering oral history record- guest of honor was the actor’s younger brother, John a story of “good and evil, hatred and love, disputes and ings of volunteer soldiers. Her portraits exhibit, “Frontline, Palance, who beguiled the audience, reminiscing about reconciliation.” The directors also claimed to produce a Peace Life: Ukraine’s Revolutionaries of the Forgotten War,” the Palahniuk family’s early years in Pennsylvania when “neutral document” about soldiers and civilians. was on display at The Ukrainian National Museum in their father would read plays, acting out each part. This Introduced by actor and screenwriter Andrij Witiuk, the Chicago from May 31 through June 23. Two Ukrainian veter- was probably Jack’s first exposure to “performing.” He final film of the festival was “The Gateway” by filmmakers ans photographed by Ms. Blatty, Alina Viatina and Dmytro spoke also of his older brother recording a Ukrainian song Volodymyr Tykhyy and Yulia Shashkova. Based on the Lavrenchuk, shared their stories with attendees. with the Bandurist Chorus of Toronto in 1957, and his trendy play by Lviv cult-figure Pavlo Arie, this hallucino- In August, the Kyivan Museum of the Ukrainian refusal of the “People’s Artist” award at the 2004 Russian genic fantasy discloses a family of hapless misfits living in Diaspora opened a joint exhibition with the National Film Festival in Hollywood. Actor-producer George the “Forbidden Zone” near Chornobyl. Along the way, it Museum of the Revolution of Dignity, titled “New York- Wyhinny concluded the gala, noting that although Jack combines grotesque scenes from World War II with horrif- Ilovaisk: The Choice.” This collection memorialized the first Palance is widely remembered for playing ruthless char- ic developments in the present, and dreamlike flights into American killed in the fighting in the Donbas, West Point acters, his intimate friends remember him as “a generous the future. graduate Markian Paslawsky. It included photos and videos of Paslawsky, his dress uniform, artifacts, and recollections family man.” He loved and embraced his Ukrainian heri- Art and museums tage and fought for his home, America. of his friends and co-combatants. This exhibition was to In the June 23 issue, Roman Bondarchuk’s debut fiction On February 20, in memory of the fifth anniversary of travel to other Ukrainian cities as well as to the U.S. film “Volcano” was reviewed by Ainsley Katz. The author the deaths of the Heavenly Hundred during the Euro- Starting on May 21, Vienna Technical University pre- quoted Mr. Bondarchuk opining his movie was meant to Maidan Revolution of Dignity in 2014, an icon art exhibit sented an exhibition of Ukrainian churches designed by raise questions rather than provide answers. In “Volcano,” of Kyivan artists Sofia Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko Ukrainian Canadian architect Radoslav Zuk, titled “New Lukas travels with three international observers just out- opened at the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Interpretation of a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition: side of Crimea. When the observers disappear, Lukas finds Church of the U.S.A. in South Bound Brook, NJ. Each icon Ukrainian Churches in Canada, U.S.A. and Ukraine.” A pro- himself close to the war zone in Beryslav, a city with no was painted on an ammunition box recovered from the fessor emeritus at McGill University in Montreal, Mr. Zuk seeming laws or clear-cut social standards. The absurdity combat zone. This charitable event was organized by the has been recognized internationally for his life-long con- tributions in the field of Ukrainian sacral architecture. On the fifth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, the Ukrainian History and Education Center in Somerset, N.J., dedicated its exhibition, “Rushnyky: Ritual Cloths of the Cossack Lands of Ukraine” to the Heavenly Hundred who perished on Maidan and to the thousands of young men and women killed in the resulting wars. Opening on March 3, this collection comprised 100 handcrafted rushnyky starting from the end of the 19th century. Traditionally embroidered by a bride for her wedding, rushnyky exhibit a rich variety of styles and techniques. Some included the ancient Tree of Life symbol, while others had the two-head- ed-eagle, the Byzantine representation of the Holy Trinity. Curators Yuri Mischenko and Natalie Pawlenko traveled extensively in Ukraine to assemble this impressive collec- tion of embroidered and woven rushnyky. A second folk-art installation and exhibit, “Embroi­ dered Memories,” created by Canadian artist/curator Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn, opened at St. Vladimir Institute in Toronto on March 31. With over 750 hand- embroidered Ukrainian “podushky” (pillows) collected V. Lewis from Canadian Ukrainian families, this exhibition was to At the southern California premiere of “Julia Blue” on June 9 are the Ukrainian Art Center’s board of directors travel to major centers across Canada. Displaying an end- with filmmaker Roxy Toporowych (fourth from left). less variety of styles and patterns, podushky are one of the No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 15

2019: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

flowers in moonbeams were not in step with his contempo- raries, and have only recently begun to be recognized. Literature and theater On April 12 at The Ukrainian Museum in New York, the Bushwick Book Club (BBC) united with Yara Arts Group to present musical improvisations inspired by readings of the poetry of Serhiy Zhadan. BBC’s founder Susan Hwang has previously collaborated with Virlana Tkacz in Yara productions. Mr. Zhadan read his poems in Ukrainian, while BBC members sang their interpretations. On September 15, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 96 in Warren, Mich., presented an afternoon of readings titled “Word By Word – 100 Years of Literary Publications by Michigan Ukrainians.” Starting with the late 1880s, all the works were read by the origi- nal authors or those related to the original authors. 2019 also witnessed the publication of poetry collections and translations. Considered by many to be the first great Slavic philosopher, Hryhory Skovoroda created a unique collection of 30 poems written over a period stretching from the 1750s to 1785. “The Garden of Divine Songs and Collected Poetry of Hryhory Skovoroda” is Prof. Michael M. Naydan’s translation of the philosopher’s musings on the most cardinal problems of human existence, combining The Ukrainian Museum classical and biblical texts, ancient Ukrainian poetry, and Yaroslav Bilohan The silver funeral wreath dedicated to the “Knights of his unique system of thinking: the philosophy of the heart. Icons painted on wooden ammunition boxes by Sofia the Ukrainian National Republic” (1919, Collection of Toward the end of the year, Yara Arts Group celebrated its Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko, part of their art the National Museum of the History of Ukraine) was one 30th anniversary. As part of its anniversary season, the project “Buy an Icon – Save a Life” that was exhibited of the artifacts on display in the exhibit “Full Circle: group presented the Koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia in both a on February 20 at the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Ukraine’s Struggle for Independ­ence 100 Years Ago, traditional concert, performed in December in New York Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. in South Bound Brook, 1917-1921” at The Ukrainian Museum on April 7 N.J. through September 29. City, Jenkintown, Pa., Yonkers, N.Y., and Whippany, N.J., and in a collaborative project called “Winter Songs on Mars,” most popular symbols of ethnic identity in Ukrainian avant-garde artists included Oleksandr Murashko, Heorhii which was presented on December 21 at La MaMa homes. These beautiful artifacts represent a deep bond to Narbut, Alexander Archipenko and many others. In the Experimental Theater. The latter, according to Yara founder their homeland, and thousands of hours of detailed stitch- words of Prof. Shkandrij, “This exhibition presents a rare and artistic director Virlana Tkacz, was “a very special look ery and artistic invention. opportunity to take in the breadth and scope of modern at the otherworldly possibilities of winter songs.” On From April 7 through September 29, The Ukrainian Ukrainian art, and to view works by artists of different December 19, 20 and 22, La MaMa and Yara presented the Museum in New York hosted an exhibition commemorat- backgrounds who all originally came from Ukraine.” theater piece “Opera GAZ” created by Yara and Nova Opera ing the centennial of Ukraine’s early and brief indepen- Johanan Petrovsky-Shtern is a history professor at from Kyiv. dence, and tracing the creation of the modern state of Northwestern University and also an artist. In the issue Dance Ukraine. “Full Circle: Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence dated September 8, Dr. Alexander Motyl conducted a 100 Years Ago 1917-1921” included informative displays, wide-ranging interview with the painter. The Chicago- On March 31, Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and official seals and medals, caps and helmets, vintage flags, based artist talked about his run-ins with the KGB in Kyiv, the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky (RPB) School of Dance cel- and dozens of artifacts and documents. The parallels the biblical and rabbinical inspirations for his works, and ebrated 40 years of teaching and performance with a sold- between this struggle for independence a century ago and his favorite painter, Peter Breughel the Elder. out program at Hunter College in New York City. Founded today suggested the title “Full Circle.” Two additional painting exhibits opened in the fall. On in 1976, Syzokryli was the life’s dream of renowned balle- On June 28, the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago October 27, The Ukrainian Museum in New York present- rina Mme. Bohachevsky. She envisioned a unique synthe- opened an anticipated exhibition of paintings by Ivan ed “From Darkness to Light: The Paintings of Mikhail sis of the elegance of ballet and the expressive power of Marchuk of Kyiv. Viewers were transfixed by his canvases, Turovsky,” a retrospective of the artist, who began his modern dance with the endless variety of traditional folk ranging from the tranquility of moonlight across a sleepy career in Soviet Ukraine. Disheartened at the regime’s dances of her Ukrainian homeland. field to Chornobyl-induced agony. The artist’s’s enigmatic repression, he emigrated to the U.S. This exhibit embodied Much of the enjoyment at a Syzokryli concert consists landscapes and surreal psychic-scapes were praised by several themes: early illustrations to Ukrainian poems, a in viewing the many beautiful costumes (meticulously Picasso’s biographer, art critic Roland Penrose. cycle of feverish, dark sunflowers, reflections of the trage- patterned after authentic regional designs) which change On October 17, the Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of dies of the Holodomor and the Holocaust, and his emotive for every set. This program showcased the enthusiastic North America (UHCNA) convened its sixth meeting at mother and child paintings. beginning levels of RPB Schools of Dance up through the Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute in Cambridge, The second autumnal art show presented the lyrical skillful senior Syzokryli dancers. The dramatic centerpiece Mass. UHCNA coordinates information exchange and works of an artist essentially unknown in pre-indepen- of the concert was “Fight For Freedom” set to the original cooperation among Ukrainian cultural institutions and dence Ukraine. “Visible Music: The Art of Yukhym choreography of Mme. Bohachevsky. This thematic com- professionals in the United States and Canada. Speakers Mykhailiv,” comprising 72 canvases, opened on November position narrates the still topical story of Ukraine’s strug- from the following organizations shared thoughts and 17 at the Ukrainian History and Education Center in gle under the oppressive Soviet regime. It was expressive- concerns at this conference: Ukrainian Canadian Research Somerset, N.J. The artist’s early 20th century Symbolist ly performed by the ensemble, featuring its own adept and Documentation Center in Toronto, Ukrainian landscapes, swirling stars and waterfalls, and incandescent soloists. Museum-Archives in Cleveland, The Ukrainian Museum in New York, Shevchenko Scientific Society in New York, Library of Congress, Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago, and the Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On November 15, Ohio State University (OSU) and Ukrainian Museum-Archives (UMA) in Cleveland signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing an existing 20-year partnership. OSU’s Center for Slavic and East European Studies (CSESS) and its Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures had previously offered Ukrainian language instruction and courses on Ukrainian history and culture taught by UMA Director Andrew Fedynsky and Prof. George Kalbouss. For its part, the UMA provided paid summer internships to many OSU students. Dr. Angela Brintlinger, director of CSESS, noted that OSU aspires in cooperation with the UMA to increase its partnerships with Ukraine. Her long-term goal is to establish an endowed professorship at OSU in Ukrainian studies. Adding to their previous gifts, Dr. Jurij Rybak and his wife, Anna Ortynskyj, donated over 80 never-before-exhib- ited artworks and books to The Ukrainian Museum in New York. Titled “The Impact of Modernity: Late 19th and Early 20th Century Ukrainian Art,” the showing opened on “Fight for Freedom,” performed by the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble during the celebration of 40 years of Syzokryli November 17 and was curated by Myroslav Shkandrij, pro- and the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky School of Dance at the Kaye Playhouse of Hunter College in New York on fessor of Slavic studies at the University of Manitoba. The March 31. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5 Twin Cities Ukrainians donate Holodomor oral histories to University of Minnesota

by Zina Poletz Gutmanis MINNEAPOLIS – Ukrainian community members recently gathered at the University of Minnesota for a reception marking the official transfer of materials from a recently completed oral history project, titled “Holodomor Impact on Minnesota’s Ukrainian Community,” to the insti- tution’s Immigration History Research Center Archives (IHRCA). The event took place on November 20, 2019. Professionally recorded video files and written, anno- tated transcripts of 11 interviews with Holodomor survi- vors, and children and grandchildren of survivors, will be permanently housed at the IHRCA, located at the University’s Elmer L. Andersen Library. “Our collection’s strengths are first- and second-gener- ation immigrants, including displaced persons who arrived post World War II,” said Ellen Engseth, curator of the IHRCA and head of the University’s Migration and Social Services Collection. “Working with community was integral during our formation 55 years ago and remains central today – and so we are very pleased to host you here today.” Volunteer project director Zina Poletz Gutmanis worked with a small team to conduct interviews with three generations of Holodomor survivors with long- standing ties to the Ukrainian communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They received pro bono consult- John Gutmanis ing assistance from Sophia Isajiw, lead interviewer of the Project participants transfer archival materials to University of Minnesota’s Immigration History Research Center Archives. From left: Helen Chorolec, Wanda Bahmet, Alexander Poletz, Zina Gutmanis, Ellen Engseth, Taras “Children of Holodomor Survivors Speak” oral history Pidhayny, Stefan Iwaskewycz and Tracy Kurschner. project at the Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Center, in developing questionnaires and Minnesota Historical Society and administered through who bought the book knew about it because they had interviewing techniques. the Ukrainian American Community Center in been witnesses to the Holodomor. But for some reason, “The project was conceived after I learned three years Minneapolis. we were just not ready to come out and speak about this ago that my grandparents were Holodomor survivors,” For more information about the oral histories, readers loudly.” said Ms. Gutmanis. “The revelation got me to thinking may contact [email protected]. – Local community leader, age 84. about whether anybody else I knew in the community had a similar family history. I realized that in our community Common themes emerge “When Slavko Nowytski’s film ‘Harvest of Despair’ was we talked about the Holodomor primarily as a historical in oral history transcripts shown in the 1980s, it increased the dialogue in my family fact, and I was interested in learning more about the per- The following transcript excerpts highlight some com- and with my Ukrainian friends in my generation. In that sonal costs that survivors carried with them, as well as mon themes that emerged in the oral history interview con- format, and to hear survivor stories, and to see so many commonalities I may share with other descendants.” ducted as part of the project “Holodomor Impact on visual images, that part was new to me. It was akin to The interviews encompassed memories and family sto- Minnesota’s Ukrainian Community.” studying how horrible the Holocaust was, and then seeing ries about surviving the Holodomor, World War II and dis- Steven Spielberg putting it together visually. I just sobbed placed persons camps, and life in the Ukrainian communi- through the entire film. ty in Minneapolis. Project participants included: Hala emotionally process their academic understanding of the – Daughter of survivors, age 55. Bahmet, Oleksa Breslawec, Helen Chorolec, Olga Chorolec, Holodomor.• Participants relied on stories in books and film to Ms. Gutmanis, Lydia Iwaskewycz, Stefan Iwaskewycz, Alla “In 1953 [University of Minnesota professor Dmytro] Khrystych, Oleksiy Khrystych, Olga Kovalevsky, Alexander Solovey wrote a book in English titled ‘The Golgotha of and not wasting food. Poletz, Tatiana Riabokin and Kira Tsarehradsky. Ukraine.’ When this book came out, it spurred people like “To• Participants this day I can’tspoke waste about anything. their relationship I never leave to foodany- Ms. Gutmanis presented the project at the Holodomor me to learn more. I knew about the Holodomor from quiet thing in a restaurant, I always take something home; if I Forum in Philadelphia in October and a paper about the conversations, but to hold something in your hands physi- can’t eat it, I give it to a friend or neighbor. When I was project was read out at an international Holodomor con- cally and read about it, well, nothing like that existed. It growing up it was a sacrilege to throw stale or old bread ference held at Taras Shevchenko National University of contains narratives he recorded of various people, various in the garbage can. You always had to put it out for the Kyiv in November. The next phase will be to supplement families whose lives he describes: how they lived, what birds. I remember when my grandparents passed away the oral histories with additional research with the idea of they did to survive, and what happened to them. and we were cleaning out their house, we found linen nap- eventually creating a documentary film. “…It was as if we were under some sort of spell, under kins with crusts of bread in [them], tucked up in the raf- The project was supported by a grant from the the horror, and we really didn’t talk about it. All the people ters in the garage and the house. I kind of laughed, [because] I thought she was saving it for the birds – until I heard President [Viktor] Yushchenko talking about his grandparents, [and] how as a safety precaution, they tucked a cloth with crusts of bread into the rafters or in the floor boards so they would never have to go hungry again.” – Daughter of survivors, age 57.

from survivors, even if it was not discussed. “I• Participantsdon’t know at felt what something age we knew, about but being I know descended certain- ly in our teen years all of us [my siblings and I] became aware of a grief and a suffering in ourselves that had to do with our parents. When I look back, we were all very pro- tective of our parents, very much a caretaker role, proba- bly more than my colleagues who didn’t go through these kinds of things.” – Daughter of survivor, age 65.

“When the movie ‘Dances with Wolves’ came out, I was in high school and it blew me away! They [Native Americans] experienced genocide, and it’s [depicted in the movie]. That was a big opening from my own Ukrainian background… Understanding your history, at least for me, helps you calm down and put together the pieces so it’’s not just this foreign element agitating you in some way or Cover page of printed oral history transcripts for the Zina Gutmanis speaks to the group of 50 community another. It’s kind of like psychology – talking therapy.” project “Holodomor Impact on Minnesota’s Ukrainian members and researchers gathered at the University of Community.” Minnesota Andersen Library for the ceremony. – Grandson of survivor, age 44. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

REVIEW: The sound and fury of Yara Arts Group’s “Opera GAZ”

by Adrian Bryttan NEW YORK – “Great Balls of Fire”! Shades of Jerry Lee Lewis and his flaming keyboards! The smash-mouth destruction of a honky-tonk pianino was merely the most obvious assault on the audience during performances of “Opera GAZ,” a co-production of Yara Arts Group and Kyiv’s Nova Opera on December 19, 20 and 22 at La MaMa Experimental Theater in New York City. By itself, the vio- lent “pianicide” concluding this “opera” might be shrugged off as passé – a “happening” dating back to the 1950s. However, this show also evoked the bleak landscape of much of today’s opera and theater productions. The background Premiering in 1918, “Gas 1” was the middle drama of a symbolic trilogy of plays by leading German expressionist Georg Kaiser. The author explored themes of societal and economic conflicts in pre-World War I Germany within a billionaire’s factory; he created a story line around the bil- lionaire’s son who wanted to help the workers, culminating in an explosion and a universal appeal for the “new man.” “Gas 1” became quite popular in the original German and ensuing translations, but was promptly “reworked” in Valeriya Landar 1923 by Ukrainian avant-garde director Les Kurbas into an The Prologue of “Opera GAZ.” “opera” about an industrial explosion. (In 1925, Thea von Harbou also published her similarly-themed novel ry where singers in HazMat suits shuffle around like face- can transform, omit or add anything he or she imagines. “Metropolis” which became the 1927 film, directed by her less robots. At center stage, a manic pianist constantly In a previous interview, Ms. Tkacz had stated she was husband Fritz Lang. “Opera GAZ” shares several stylistic plucks away at a prepared upright, while a manic conduc- “drawing on” Kaiser’s play to create an “original artwork” design traits with “Metropolis” the movie.) tor gyrates and capers, leading the players until it all finally for an audience “of our times and our situation” to show Yara’s Virlana Tkacz was the concept originator and spirals out of control. what Kurbas accomplished. She revealed: “I am trying to stage director of this production of “Opera GAZ.” She Along the way, the audience is treated to several epi- present this opera in such a way that people who cannot explained in interviews how Kaiser’s original play did not sodes, starting with almost a quarter of an hour of ham- read music will understand it.” interest her, but rather Kurbas’ “transformation” of the mering on metal pipes by the singers. This is followed by a Ultimately, what was gained by deconstructing Kaiser’s German play. Apparently, Kurbas had already greatly caricature of Donizetti/Verdi ensembles, set almost entire- play to make it “of our times” and so that “people who can- reduced this play’s dialogue, while creating lots of choreog- ly to the words “Che bello, GAZ!” Less clever was the per- not read music will understand it”? Did both Kurbas and raphy for the actors. He also had commissioned a new formers’ juvenile mockery of opera singer stereotypes. Ms. Tkacz assume Kaiser’s play is so dramatically limited “industrial sounds” score with over 50 instrumentalists to A “Duetto” (about a spring-like utopia) depicted the that it couldn’t speak to us today on its own terms? Do accompany his “opera.” yearning between two workers. Here, the different ele- audiences so lack imagination that they can’t find any By the time Gaz resurfaced at La MaMa as an “opera- ments seemed to work at cross-purposes: the halting musi- meaning unless it’s literally about them? dystopia,” almost all of Kaiser’s themes and plot threads cal phrases (“Spring awakes…”) lacked joy at the season of Kaiser’s idealistic vision was the regeneration of human- had been jettisoned. In fact, with only a two page libretto, rebirth and life. And if the intent was to juxtapose the iron- ity. The explicit message delivered in “Metropolis” is “The Ms. Tkacz’s “GAZ” had become non-verbal, non-narrative ic text – “Why won’t they sing fiery songs with the collec- Mediator between Brain and Hands must be the Heart!” and plotless. tive?” – it did not work. Opera exists to set words and emo- And “Opera GAZ”? Consequently, the emphasis lay squarely on the music, tions to music; repeating the same few words over and The program notes allude to a futuristic gas, industrial composed by Nova Opera’s creative team of Roman over is a regression to primitivism. workers, and “selfish concerns that screen looming prob- Grygoriv and Illia Razumeiko, who also sang/acted the As the intensifying “Workers’ Hymn” careened to its cli- lems, eventually unleashing their rage.” An audience dodg- roles of Conductor and Pianist, respectively. Their score max, the frenzied Pianist began to pound the keyboard ing splintered ivories and pedals might well grasp that part seesawed between pulse-driven hard rock and a straight- with his feet, telegraphing an imminent annihilation of his about “unleashing rage.” But where were nuanced portray- forward minimalism with snatches of other contemporary pianino. als of the “selfish concerns” or “looming problems?” If there techniques, some more ingenious than others. The audience was soon granted some quiet time: three were any, they remained buried in the program notes. Nevertheless, the energy and precision of the singers singers chanting harmonies (set to dismembered German Vlad Troitsky, showman and instrumentalists were undeniable. (It would be syllables) into silver pipes. Apparently this was meant to To complete the picture, consider the man who founded intriguing, however, to hear this ensemble tackle theater suggest a hurdy-gurdy instrument, winding down and dying. Nova Opera. Vlad Troitsky is a clever Russian businessman works with real musical substance, like Benjamin Britten’s With an allusion to the leering puppet’s ghost at the end (owning shops in central Kyiv), who metamorphosed into “Curlew River” or “Prodigal Son”). of Igor Stravinsky’s “Petrushka,” the Pianist twitched back an impresario-showman and now promotes himself as a The Nova Opera performers comprised an ensemble of and forth on the silent stage, with red eyes glowing. This culture-guru in Ukraine. He proclaims his Dakh Ukrainian six vocalists, several keyboards, cello and contrabass, per- closed the show. Center for Contemporary Theater Arts as “the best theatri- cussionists, and players on assorted wind and brass instru- Regietheater cal school in Ukraine, which develops the best musicians ments. The set designer was Waldemart Klyuzko, the cho- and actors.” Mr. Troitsky has a pragmatic sense of what can reographer was Simon Mayer, costumes were by Tetiana “Opera GAZ” is a typical example of Regietheater, or succeed in pop shows on the artistic fringes; he created Sherstiuk, and lights by Jeff Nash. director’s theater, which ultimately stems from the assault on reason itself, known as deconstruction. Simply put, its what he calls the “ethno-chaos” ensemble Dakha-Brakha A synopsis convoluted head games mean we can no longer derive spe- and the “freak-cabaret” Dakh Daughters. Reminiscent of “Metropolis,” “Opera GAZ” plays out on a cific meanings from words, but rather everything is open to However, in the realm of music and theater, his opinions mobile set of glistening skeletal pipes, representing a facto- “interpretation.” Therefore, the director-as-guiding-light are more suspect. He disclosed, “For me [traditional] the- ater created bizarre feelings of loathing… Normal people don’t go to the theater.” Mr. Troitsky quite simply wants to break the present theatrical code and to radically introduce Europeanization. Echoing Ms. Tkacz, he also wants to create a “new language for opera, more approachable for people of all ages and receptivity, accessible to unprepared listeners.” Indeed, all the other “operas” Mr. Troitsky produced with Nova Opera (like their “opera-circus” “Babylon,” “opera-improvisation” “Coriolanus” and “horror-opera” “Hamlet”) are more like spectacles with added sound effects – simplified for “unprepared” publics and offering a visceral, if superficial, entertainment. As just one example, his 2018 spectacle with Nova Opera was the “grand-opera” “Nero,” set in a shipyard at Mariupol and featuring a “ballet” of towering loading cranes. The high point was when a 100-foot cross surfaced from the brine so that after the show, “everyone could walk on water,” according to Mr. Troitsky. What the audience gets is a stark diet of deconstruction and titillating effects, much like convulsive rockers smash- ing guitars by the caseload. Upon exiting the theater and spotting the next sacrificial Evgeniy Maloletka keyboard in the wings, one sadly wondered if pianinos Intermedia-machina in “Opera GAZ.” would now become that next endangered species. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 19 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

Zelenskyy’s de facto snubbing of the Zelenskyy faces... Russian leader has inevitably drawn the ire of the Kremlin. President Putin’s spokes- (Continued from page 1) man Dmitry Peskov said on January 28 that Holocaust with them but also enhancing Moscow “categorically disagrees” with TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 bilateral relations. Then, even as specula- President Zelenskyy’s statement in Poland or e-mail [email protected] tion was mounting about a possible that Soviet collusion with Nazi Germany impromptu meeting with President Putin, had led to the outbreak of World War II. SERVICES PROFESSIONALS he found a tactful way of not attending the Facing the press alongside Mr. Duda, Mr. main ceremony at all. According to the Zelenskyy said “the Poles were the first to Jerusalem Post, he unexpectedly feel the consequences of the criminal collu- announced that he and his country’s dele- sion of the totalitarian regimes. ...This led to gation had given up their seats “to those the start of World War II and allowed the who deserve them the most” – Holocaust Nazis to launch the lethal Holocaust survivors. machine.” On President Zelenskyy’s return to Kyiv, Mr. Peskov retorted: “We do not accept his official website announced on January this statement. We consider it erroneous 26 that he would begin a two-day working and offensive from the point of view of our visit that same day to Poland, which would grandfathers’ memory.” also include a meeting with President Some Russian officials have gone as far Duda. He used it to participate in the inter- as to say that Mr. Zelenskyy’s comments in national commemorations and also to Poland have undermined prospects for the SERVICES strengthen ties with Ukraine’s neighbor to renewal of a dialogue with Moscow. the West by aligning himself unequivocally According to Agence France-Presse, with Poland in its current feud with the Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the Kremlin. Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian “Being here on the International Parliament’s upper house, accused the Holocaust Remembrance Day is very Ukrainian president of “delivering a blow to important to me,” President Zelenskyy said Russia-Ukrainian ties,” while Sergei in a statement after meeting his Polish host Naryshkin, head of Russia’s foreign intelli- gence service, said he believes the OPPORTUNITIES left wounds in the hearts of Ukrainians for- Ukrainian leader is “getting increasingly ever.in Oświęcim. We will never“The Holocaustforget that tragedyout of the has 6 drawn towards ideas of Ukrainian national- million Shoah victims, one in four was from ism.” EARN EXTRA INCOME! Ukraine. We will never forget the horrific Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the commemora- crimes that took place in Babyn Yar, when tion of International Holocaust Day stimu- The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for advertising sales agents. the Nazis executed more than 150,000 lated further discussion about what it For additional information contact innocents.” means, or should mean, for Ukraine and Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, He mentioned the commander of the Ukrainians. What emerges from this is that, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. T-34 tank, Ihor Pobirchenko, who together while anti-Semitism in Ukraine today may with the crew first broke through the gates not pose a serious problem, much more of the Auschwitz concentration camp, and needs to be done to raise awareness about the soldiers of the shock battalion of the what the Holocaust represents, to face up Join our team! 100th Lviv Division, who first entered the to its consequences and to memorialize the We are seeking hard working, customer service camp. Mr. Zelenskyy also stressed that victims in a dignified way. Incredibly, after minded individuals to ll various positions at almost 9 million Ukrainians – military and almost 30 years of independence, there are our apartment communities throughout metro Detroit. Full time civilians killed in the second world war in still numerous sites throughout Ukraine opportunities include maintenance technicians, property managers the fight against Hitler’s regime – would where old Jewish cemeteries and places of and assistants, processing specialists and leasing consultants. Please never be forgotten. mass execution, neglected or consciously visit our website: www.associated-management.com President Zelenskyy noted that the hon- hidden away during the Soviet era, require or email [email protected]. orary title of Righteous Among the Nations identification and respectful maintenance. has officially been conferred on more than Marla Raucher Osborn, an American 2,500 Ukrainians, “people of a great heart lawyer who co-founded the Rohatyn Jewish and of the same great courage,” although Heritage, a Ukrainian NGO, as part of her there were many more people who saved 2019-2020 Fulbright project, noted: “of the Jews at the risk of their own lives. He 500-plus known Jewish burial sites in the stressed that he supported the recent call three oblasts of historic Galicia of western by the chief rabbi of Kyiv, Moshe Reuven Ukraine (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil), Azman, to add the Ukrainian Greek- nearly 60 percent are places of wartime Catholic leader Metropolitan Andrey Jewish mass executions. But over 90 per- Sheptytsky to this list, viewing it as an cent of the mass graves have no memorials “appeal for the restoration of historical jus- to the victims – nothing. Memory of their tice.” location is often with locals only.” And this Judging from their statements at the is only in the western part of the country. joint meeting with the press, the talks On January 27 the Lviv scholar Oleksiy between the Polish and Ukrainian leaders – Panych posed this question in his blog for their third meeting since Mr. Zelenskyy was Ukrayinska Pravda: “Why should we elected president, were cordial and con- remember the Holocaust?” Because, he rea- structive, and marked further progress in sons, this is part of defining who we mean putting aside differences over the past that by “we,” and more precisely “we, have divided Warsaw and Ukraine. Ukrainians.” Our modern inclusive “Andrzej Duda and I have openly dis- approach to building a Ukrainian political KULINSKI MEMORIALS cussed issues of the common past for the nation should no longer encourage us to 809 SOUTH MAIN STREET • MANVILLE, NJ 08835 sake of the future,” the Ukrainian leader think that in Ukraine the Holodomor killed TEL. 908-722-3130 FAX 908-253-0027 said. His host concurred that “many histori- only Ukrainians, or that the Holocaust is TOLL FREE 800-458-5467 [email protected] cal problems that hindered normal rela- something that affected only the Jews, he tions with Ukraine have now been pointed out. • Serving Ukrainian families for over 60 years resolved.” Apart from expressing their soli- In May 2019, at the inaugural interna- • Over 40 granite colors to choose from darity in standing up to Russia’s aggression tional Kyiv Jewish Forum, Carl Gershman, and agreeing on the need to strengthen president of the National Endowment for • Custom etchings relations on all fronts, President Zelenskyy Democracy, gave the keynote address. “The • House appointments available invited his Polish counterpart to visit current moment,” he said, “may offer an • Serving the tri-state area Ukraine this year, while President Duda, in opportunity for Ukraine to build up a new • 5 minutes from South Bound Brook, NJ turn, proposed that in August they jointly national narrative that includes the experi- mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of ence of all the national and religious Warsaw, when the allied troops of Jozef groups, and that accepts that the Holocaust Pilsudski and Symon Petliura defeated the and the Holodomor are part of a common Run your advertisement here, Bolsheviks. Ukrainian history.” Observers note that this in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. This further warming of Polish- project, though well advanced, is still in the Ukrainian relations and President making. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 21

(NPR) in the press pool for Secretary of for 200 million euros ($221 million U.S.) in $221 million in 2011. Mr. Akhmetov, 53, is NEWSBRIEFS State Mike Pompeo’s upcoming trip to the French Riviera town of Saint-Jean Cap- Ukraine’s wealthiest person whose net Ukraine and four other countries. NPR and Ferrat, the Financial Times (FT) reported worth is an estimated $6.7 billion by (Continued from page 2) the State Department Correspondents’ on January 27. The seller of the nearly Forbes. A native of the eastern Donetsk New Crimea-related sanctions by U.S. Association (SDCA), which represents 200-year-old home in the south of France, region, he accumulated his wealth in met- reporters covering the State Department, Italy-based beverage company Campari als and mining, and owns a sprawling busi- The U.S. Treasury Department has joined said on January 27 that reporter Michele Group, had announced an agreement to sell ness empire that includes coal mines in the the European Union and Canada in impos- Kelemen was removed from the travelling it to an unnamed buyer in August. The United States, and energy, engineering, ing new sanctions on Russia in response to pool. The removal can be seen only as retal- acquisition of the 19th-century Palladian finance, media and retail companies in Moscow’s “continued aggression toward iation for her colleague’s interview with Mr. mansion and botanical gardens adds to Mr. Ukraine. He also owns the Shakhtar Ukraine and attempted occupation of Pompeo, who angrily responded to NPR Akhmetov’s growing real-estate portfolio, Donetsk soccer team. FT cited a statement Crimea,” a news release says. A total of eight journalist Mary Louise Kelly’s questions which includes a penthouse in the upscale it obtained from Mr. Akhmetov’s System individuals and a privately owned railroad about Ukraine days earlier, the SDCA said. Knightsbridge neighborhood of London at company face restrictive measures in the “The State Department press corps has a One Hyde Park purchased for a then-record (Continued on page 23) form of asset freezes in the United States, long tradition of accompanying secretaries according to the department’s Office of of state on their travels and we find unac- Foreign Assts Control (OFAC). Seven of these ceptable to punish an individual member of individuals, whom the Treasury Department our association,” Shaun Tandon, the head of called “illegitimate Russian-backed Crimean The Executive Committee the association, said in a statement. The officials,” were also designated by the EU on of the State Department didn’t immediately January 28. Canada blacklisted six of the address the exclusion of the NPR reporter. Ukrainian National Association individuals. The imposition of sanctions was Ms. Kelly interviewed Pompeo on January made “as part of a coordinated action in a regrets to announce to the members of 24. She said the secretary of state got angry strong demonstration of the international the General Assembly, to members of and ended the interview when he was community’s continued condemnation of UNA Branch 206 and to the asked questions about defending U.S. Russia’s interference in Crimean politics.” UNA membership at large, that Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, There are now 692 individuals and entities, who was fired by President Donald Trump as well as their subsidiaries, blacklisted by last year. According to Ms. Kelly, she was the U.S. government. Canada’s analogous list Irene V. Sarachmon then asked to go into Mr. Pompeo’s private contains more than 430 individuals and (October 14, 1928 – December 26, 2019) living room to continue the conversation. entities. Grand Service Express and its CEO, Ms. Kelly said that Mr. Pompeo yelled and Secretary of Branch 206 in Woonsocket, RI, passed away on Aleksandr Ganov, were put under sanctions used foul language as he claimed that most December 26, 2019. Mrs. Sarachmon was a Branch Secretary for 20 for supporting “Russia’s efforts to deepen Americans do not know where Ukraine is years. the economic integration of Russia and located. The NPR reporter Kelly said the Crimea.” This was in reference to a rail link secretary of state also asked her: “Do you that was opened in late December 2019 The Executive Committee and the entire UNA membership wish think Americans care about Ukraine?” In a between Russia and the Ukrainian peninsula to express their deepest sympathy to niece Marylene J. Emmett subsequent statement, Mr. Pompeo over a bridge that was built for which sanc- with her husband William and nephew Dino Caselli. accused the reporter of lying when setting tions were also imposed. “The GSE transport company operates in Russia, therefore, sanc- up the interview and in agreeing to conduct Mrs. Sarachmon was a very active, long-time supporter tions will not affect the company’s activi- the post-interview conversation off the of the UNA. Her dedication to the Ukrainian National ties,” the press service of Grand Service record. NPR issued a response to Pompeo’s Association will not be forgotten. Express told Interfax. Canada, the EU, and statement, calling Ms. Kelly a reporter with the United States began issuing the restric- “utmost integrity” and said it stood behind Вічна Їй пам’ять! tive measures after Russia seized Ukraine’s her report. Mr. Pompeo’s foreign trip start- Crimea region in March 2014 and their ed on January 29. The barred reporter, Ms. respective sanctions lists have grown over Kelemen, has covered the State Depart- the subsequent years as Moscow has con- ment for two decades and said she was not tinued to back separatists in eastern given a reason for being removed from the Ukraine. (RFE/RL, with reporting by travel pool. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Interfax) AFP and Reuters) Bolton: Trump tied aid to probes EU diplomat wants to visit war zone Selfreliance Federal Credit Union Former National Security Adviser John Josep Borrell, the European Union’s for- With deep sorrow we mourn the passing Bolton has made claims in an unpublished eign policy chief, has said he wants to visit on December 4, 2019 in Chicago the frontline in the war zone of eastern book that U.S. President Donald Trump of the Chairman of the Board of Directors wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine unless it Ukraine. The trip would take place during investigated his political rivals, The New his first visit as the EU’s top diplomat to York Times reports. The January 26 report Ukraine, Mr. Borrell said at a news confer- said Mr. Bolton writes in the book that the ence in Brussels during a break in the president had told him he wanted to with- EU-Ukraine Association Council meeting on hold hundreds of millions of dollars in January 28. “I would like to visit a more sig- security aid to Ukraine until it helped him nificant part of the country from the point with investigations, including into former of view of foreign relations,” he said. “I Vice-President Joe Biden and his son. Mr. would like to visit the Donbas, the border Trump’s legal team has repeatedly insisted where, as I know, hostilities are taking that the president never tied Ukraine aid to place in order to get a feel for the situation investigations. After the report went online, on the ground. We must make the most Democrats renewed their demand for Mr. important efforts to stop killing people.” He Bolton to be called to testify in Mr. Trump’s mentioned the outcome of the meeting in impeachment trial in the Senate. The presi- December between the leaders of France, Michael R. Kos dent faces one charge of abuse of power Germany, Russia, and Ukraine in Paris and another on obstruction of Congress aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the Board member from 1977, Chairman since 1996. over his alleged efforts to prod Ukraine to Donbas conflict, and he emphasized that Doctor of Jurisprudence, investigate his political rivals while with- “the outcome of the last meeting in Paris Colonel, Judge Advocate General’s Corps (ret.) holding $391 million in military assistance should be implemented on the ground.” Mr. born November 30, 1940 in Lviv, Ukraine. to Kyiv. Mr. Trump denied the claim in a Borrell said the EU could provide Ukraine The Kos family settled in Chicago in 1955, after several years in Buenos Aires, series of tweets early on January 27, saying: with humanitarian assistance, help with Argentina. Michael Kos completed his studies at the University of Illinois in “I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to removing mines, and assess the state of Urbana, IL with a PhD in Jurisprudence. Ukraine was tied to investigations into infrastructure in order to help with recon- He was active in the Ukrainian community, instrumental in the founding of the Democrats, including the Bidens.” He struction, and he also mentioned the Ukrainian Studies program at the University of Illinois, and a member of the added, “In fact, he never complained about importance of ensuring the free movement Advisory and Supervisory Committee of St. Nicholas Eparchy. this at the time of his very public termina- of vessels in the Azov Sea. “We will contin- Michael Kos was elected to the Selfreliance FCU Board of Directors in 1977, tion. If John Bolton said this, it was only to ue to support the independence and terri- and Chairman of the Board in 1996. His legal and administrative expertise sell a book.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by torial integrity of Ukraine,” Mr. Borrell said. was invaluable in leading the Credit Union and coordinating its growth. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Interfax and The New York Times, AP, C-SPAN, The Hill, The Board of Directors of Selfreliance FCU Korrespondent) and Reuters) extends deepest condolences to Dr. Kos’s wife Daria, sons Michael and Mark NPR reporter barred from Ukraine trip Akhmetov buys $221 M French estate with their families, and his extended family at this time of their great loss. The U.S. State Department didn’t include Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov May his memory be eternal. a reporter from National Public Radio has bought a lavish, 14-bedroom mansion 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 23

Oleh Sentsov... (Continued from page 1) “little green men.” In particular, Mr. Sentsov was a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s disregard for the sover- eignty of Ukraine. Before his arrest, he was involved in delivering supplies and food to Ukrainian soldiers blockaded within their bases by Russia’s military. In 2018, while still in prison, Mr. Sentsov began a 145-day hunger strike to increase international awareness of the arrest and imprisonment of Ukrainian civilians who exhibited even the mildest of protests against the Russian occupation in Crimea and the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. Russia denied a request for Mr. Sentsov’s extradition to Ukraine on the grounds that, with the annexation of Crimea, he had Olena Blyednov become a Russian citizen and no longer had Some of the Razom volunteers and partners who spent three months organizing the event gathered at the end for a group photo. a home in Ukraine. From left are: Andrey Kurkov, Yura Dashevsky, Anastasiia Zarubina, Francois-Ihor Mazur, Oleksii Prokopenko, Iryna Mazur, Acknowledging Mr. Sentsov’s request Polina Sadovskaya, Oleh Sentsov, Dora Chomiak, Iryna Borysyuk Shafinska, Maryna Prykhodko, Yulia O’Connell, Maria not to focus on his years in prison, Maria Genkin, Emily Channell-Justice, Oksana Falenchuk, Mariya Soroka, Maria Tomak and Dasha Ozimko. Genkin, a Razom volunteer who conducted an onstage interview before the audience, According to Mr. Sentsov, the Maidan, Understanding Putin card shark.” also known as the Revolution of Dignity, He offered similar advice to U.S. began with questions about Mr. Sentsov’s Mr. Sentsov clearly stated his position on spurred Moscow into action and “thanks to President Donald Trump. When asked, Mr. creative efforts, both as a filmmaker and a relations between Ukraine and Russia. “A Putin, to his aggression, people have begun Sentsov demurred from commenting on writer. She did comment, however, that peace treaty is not possible because Putin’s to unite,” to understand the importance of the current political situation involving Ukrainian poet Serhiy Zhadan has said, goal is to destroy Ukraine’s independence, the Ukrainian language, of developing a dis- Ukraine in the ongoing presidential “Ukrainians become poets to talk about to make us a province of Russia. In 2014, he impeachment trial. However, he did state politics.” tinct Ukrainian identity, embracing charac- failed to do so with a military operation. So that if the American president thinks he Mr. Sentsov, in keeping with Mr. Zhadan’s teristics unique to Ukraine. now, he acts politically, socially and eco- can somehow negotiate with Mr. Putin, he observation, politely, albeit a bit reluctantly, “For us, a new Ukrainian nation is being nomically. …We cannot succumb (to these is mistaken. “President Trump needs to answered Ms. Genkin’s original questions born. Now we have the possibility of genu- provocations).” understand that there is no negotiation and then indicated his desire to move to the ine independence. [This is] not measured Noting that he never stood against topics he felt to be more urgent: political by the amount of bloodshed, but by the Russia, nor wishes to seek revenge against with Putin. Ever. Putin does not negotiate.” level of love for the country.” Mr. Sentsov, prisoners being held in Russia, those being Mr. Putin, Mr. Sentsov said he believes An unlikely hero held by Russian-supported separatists in who identifies as ethnically Russian, contin- Ukrainians must instead strive to influence the Donbas, and the political situations in ued, “To be Ukrainian, to be a proud citizen Russians, to support Russia’s dissidents, to Modest, even self-deprecating in his Ukraine and Russia. of Ukraine …does not matter whether one help “shake Russia from the inside.” responses to numerous questions, at one “I do not think the attention should me is a Galician, a Ukrainian, a Crimean Tatar, “We [Ukraine] cannot beat Putin militar- point, with a light sense of humor, Mr. on me,” noted Mr. Sentsov, continuing that or a Russian …Ukrainians are those who ily, that is clear. We must seek other means. Sentsov quipped, “I cannot be an expert on there are still hundreds of prisoners in want to be Ukrainian, those who want to …[Internationally], Putin wants to sit at the everything!” Russia and the Donbas. “The conditions of defend Ukraine.” table and direct matters, except that he is Asked if he is considering entering poli- their detention are most difficult, and about In turn, Mr. Putin’s occupation of Crimea being shunned. He is acting to be perceived tics, Mr. Sentsov’s response was a quick and them we know very little. I always start has divided people living on the peninsula, as a ‘good guy,’ so that sanctions are lifted. simple “No.” Asked if he considered himself with this matter because this issue is most divided families and friends, especially That is why we [Ukrainians] must tell the a hero, again, he replied, “No.” Asked if he important to me.” among those who identify themselves as world about his intentions, his actions, felt obligated in any way to President He underscored that the release of these Russian. “A husband and wife supported about his true face.” Zelenskyy for negotiating his release, Mr. prisoners is not only his primary concern, [the occupation], but the son did not. … The Russian president, Mr. Sentsov said, Sentsov paused and replied, “No, I do not but also that of others who had been politi- many were opposed to the occupation … is trying to get Ukraine’s President feel personally obligated, however, I am cally incarcerated in Russia. He currently they always felt themselves to be Ukrainian,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy to go along with him. deeply grateful to him and to everyone who works with several former political prison- said Mr. Sentsov, adding that they soon real- Mr. Putin knows he has more time and worked for my release.” Then he again ers and NGOs towards this goal. ized the futility of public opposition. resources than does Mr. Zelenskyy, there- pledged to work for the release of others. “Russia showed its cruel face and people fore Mr. Putin can wait. Nevertheless, above Mr. Sentsov’s low-key persona belies a Increasing awareness were simply afraid. … Any public voice all else, Mr. Zelenskyy must remember that deeper inner strength. He stated that hav- “I understood from the beginning of the against Putin, in Crimea is considered trea- he was elected by the voters of Ukraine and ing gone through imprisonment in Russia, Maidan that this was one of the most impor- son, and treason in Crimea is punished that is where his allegiance must lie. he is no longer afraid of anything. As Mr. tant moments in Ukraine’s history,” said Mr. more harshly than in Russia. …in Crimea, Mr. Sentsov said he is concerned that Mr. Sentsov wrote in one of his letters from Sentsov, adding that he had long realized people are arrested not for what they have Zelenskyy will be outplayed. “His prison in 2016, “If we are meant to become that, in order for Ukraine to become fully done, or what they are doing, but for what [Zelenskyy’s] mistake is that he thinks he nails in the coffin of a tyrant, I would like to independent, Ukraine’s prolonged existence they might do. …these are pre-emptive can negotiate with Putin. However, this become one of those nails. Just know that as a post-Soviet state had to end. arrests.” game has no rules. This is a game with a this particular nail will not bend.”

Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General August 5 for carrying out the attack and fire, while in a separate incident another NEWSBRIEFS Viktor Trepak. Mr. Moskalenko, 42, was given prison sentences ranging between six soldier was killed and another wounded by detained in the Black Sea coastal city of and a half and three years. Mr. Moskalenko an improvised explosive device (IED). The (Continued from page 21) Burgas on January 24 without resisting and is charged with “intended grievous bodily statement did not disclose the soldiers’ Capital Management (SCM) announcing the was identified by his fingerprints, injury, which caused [the] death of the vic- identities or where exactly the incidents latest property purchase: “SCM Holdings Bulgarian police said at a briefing. He was tim,” according to the Interpol notice. occurred. Eleven Ukrainian soldiers have Limited investment company announces wearing a disguise that differed from the Ukrainian prosecutors suspect Kherson been killed this month so far, exceeding the the acquisition of a real-estate asset, Volla picture listed on the Interpol notice. Oblast Council head Vladyslav Manher of number of killed in December 2019 by two. ‘Les Cedres (France), from the Campari Bulgarian police said the suspect crossed ordering the attack on Handzyuk. Mr. The military said it reported 12 ceasefire Group.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by by foot into Bulgaria from Romania in 2018 Manher has denied wrongdoing and has violations by Russia-backed militants on Bloomberg, Forbes, Financial Times, and was living in an apartment rented by a stated that he didn’t personally know the January 26, while it reported 10 violations Variety, and Mansion Global) woman from Ukraine. On July 31 of that victim and wasn’t involved in illegal tree the day before. Earlier on January 26, the year an assailant poured acid on Handzyuk felling in the region. He has been free on Ukrainian Defense Ministry said militants Handzyuk suspect arrested in Bulgaria in Kherson. Thirty percent of her body was bail since February. (RFE/RL’s Bulgarian had shelled Ukrainian government posi- A court in Bulgaria on January 27 sent burned and three months later she died of and Ukrainian Services, with reporting by tions in the Luhansk and Donetsk region. Ukrainian national Oleksiy Moskalenko her wounds after numerous operations in Hromadske and Ukrayinska Pravda) Some 130 Ukrainian military personnel (Levin) to jail for 40 days based on a red Kyiv. An official in the City Council and an were killed in 2019 and the beginning of Two soldiers killed, two wounded Interpol notice issued by Ukraine on suspi- adviser to Kherson’s mayor, Handzyuk January, the Prosecutor-General’s Office cion of co-organizing an attack on often spoke out against public corruption Ukraine’s military said two of its soldiers said on January 17. In the Donetsk region, Ukrainian activist Kateryna Handzyuk that in the city. Investigators say she was killed were killed and two wounded in the coun- 101 service personnel were killed, while 31 led to her death. Bulgarian prosecutors the for accusing local politicians of stealing try’s eastern Donbas region. In a statement died in the Luhansk region. (RFE/RL’s same day said they personally received the from the local budget and of illegal logging on January 26, the military said one soldier Ukrainian Service, with reporting by requisite documents for extradition from in the region. Five men were convicted on was killed and another wounded by gun- Hromadske International) 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

president of the European Bank for Ukraine House Davos... Reconstruction and Development, who said the “EBRD remains the largest single inves- (Continued from page 1) tor in Ukraine and 2019 was a standout year. so Ukraine’s Prime Minister Oleksiy We have doubled the scale of investments Honcharuk headed the meeting instead. with over 1 billion euros invested during the Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure and year, two-thirds of which has been in the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s largest railway green economy. The new government has operator, signed a memorandum of under- the mandate to implement genuine reforms, standing on the cooperation and develop- especially concession laws, as well as legisla- ment of Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzalizny­ tive and taxation procedures.” tsia) at the meeting. The president and CEO of the Western “Deutsche Bahn is Germany’s largest NIS Enterprise Fund, Jaroslawa Johnson, said railway operator. This contract is not about that “this time the Ukrainian House included concessions; it is a strategic partnership two venues – one public for discussions and aimed to develop Ukraine’s infrastructure,” evening receptions, where the meeting of said Mr. Honcharuk. “I believe that German the National Council was held, and the sec- operational efficiency and zero tolerance ond for bilateral and other meetings, which Ukraine House Davos media team for corruption will inspire changes in was used by President Zelenskyy and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins the Ukraine House Davos Organizing Ukrzaliznytsia. Ukraine retains full control Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk.” Committee and sponsors. over Ukrzaliznytsia – German experts will The meetings that took place at the Presidential Office. “We enjoy this support. Yushchenko’s speech in 2005 was the first.) focus on reforming the enterprise manage- World Economic Forum in Davos demon- We are treated very differently; we are “If earlier we used to run after investors, ment mechanisms.” strated that Ukraine enjoys investors’ sup- trusted. It is necessary to open up Ukraine, now they themselves are interested in Also attending the National Investment port, President Zelenskyy emphasized, to dismiss such words as ‘corruption,’ ‘out- Ukraine,” she pointed out. Council meeting was Suma Chakrabarti, according to the official website of the dated,’ references to old business groups or During the 94 hours Ukraine House political influence,” the president said in a Davos functioned, 16 discussions were held comment to the media. with speakers from 12 countries, and the Mr. Zelenskyy noted that he had held total number of guests, taking into account important meetings in the framework of the evening receptions and events of cultural World Economic Forum. “This is not the first diplomacy, exceeded 8,000 people. Also, time I invite investors. We prepare programs online broadcasts from the Ukraine House for them. These are not just words,” he on social networks garnered almost emphasized. Mr. Zelenskyy also stressed the 400,000 views on Facebook. importance of Ukraine House Davos. “It “The area of our multi-format space this seems to me that it should be expanded, we year was 10 times larger than the first year must distinguish ourselves. If you want them of the Ukrainian House in Davos, which to come to you, you should talk to investors allowed us to host the largest number of constantly,” the President commented. guests today. Moreover, new potential spon- According to Lenna Koszarny, founding sors have already shown their interest in partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, this participating in projects,” said Svitlana year, the interest in Ukraine at the World Hrytsenko of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation Economic Forum had significantly grown, during a press conference at the Interfax- which was confirmed by the fact that the Ukraine agency on January 28. “We man- aged to enlist the support of 13 sponsors – Ukrainian president’s speech was in the which is more than ever before,” added Ms. main program of the forum for the second Ukraine House Davos opened its doors during the World Economic Forum for the third time. time in history. (President Viktor (Continued on page 25) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 25

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Plast Newark holds traditional “Svichechka” ceremony WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Newark, N.J., branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization on January 4 held its annual Christmastime “Svichechka” (candle lighting) ceremony, a tradition that symbolically unites the diaspo- ra with Ukraine. As the Plast scouts’ candles were lit from the Bethlehem Peace Light, Plast members of all ages sang Ukrainian Christmas car- ols. Also during the gathering, the Newark branch of Plast, which is head- quartered at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany, gained 11 cub scouts – seven girls and four boys – who received their yellow neckerchiefs.

Roman Shyprykevych

Hillside parish shares Christmastime joy

by Joe Shatynski HILLSIDE, N.J. – St. Nicholas visited Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hillside, N.J., on Sunday, December 8, 2019. The children presented a beautiful pro- gram in honor of the visit, including performances on the flute, clarinet, trumpet, piano, guitar, and a poem in Ukrainian. There was also full audience participation in the Christmas/ St. Nicholas Trivia Challenge. St. Nicholas thanked all the children and adults for being very good this year. He was very happy to hear that the audience knew several of the trivia questions, but also had the opportunity to learn more about the saint and Christmas. The Rev. Vasyl Vladyka, parish administrator, led the attend- ees in prayer and “koliady” (carols). Special thank-yous were extended to Michael Szpyhulsky for serving as emcee and Russ Pencak for arranging St. Nicholas’s visit to the parish. On Thursday, December 26, 2019, a group of Hillside parish- ioners sang Christmas carols in Ukrainian and English to the retired Sisters of Mercy and clergy at McAuley Hall Health Center on the campus of Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, N.J., and then later to Immaculate Conception parishioners in their homes throughout New Jersey’s Union, St. Nicholas poses with children and the parish administrator, the Rev. Vasyl Vladyka, at Immaculate Middlesex and Morris counties. Conception Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Hillside, N.J.

sor to Lundin Petroleum, as moderator. the late Dr. Hawrylyshyn, who co-founded Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation. Ukraine House Davos... Among participants were young Ukrainians the World Economic Forum in Davos. Ukraine House Davos, whose area for who are making changes in the political, “Yes, there is a war in our country. Yet, 2020 was increased to 300 square meters, (Continued from page 24) economic, public and media spheres: Uliana we are a democracy. It seems to me that as compared with 200 square meters a Hrytsenko. Avtonomova, coordinator of EO Business there are very few countries in the world year ago, plans a further expansion for the For the final installment of the weeklong Incubator; Solomiia Bobrovska, national that can proudly say: Despite all the chal- next year. The organizers confirmed an event, Ukraine House hosted a panel to deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, deputy head lenges, we are active, we are dynamic. We increase in the budget for Ukraine House showcase the success stories of Ukraine’s of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO have dedicated youth. I think a bright Davos, without mentioning an amount. One next generation of leaders and entrepre- Parliamentary Assembly; Taras Prokopy- future awaits us. And we will win because of the ideas for next year, according to orga- neurs. Titled “Young Generation Changes shyn, co-founder and CEO at The Ukrainians we are stable and we have a transition. The nizers, is to more actively involve represen- Ukraine: Stories of New Ukraine,” the event Media; and Roman Tymotsko, Ukrainian next generation is quickly picking up on the tatives of the government and other was sponsored by the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn youth delegate to the United Nations 2019- essential qualities of what it really means to authorities who could work immediately Family Foundation (BHFF) with Christine 2020. They are united by the fact that they be Ukrainian,” said Ms. Hawrylyshyn- with potential investors on the spot at Hawrylyshyn-Batruch, senior strategic advi- are all graduates of programs initiated by Batruch, president of the Bohdan Ukraine House. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 27

February 5 Book talk, “East West Street: On the Origins of February 9 Ukrainian National Association 125th anniversary liturgy, Cambridge, MA ‘Genocide’ and ‘Crimes Against Humanity,’ ” with Shamokin, PA concert and luncheon, Transfiguration of Our Lord Philippe Sands and Serhi Plokhii, Harvard University, Ukrainian Catholic Church, 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 http://Huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 February 9 Performance, “Romeo and Juliet,” National Ballet Theater of February 6 Book presentation by Anna Procyk, “Giuseppe Mazzini’s Brooklyn, NY Odesa, Kings Theater, 718-856-8462 or www.kingstheatre.com New York Young Europe and the Birth of Modern Nationalism in the Slavic World,” Columbia University, 212-854-4697 February 9 Ukrainian folk costume show and Ukrainian dance forum, or [email protected] Perth Amboy, NJ “Colors of Ukraine,” with designs by Oksana Paruta, Trident Festivals, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian February 7 Performance, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Catholic Church, 732-778-9367 or 973-460-8059 Richmond, VA Carpenter Theater, 804-592-3330 February 9 Concert, Shpyliasti Kobzari, Revived Soldiers Ukraine, February 7 Film screening, “Julia Blue” by Roxy Toporowych, Yonkers, NY St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cambria, CA Cambria Film Festival, J. Buckley Theater, www.eventbrite.com www.juliabluethemovie.com February 9, 15 Film screening, “The Earth Is Blue as an Orange,” Razom February 7 Presentation by Sir Rodric Baithwaite, “Policy-Making New York for Ukraine, DocFortnight 2020 Festival of International Stanford, CA and Intelligence: A Cold War Story,” Stanford University, Nonfiction Film and Media, Museum of Modern Art, https://creees.stanford.edu 212-708-9400 or www.moma.org

February 7 Art exhibit, “How Can Art Fight Back? Refugee Artists February 9 Book reading and signing, “Monte Rosa: Memoir of an Chicago and the Ukrainian Crisis,” Ukrainian Institute of Modern New York Accidental Spy” by Jaroslaw Martyniuk and “Escapes: A Art, www.uima-chicago.org True Story” by Darian Diachok, The Ukrainian Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 February 7 Concert, Shpyliaskti Kobzari, Revived Soldiers Ukraine, Jenkintown, PA Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, February 9 Presentation by Halyna Kohut, “Deconstructing Russian [email protected] Chicago Imperialism: Religion, Politics and Design in the 18th-century Portraits of St. Dmytrii Tuptalo,” Ukrainian Institute of February 8 Chervona Kalyna Cotillion Ball, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org Pearl River, NY Organization, Hilton Pearl River, 845-735-9000 or www.kalynadeb.org February 10 Presentation by Tymofii Brik and Viktoriya Sereda, Cambridge, MA “Becoming Ukraine: New Research on Ukraine’s Contemporary February 8 Book presentation by Oksana Remeniaka, “Nigra sed Identity and Transformation,” Harvard University, New York Formosa: Immersed in Sadness, However Beautiful. www.facebook.com/events/323618788557178 Following the Wanderings of the Icon of the Virgin Mary of Cholm,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events February 8 Film screening, “Julia Blue” by Roxy Toporowych, advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Cambria, CA Cambria Film Festival, Cambria Center for the Arts from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Theater, www.juliabluethemovie.com and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

nomic restructuring, including creating Ukraine’s economy... open market conditions for arable land, (Continued from page 2) implementing effective anti-corruption practices and reforming the tax system. financial and economic topics, rather than These, of course, are difficult tasks, but after security considerations, can be expected to successfully dealing with the sovereign debt dominate the political agenda in Ukraine issue, they will finally have to be addressed. over the coming months. Having joined the European economic The article above is reprinted from space after the conclusion of the Association Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Agreement with the European Union, its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Ukraine now needs to continue with eco- www.jamestown.org.

that there are enough serious people in America... Washington’s national security and foreign policy establishment and in the Congress – (Continued from page 6) both Democrats and Republicans – who that Congress has exhibited for the last cen- understand that an independent Ukraine is tury will continue. As one who has been a essential to our security and to a Europe small part of this world for nearly four “whole, free and at peace.” decades and has witnessed the evolution of Don’t worry, Ukraine, in spite of it all, U.S. policy towards Ukraine, I have no doubt America still has your back.

UNA concert in Shamokin to conclude 125th anniversary celebrations PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian National Association’s 125th anniversary cele- brations will culminate with an anniversary concert in Shamokin, Pa., the birthplace of the UNA, on February 9 at Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church. The celebrations began on February 22, 2019, in Shamokin with an anniversary proclamation and the presentation of a golden key to the city to UNA executives. The February 9 event begins with divine liturgy at 9:30 a.m., with the Dzvin Ukrainian Male Folk Choir and the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble participating during the liturgy. Dzvin, Kazka and violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo are scheduled to entertain dur- ing a musical program that follows the liturgy and will include a celebratory luncheon. Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church is located at 227 N. Shamokin Street, Shamokin, PA 17872. For more information, readers may call Maria Drich at the UNA Home Office at 973-292-9800, ext. 3035. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 No. 5

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, February 8 Chekh. The event will feature readings by Mr. Chekh from his landmark 2017 book NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific “Tochka Nul” (Absolute Zero), a lyrical diary Society invites all to a presentation by Dr. capturing his experiences as a soldier in the Oksana Remeniaka of her book “Nigra sed Donbas war. The book was translated into Formosa: Immersed in Sadness, However English by Olena Jennings and Oksana Beautiful. Following the Wanderings of the Lutsyshyna, and will be published by Icon of the Virgin Mary of Cholm.” Dr. Glagoslav in 2020. Ms. Jennings will read Remeniaka is head of the New Media excerpts of the translation at the event. Department at the Modern Art Research Maria Genkin will interpret for Mr. Chekh, Institute of National Academy of Arts of and Mark Andryczyk will moderate. This Ukraine and a Fulbright scholar for 2019- event will take place at 6 p.m. in the 2020. The event will take place at the soci- Harriman Atrium (12 Floor, International ety’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Affairs Building, 420 W. 118th St.). The Ninth and 10th streets), at 5 p.m. For addi- event is free and open to the public. For tional information, call 212-254-5130. additional information call 212-854-4697 Tuesday, February 11 or go to go to bit.ly/ChekhRazom.

NEW YORK: Razom for Ukraine invites you NEW YORK: Razom for Ukraine and the to the New York City premiere of the film Ukrainian Film Club invite you to meet Iryna “The Earth Is Blue as an Orange.” The Tsilyk and Anna Kapustina, the director and screening will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the producer, respectively, of the new documen- Museum of Modern Art and will be followed tary film ‘The Earth Is Blue as an Orange’ at by a discussion with the filmmakers. The 7:30 p.m. at Deutsches Haus at Columbia film tells the story of a family living on the University, 420 W. 116th St. The film had its frontlines in Donbas who make a film world premiere at the prestigious Sundance together. The screening is part of the MoMA Film Festival in January. DocFortnight 2020 Festival of International Nonfiction Film and Media. Tickets are avail- Saturday, February 15 able at bit.ly/earthorange. The screening NEW YORK: The Museum of Modern Art will be at MoMA, 11 W. 53rd St. will show the film “The Earth Is Blue as an Wednesday, February 12 Orange” as part of its DocFortnight 2020 festival. This film is the first documentary at NEW YORK: Please join the Ukrainian the festival that is made fully in Ukraine by Studies Program at the Harriman Institute, Ukrainian filmmakers. Tickets are available Columbia University, and Razom for Ukraine at bit.ly/earthorange. The screening will for an evening with Ukrainian writer Artem begin at 6:30 p.m. at MoMA, 11 W. 53rd St.

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