INSIDE: l Documentary on Ukrainian Canadian enlistment during WWII – page 4 l UNWLA to celebrate its 95th anniversary in virtual format – page 9 l Matthew Onyshko’s concussion case challenging NCAA – page 14 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 $2.00 Choice for great state emblem Holodomor Descendants Network is formed of Ukraine draws criticism by Olya Soroka U.S. Holodomor Committee WASHINGTON – The U.S. Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor- Genocide Awareness (U.S. Holodomor Committee) announced the establish- ment of the Holodomor Descendants Network to bring together the descendants of the Soviet famine- genocide against the Ukrainian nation in 1932-1933. Its goal is to remember and share the personal family stories of this horror during which 10 million people, including children, died of starvation in the country known as “The Breadbasket of Europe.” “The Descendants Network is a natural evolution of the work of our organization, whose mission is to pro- mote and spread the truth about one of the least-known genocides in the world. I am pleased to announce that The family of Olya Soroka, the chairperson of Olya Soroka, a member of our com- the Holodomor Descendants Network: pic­ mittee, whose mother, grandparents tured in front row are Motria and Stefan and aunt survived the Holodomor, Holowchenko (grandparents); standing, from will chair the newly formed net- Ministry of Culture of Ukraine left, are Anna Holowchenko Karpluk (aunt) work,” commented Michael Sawkiw and Maria Holowchenko Soroka (mother). All The sketch by artist Oleksiy Kokhan that was chosen for Ukraine’s great state emblem. Jr., chairman of the U.S. Holodomor survived the Holodomor. Committee. “Trash,” one Facebook user commented. with family and friends in the quiet safety by Mark Raczkiewycz Impact of the genocide Another noted Archangel Michael is “wear- of their homes. Growing up, I listened to the KYIV – It percolated from grumbling on ing white socks.” Another commenter said, The Holodomor genocide has left life- whispers about the horrors of what my social media to controversy after a jury “it takes me back to childhood and makes long aftereffects on the survivors and per- mother’s family had to endure and I am panel of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture on me want to start coloring it.” Others criti- haps their descendants; the results this committed to helping make sure the world November 19 selected the nation’s great cized the colors of the Ukrainian flag being trauma are currently being studied. not only knows about the Holodomor- state emblem – the constitutionally stipu- stepped on, while some noted the Kozak “While many of the survivors of the genocide, but never forgets. For me and lated coat of arms that never was designat- banner standing above a Christian figure. Holodomor have departed this life, their countless other Holodomor Descendants, ed after the country’s fundamental law was experience and suffering has been cap- the stories still cause pain,” said Ms. Soroka, ratified 24 years ago. (Continued on page 11) tured in the familial stories they shared chair of the Holodomor Descendants Network. Focus of work Canada’s Ukrainian community commemorates The Holodomor Descendants Network is a subcommittee of the U.S. Committee for the Holodomor in somber, national virtual event Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Awareness in alignment with the Ukrainian by Christopher Guly World Congress International Holodomor Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Committee. Efforts have been initiated to “identify descendants and create a person- OTTAWA – The late Stefania Krikun’s al and unending voice for those Holodomor memories assumed a quiet poignancy as victims that can no longer speak for them- part of this year’s somber National selves in order to ensure the story of the Holodomor Commemoration ceremony in Holodomor continues to be shared by Canada. future generations,” said Ms. Soroka. A video of the Edmonton woman, born The Holodomor Descendants Network on February 14, 1923, in the Ukrainian is based on the belief that the “descendants village of Hrynivtsi in the Zhytomyr of victims of the Holodomor have a unique region, has been online for the past seven opportunity to ensure their families’ suffer- years, but was again highlighted as part of ing is known so that no other political the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s pan- regime ever imposes this horror as a way demic-prompted virtual commemoration to enforce their policies upon an unwilling on November 22 (https://www.youtube. nation,” stated U.S. Holodomor Committee com/watch?v=QKs9dHOUXY8). Chairman Sawkiw. Graphic announcing the virtual national commemoration in Canada of the 87th The Holodomor Descendants Network (Continued on page 10) anniversary of the Holodomor. (Continued on page 6) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

ANALYSIS

Fractured Moldova’s presidential election New ambassador to U.S. is nominated the New Year holidays, and also to prohibit mass events for Christmas and the New Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Year. “According to the current plan of the decided by European diaspora vote Dmytro Kuleba has confirmed that he pro- Health Ministry, the last weekend quaran- posed the candidacy of ex-Finance Minister and other Russophile forces. This pattern tine awaits us. Everyone who cannot work by Vladimir Socor Oksana Markarova for the post of Ukraine’s has been in evidence in Moldova from the under the conditions of coronavirus bans Eurasia Daily Monitor ambassador to the United States, but early 1990s onward (the blue color was and restrictions, is waiting for this. We are stressed that there were no complaints Moldova’s two-round presidential elec- talking about the creative economy and used most of the time for contrast to red). about current ambassador, Volodymyr tion, on November 1 and November 15, And it has grown more entrenched with tourism, and small and medium-sized busi- Yelchenko. “Facts, not confused rumors, nesses, and others,” Mr. Tkachenko wrote on was – above everything else – a clash of time. Russophile sentiment and corre- about the new ambassador of Ukraine to cultures. It pitted the incumbent Socialist, sponding voter constituencies predomi- social media. According to Mr. Tkachenko, in the United States. Firstly, the current recent days the daily number of people Russia-oriented President Igor Dodon, nate in Moldova’s north and south (and in ambassador of Ukraine to Washington, with his core electorate of aging and rural Transnistria, which plays a limited role in infected with COVID-19 has decreased, but Volodymyr Yelchenko, is a classic of the further developments could be predict- voters, against the Harvard-educated tech- Moldova’s elections), whereas pro-Europe Ukrainian diplomacy, and there are no nocrat Maia Sandu, the candidate of edu- (and, within this, pro-Romanian) senti- able. “My personal opinion is that the pre- complaints about his work, but no one can- dictable lockdown is better than long-term cated urban voters, the young and the ment and voters are predominant in celed the principle of rotation in diplomacy. Moldovan diaspora in Europe. With Moldova’s central districts. uncertainty. Therefore, I would suggest, Secondly, the minister of foreign affairs firstly, schedule a two-week lockdown tied Moldova itself evenly divided between two This presidential election has consecrat- submits the candidacy of a new ambassa- cultural matrixes, its diaspora voters in ed the new, Western dimension to to the New Year holidays. Surely the govern- dor for the president’s consideration. ment should help everyone who financially Europe tipped the balance. Moldova’s electoral geography. But it has Having weighed all the arguments, I pro- Ms. Sandu won the November 15 runoff closely adhered to the accustomed elector- suffers in the face of unemployment. posed the candidacy of Oksana Markarova,” Secondly, give up on Christmas and New by an unexpectedly heavy margin, 58 per- al geography in the home country. Ms. Mr. Kuleba wrote on his Facebook page on cent against Mr. Dodon’s 42 percent. Two Sandu carried all of the central districts in Year mass events and celebrate the holi- November 20. He added that the procedure days online, for example via Zoom. At least weeks earlier, she had outvoted Mr. Dodon the countryside by large margins. for her registration has already been in the first round narrowly, by 36 percent Additionally (and unprecedentedly) she there will be something to remember,” the launched, but it takes some time. “If minister said. (Interfax-Ukraine) to 33 percent. Most forecasts had projected carried all of Chisinau’s five inner-city bor- appointed, Ukraine for the first time will Ms. Sandu trailing Mr. Dodon in have an ambassador to Washington who is Two soldiers killed in Ukraine’s east the first round and standing an well-known both in the U.S. administration, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported even chance with him in the run- The diaspora is pulling in particular in the Department of State and on November 24 that in the previous 24 off. The turnout was 52 percent in the Department of Treasury, and in the hours one Ukrainian soldier was killed in over all; within that, it was high- the Moldovan boat slowly IMF [International Monetary Fund]. … The action. During that same 24-hour period, er in the European diaspora than fact that Markarova will be the first ever Westward with its votes. Russian-terrorist forces opened fire on in Moldova itself (Unimedia, madame ambassador of Ukraine to the Ukrainian positions on the Luhansk and November 1, 2, 16, 17). United States is also notable.” Mr. Kuleba Donetsk sectors of the front six times in The same candidates had noted. (Interfax-Ukraine) competed in the 2016 presidential election oughs, meaning that she received a sub- total. The next day, the ministry announced runoff. Ms. Sandu, a novice politician at stantial share of the “Russian-speaking” Ukraine reports new COVID-19 cases that another soldier was killed in action and that enemy forces opened fire on that time, lost with 48 percent to Mr. vote there. For his part, Mr. Dodon carried According to the Public Health Center of Dodon’s 52 percent. Ms. Sandu’s main tar- all of the nine districts in the north, the Ukrainian positions four times. (Ukrainian Ukraine, as of November 24 there were Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) get in that campaign was the country’s de northern city of Balti (second-largest after 12,287 officially confirmed new cases of facto ruler, oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, Chisinau), the Gagauz-inhabited region COVID-19 (including 533 children and 570 More countries impose Belarus sanctions who controlled Mr. Dodon at that time. Mr. (three southern districts) by 95 percent, health-care workers). The number of active Plahotniuc’s support for Mr. Dodon more the Bulgarian-inhabited Taraclia district Seven European countries that are not cases is 337,355. During the previous 24 members of the European Union have than offset Ms. Sandu’s diaspora support (also in the south) by 93 percent, as well as hours, 1,403 persons were hospitalized, and made Mr. Dodon president. the Transnistria vote by 86 percent. aligned themselves with the sanctions 188 patients died and 8,298 persons recov- imposed by the 27-member bloc on The election just held was not a contest Only 31,000 Transnistrian voters ered. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Belarus in response to a brutal crackdown of programs or ideologies – i.e., left versus crossed the Nistru River to cast ballots in Briefing) on pro-democracy protests triggered by a right, as Moldovan analysts traditionally this election, out of the estimated 250,000 disputed presidential election in August. stereotype it. Nor did it at any point Transnistrians eligible to cast ballots in Minister proposes two-week lockdown EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in become a geopolitical contest between Moldova’s elections. This is a potential but Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and a statement on November 20 that the seven Russia and the West, as international never-yet used Kremlin resource against Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko on countries included EU candidates North media often characterize it. This election Chisinau (Ukrayinska Pravda, November November 24 proposed that the govern- was, however, a landmark in terms of 16). Ms. Sandu’s supporters had feared ment schedule a two-week lockdown, tied to (Continued on page 10) Moldova’s strategic orientation defined as that a far larger number of Transnistria civilizational choice. This does imply keep- voters would be shipped to vote and lift Mr. ing Russia out and bringing the West in Dodon to the top. But Moscow evidently Moldova (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, decided not to help Mr. Dodon in this way he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 October 19, 28). (nor by mobilizing Moldovan guest work- T U W The just-concluded election’s numerical ers in Russia, nor in any other way). And An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., data illustrate Moldova’s internal fractures, the unexpectedly large turnout of pro-San- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. political deadlock, and the diaspora’s new du voters in Europe matched or out- Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. and growing role as arbiter of Moldova’s weighed the estimated number of Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. elections (an offshore balancer sui generis) Transnistrians eligible to vote in Moldova. (ISSN — 0273-9348) (Unimedia, November 16, 17). This suggests that Russia would find it Within Moldova itself, Ms. Sandu pre- more difficult in the future to distort The Weekly: UNA: vailed over Mr. Dodon by a razor-thin mar- Moldovan elections by utilizing Trans­ Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 gin of 27,000 votes. But she garnered nistrian voters. 244,000 votes in the diaspora, which lifted From a sociological perspective, the Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz her far above the incumbent. The diaspo- Moldovan village and the urban elderly 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas ra’s total vote went 93 percent for Ms. supplied the bulk of Mr. Dodon’s support- P.O. Box 280 Sandu and only 7 percent for Mr. Dodon. It ers. The educated urban voters, urban Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] is a safe assumption that Mr. Dodon’s 7 per- youth and the diaspora in Europe (also cent share came mostly from Moldovans in mostly young) coalesced to form Ms. The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Russia (these had favored another Sandu’s electorate. Russocentric candidate, Renato Usatii, in Considering Moldova’s failed economy The Ukrainian Weekly, November 29, 2020, No. 48, Vol. LXXXVIII the first round). in the last 10 years, it was the diaspora that Copyright © 2020 The Ukrainian Weekly Moldova’s electoral map in this presi- kept the Moldovan boat afloat with their dential election – just like the 2016 presi- remittances. Now, for the first time, the dential election and 2019 parliamentary diaspora is pulling the Moldovan boat ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA elections – displays a stark breakdown slowly Westward with its votes. between compact “yellow” and compact Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 “red” zones. Yellow stands for Ms. Sandu’s The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] party and, by extension, her allies in the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 pro-Western ACUM (“NOW”) bloc. The red its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] zones are fiefdoms of the Socialist Party www.jamestown.org. No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 3

NEWS ANALYSIS With deep thanks Moldova’s presidential election: to Roma Hadzewycz Along with the UNA General Assembly and the UNA staff, please join me in The Russians were not coming (this time) extending deep thanks and best wishes to Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, who will retire from the Ukrainian National by Vladimir Socor problem. …We are seeking and will keep Association on December 1, 2020. Eurasia Daily Monitor seeking a political solution” (TASS, RIA For more than 43 years, Ms. Hadzewycz has been an indefatigable and respected Novosti, BBC News – Russian service, member of the UNA fraternal family. Her contribution to our association has been Moldova’s recent presidential election NewsMaker, November 16, 17). invaluable and her commitment to excellence unequaled. Ms. Hadzewycz’s encyclo- (first round held on November 1, second Mr. Putin’s Russia does, indeed, “meddle pedic knowledge of UNA history will be greatly missed, as will her dedication, talent, round on November 15) has been widely in foreign elections” and otherwise professionalism and experience. stereotyped by international media as a “spreads malign influence,” but it does not Ms. Hadzewycz joined the UNA in 1977 as an editor with The Ukrainian Weekly, geopolitical contest between a democratic do this all the time against all countries to and in 1980 became editor-in-chief. In 2007, she was appointed editor-in-chief of West and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. But in the same degree. It has various priorities at both Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly. fact, that presumption has been disproved various times, and Moldova has not been We wish Ms. Hadzewycz a peaceful retirement, well-deserved. by all players, internal and external, in their among Russia’s top agenda items in recent As we say thank you and good-bye to Ms. Hadzewycz, we announce the new edi- respective messages about the just-con- years. Following the Russophile Mr. tor-in-chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Andrew Nynka. Congratulations, cluded electoral race. Avoidance of geopo- Dodon’s election as president, Moscow has Mr. Nynka, and welcome! litical competition, if nothing else, was their moved from a symbolic embrace of Mr. Stefan Kaczaraj common underlying approach (see Eurasia Dodon to benign neglect of him, then President/CEO Daily Monitor, October 28, November 17). neglect pure and simple, and finally out- Ukrainian National Association Although not declaratively proclaimed as right abandonment. such during the campaign, this approach In the presidential election just held (as took official form in response to the out- well as in 2019), Russia failed to deliver on come. Mr. Dodon’s repeated requests to have Mr. Mr. Putin, who had practically aban- Putin visit Moldova, have Patriarch Kirill Ukraine faces “very severe” COVID-19 winter, doned incumbent President Igor Dodon visit Moldova, hold a Russian business and ahead of the election, became one of the investment forum in Chisinau, lend 200 as coronavirus-related deaths exceed 10,000 first international leaders to congratulate million euros ($237 million U.S.) to Maia Sandu on her victory: “I count on your Moldova (as a first tranche of a 500 million RFE/RL November 18, Prime Minister Denys presidency to make possible a constructive euros, or $593 million, loan). Moscow has Shmyhal called the weekend quarantine “a development of our countries’ relations” even stopped receiving Mr. Dodon for bilat- Ukraine has passed a milestone of 10,000 balanced alternative to a full lockdown.” He (Kremlin.ru, November 16). In turn, eral meetings with Mr. Putin some months deaths caused by COVID-19, as the country added, “If we, all together, adhere to the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cred- ago. The Kremlin did nothing to mobilize faces what the health minister called a anti-epidemic rules, we will see the result ited the president-elect with the awareness Moldovan workers in Russia to vote for Mr. “very severe” winter of coronavirus cases. in two to three weeks.” that economic relations with Russia are in Dodon, nor did Moscow urge Tiraspol to Maksym Stepanov said on November 18 In a video interview with Reuters, Mr. Stepanov said the measures would lead to Moldova’s interest (RIA Novosti, November mobilize Transnistrian voters for the that Ukraine registered a record 256 new COVID-19 related deaths in the previous 10-15 percent fewer coronavirus cases 16), alluding to the dialogue initiated dur- incumbent Moldovan president (a mere 24 hours, bringing the total toll to 10,112. than there might have been. “I can say with ing Ms. Sandu’s brief prime-ministership in 31,000 crossed over to vote, which was less He said 12,496 new COVID-19 cases had confidence that if we adhere to these mea- 2019. The Kremlin’s move is only the latest than the 37,000 that former ruler Vladimir been documented in the country and that sures, we will be able to stop the growth, at sign of disowning Mr. Dodon – and all the Plahotniuc had obtained from Tiraspol in 535 more children and 529 medical work- least stabilize it where it is now,” the health more stinging as he contests the election’s 2019 to help Mr. Dodon’s Socialist Party). ers had contracted the disease. In the pre- minister said. outcome in Moldovan courts. Nor did the Kremlin support Mr. Dodon’s vious 24 hours, he noted, 1,668 people The restrictions will help Ukraine get President-elect Sandu met individually re-election campaign through Russian tele- were hospitalized with COVID-19 symp- “through the hardest period, the hardest with the ambassadors of the European vision channels. All that Moscow gave Mr. toms in Ukraine. winter,” Mr. Stepanov said. “Because the Union, the United States, Romania and Dodon this time was 20,000 tons of diesel The total number of cases in Ukraine has winter, in my opinion, will be very severe in Russia on an ex aequo basis on the first day fuel for Moldovan farmers and five snow- reached 570,153. terms of morbidity and the number of seri- after the election. The readouts from these clearing machines for Chisinau’s Socialist- Meanwhile, Ukrainian government offi- ously ill.” meetings were convergent, focusing on led mayoralty (see EDM, October 28). cials defended the decision to close or Moldova’s needs for its internal develop- Ms. Sandu and her team are entirely pro- restrict businesses on weekends, except for With reporting by Reuters, Interfax and ment. A stellar gallery of Western leaders Western by the current Moldovan defini- essential services such as grocery shops, UNIAN. sent congratulations, while Ukrainian tion of this orientation: namely, adopting pharmacies, hospitals and transport. Copyright 2020, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy became Western models and standards of gover- A member of President Volodymyr with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ the first foreign leader to invite Ms. Sandu nance, public administration, education Zelenskyy’s administration resigned over Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, for a visit. A visit to Brussels, however, may and cultural development, with guidance the November 14 decision, while some Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see well occur first (Moldpres, Unimedia, from the European Union and economic mayors refused to comply with the order https://www.rferl.org/a/coronavirus-relat- November 16). assistance from the EU conditioned on and some business owners held protests. ed-deaths-in-ukraine-exceed-10-000- In her first post-election briefing, Ms. Moldovan performance. No explicitly “geo- Speaking at a government meeting on /30956336.html). Sandu announced a policy of “authentic political” dimension exists in Moldova’s balance” through dialogues with Europe, Western orientation in this sense. Implicitly the United States, Russia, as well as the and ultimately, it does amount to bringing neighbors Romania and Ukraine, proceed- Europe into Moldova while keeping nox- Quotable notes ing from the interests of “Moldova’s citi- ious Russian influence out. However, a zens” (i.e., its internal development) large part of Moldova’s voters are not yet The United States condemns the continued detention of political prisoners in (Unimedia, TASS, November 16). The prepared to understand the second part – Belarus. More than 100 political prisoners are currently being detained for exercis- “authentic balance” is meant as a corrective about Russia – of this equation; they are ing their human rights and fundamental freedoms by peacefully participating in pro- to Mr. Dodon’s own mantra of a “balanced even less prepared to “geopoliticize” their tests, calling for free and fair elections, and advocating for a national dialogue to end foreign policy,” which was in fact one-sided- country’s choice of orientation. Moldova’s the ongoing crisis. These political prisoners have been subject to harsh and life- ly Russophile (see EDM, February 13, 20) situation differs greatly from that of threatening detention conditions, including credible reports of torture. They are but turned out to be cruelly unrequited by Ukraine or Georgia in this respect. among the thousands of individuals who have been subjected to unjust detentions Russia in the final year of Mr. Dodon’s presi- Aspirations to move “away from Russia,” since the start of the violent crackdown. dency. abandon neutrality, join the North Atlantic The United States stands with those who remain detained and unaccounted for, Meanwhile, Ms. Sandu confirmed to Treaty Organization (NATO), or at least those who have been killed, and those who continue to peacefully assert their right Russian Ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov and stand up to Russia in the ongoing “frozen to choose their leaders in free and fair elections. We once again call on the Belarusian for Russian media that she would consider conflict” in Transnistria are confined to a authorities to immediately cease the escalating use of violence against peaceful dem- visiting Moscow at some point. Such a visit political minority in Moldova. onstrators, release all political prisoners and other peaceful protesters who have was being prepared in the autumn of 2019, This is why Ms. Sandu’s presidential been detained, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Coordination Council and during Ms. Sandu’s short-lived role as campaign (just like her previous electoral Belarusian civil society. prime minister. Her agenda now, as presi- campaigns) avoided “geopolitical” and – U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in a statement headlined “Political dent, remains the same, she said: re-open- national-identity themes. She and her polit- Prisoners in Belarus Should Be Released” that was issued on November 12. ing Russia’s market for Moldovan agricul- ical team did not speak about choosing the tural products, finalizing agreements on the West against Russia nor about Moldova’s legal status and pension rights for “integration” with the EU, let alone NATO, Moldovan workers in Russia, and establish- and they did not raise the issue of ing overall a “mutually respectful relation- Transnistria nor criticize Russia in any way. Visit our archive online: ship” as with any other country. www.ukrweekly.com “Transnistria is, of course, the most serious (Continued on page 11) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

Documentary highlights high Ukrainian Canadian enlistment during World War II

by Christopher Guly Special to The Ukrainian Weekly OTTAWA – On an unusually warm November 11 in Ottawa, when COVID-19 restrictions kept the usually large crowds in cooler weather away from the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial, Ukrainian Canadian filmmaker John Paskievich reflected on the dis- proportionately outsized contribution members of his community made during the second world war. “Their enlistment rate was the highest percentage of any ethnic group outside of the British in Canada,” explained Mr. Paskievich – co-director of the 1982 award-winning documentary short, “Ted Baryluk Grocery” – by tele- phone from his home in Winnipeg. He said that of the more than 1 million Canadians who's served in Canada’s Armed Forces, between 35,000 and 40,000 – mainly men – were of Ukrainian origin. The high Ukrainian Canadian wartime participation rate became a reckoning for a community whose members were branded in Canada as “enemy aliens,” many of them interned in work camps during the first world war. “I am proud to have served in the Canadian Army,” said John Wachniak, a World War II veteran whose words are captured in Mr. Paskievich’s latest documentary, “A Canadian War Story,” produced by the Toronto-based Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Center The Ukrainian Canadian Servicemen’s Association (UCSA) in London, England, on November 11, 1945. (UCRDC) with financial support from the Shevchenko Foundation’s Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Fund. The film production committee included Mr. Sochaniw­ made life on the farm “rough,” prompting young men like “When we Ukrainians first arrived in Canada, we were sky, Jars Balan, Jurij Darewych, the late Andrij Makuch, him to sign up to serve and “get three square meals a day.” looked upon as second-class by the English and Scottish. Yurij (George) Serhijczuk and Oksana Zakydalsky. Peter Smylski, of Dauphin, Manitoba, recognized a “cru- But we proved ourselves in the war. It brought us respect,” The 60-minute documentary employs voice-overs, since cial moment” in world history when “Europe would be Mr. Wachniak pointed out. the veterans are either dead or were too frail for inter- rearranged and, hopefully, Ukraine would win its indepen- Mr. Wachniak’s memories, along with those from other views. dence – and we wanted to be part of that.” Ukrainian Canadian veterans, were scoured from newspa- They enlisted to serve in the war for various reasons. Mr. Paskievich, who also wrote and narrated the docu- per and UCRDC archives, Legion records and self-published “In 1942, I joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps,” mentary, believes that some Ukrainian Canadians actively books for the film project that began four years ago from recalled Manitoban Ann Crapleve. “I was a Canadian and joined the war effort out of “a spirit of adventure because an idea by retired Royal Canadian Air Force Captain Andre wanted to do my bit for the country.” most of these young guys and women were from rural Sochaniwsky to highlight the community’s significant Saskatchewan resident John Yuzyk spoke of how the World War II contribution. “economic” and “psychological” depression of the 1930s (Continued on page 14)

OBITUARY: Alex Trebek, beloved game show host, 80

by Andrew Nynka ing a glass of water. She grabbed a glass that looked like it contained water. It con- WALTHAM, M.A. – Answer: This man – tained vodka. She sucked that up and then who for 37 seasons played the quintessen- started screaming,” Mr. Trebek recalled. tial host of a world-famous, widely beloved In 1988, as part of a series of events ded- quiz show, and whose father, George icated to the observance of the Millennium Edward Terebeychuk, emigrated from of Christianity in Ukraine, Mr. Trebek took Ukraine as a child – died of pancreatic can- part in a gala musical concert in New York’s cer on November 8. He was 80. Lincoln Center. He opened the musical trib- Question: Who was George Alexander ute with an introduction before a full house Trebek? of more than 2,700 people, The Ukrainian Born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Weekly reported on February 21, 1988. Ontario, Alex Trebek was synonymous with “Mr. Trebek amused the audience with his “Jeopardy!,” the Emmy and Peabody award- version of St. Volodymyr’s acceptance of winning syndicated game show in which Christianity on Valentine’s Day. He also told questions were presented to participants a few anecdotes about his Ukrainian rela- as answers, and answers were given in the tives,” Marta Kolomayets wrote in The form of questions. Weekly. Mr. Trebek was famous for his work in Lesya Liteplo, a Ukrainian American television and film – he made numerous who appeared on “Jeopardy!” shortly after cameo appearances as himself on “Jeopardy!” Mr. Trebek tore his Achilles’ tendon chasing “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons,” Alex Trebek on the set of the game show “Jeopardy!” a burglar from his hotel room in 2011, and appeared in the movies “Groundhog recalled in a recent telephone interview Day,” “Finding Forrester” and “Charlie’s who lived in Toronto, and he touched base Cultural Center in Los Angeles, according to with The Weekly that Mr. Trebek had a gen- Angels,” to name a few. with him. Once dad mastered the funda- The New Yorker. uine rapport with the show’s staff. During Less well-known were his Ukrainian mentals of basic English and changed his Writing in his memoir, Mr. Trebek taping of the episode in which she roots and his interest in his father’s home- last name to match his cousin’s, Mike got offered further insight into his childhood, appeared, Ms. Liteplo recalled that staff all land. him a starting job in the kitchen at the King noting the influence that his father’s wore T-shirts poking fun at the host’s inju- Writing in his 2020 memoir, “The Edward Hotel, which was one of the two Eastern European culture had on the fami- ry. “It was clear that the crew really liked Answer Is… : Reflections on My Life,” Mr. largest first-class hotels in Toronto.” ly. “In Toronto, my parents had a ton of him and were very affectionate with him,” Trebek said, “My father, George Edward Mr. Trebek’s father eventually met and Ukrainian, Russian and Polish friends, and Ms. Liteplo said. Terebeychuk, was this little Ukrainian married Lucille Marie Lagace, a French- that made for some great celebrations, Often described as a dignified game immigrant who had earned his passage Canadian. Per a November 11 story in The great parties. On Sundays everyone came show host who possessed a professorial money to Canada mainly by playing violin New Yorker, Mr. Trebek’s parents spoke a over to our place. It was a three-story rent- demeanor, Mr. Trebek was also said to have at weddings and parties in his hometown variety of different languages. “Between ed house with an in-ground gas pump in a quirky, though quiet sense of humor. After of Nuyno [Volyn Oblast]. He arrived from the two of them, they spoke English, the backyard. … We hosted because every- the episode in which she appeared finished Ukraine in the late 1920s. He was on a train French, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian,” one else lived in apartments. There were filming, Ms. Liteplo, who uses the first name bound for Manitoba to be a farm laborer, wrote the story’s author, Doreen St. Felix. lavish spreads of herring, dill pickles, cab- “Alex” in English, stood for a photo with Mr. but when he got to Ottawa, he decided he “It was like a mini United Nations,” Mr. bage rolls – and, of course, schnapps and Trebek. Just before the photo, Mr. Trebek didn’t want to work on a farm, and he Trebek said of life in his parents’ home dur- vodka. Poor Barbara [Mr. Trebek’s younger turned to Alex and said, “Alex and Alex, jumped off. He had a cousin, my uncle Mike, ing a speech in 2011 at the Ukrainian sister] went to the dining table once, want- together again for the first time.” No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 5

UNA’s New Jersey District holds fall organizing meeting virtually

by Roma Hadzewycz PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The New Jersey District Committee of the Ukrainian National Association held its fall organiz- ing meeting on November 16 via videoconference. It was the first virtual meeting ever for the district. Participating were representatives of UNA Branches 37, 42, 76, 133, 171, 234, 269 and 287. The meeting was chaired by Oksana Stanko, district chairperson. In attendance as a representative of the UNA Executive Committee was Yuriy Symczyk, UNA chief oper- ating officer/national secretary. The reports of the both the district chairperson and its treasurer, Walter Honcharyk, were sent in advance to dis- trict committee members and were accepted as presented. The minutes of the previous fall organizing meeting were prepared by the district’s secretary, George Stanko, and also were accepted. Ms. Stanko noted that, despite the coronavirus pandem- ic, the UNA’s life insurance policies and annuities were sell- ing, and she recognized the work of Maria Drich, Valia Kaploun, Nadiya Folk, Nadia Salabay, Nina Bilchuk, Luba Demitre and Joseph Banach, among others. Elections of new district officers were also on the agen- da. Unanimously elected were: Ms. Drich, chairperson; Ms. Demitre, vice-chairperson; Ms. Stanko, secretary; Mr. Honcharyk, treasurer; Michael Bohdan organizing director; Some of the participants of the New Jersey District’s fall organizing meeting during their videoconference. and Ms. Kaploun and Michael Koziupa, auditors. COO/National Secretary Symczyk reported on the suc- Ms. Stanko echoed Mr. Symczyk’s words in underlining During the meeting Ms. Stanko acknowledged the more cessful functioning of the UNA Home Office during this the importance of staying in touch with branch members than 40 years of work of Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief time of COVID-19. He advised branch officers that the and she encouraged all of the district’s branch secretaries of The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda, who is retiring as of Home Office is always ready to help with targeted mailings to provide members some means of communicating December 1. Ms. Hadzewycz participates in the New Jersey to their branch members. directly with them. District’s meetings as a representative of UNA Branch 287. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

FOR THE RECORD A farewell Dear Readers: Remembering the Day of Dignity and Freedom Back on July 31, I formally gave notice that I would be retiring as editor-in-chief of The statement below was released by the shared the truth about the Yanukovych The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda, the Ukrainian National Association’s two official publications, as of December 1. That time has now come. This is my last issue. As I Ukrainian World Congress on November 21. regime, and UWC leaders became the voic- write this farewell, I am filled with sadness, but also with appreciation and pride for es of the free Ukrainian people. the work the UNA’s newspapers have done and, I have no doubt, will continue to do. Seven years ago, on this day, the people The fight for freedom that began seven Forty-three years is a serious chunk of time to fit into 70-plus lines in an editori- of Ukraine stood up in defense of their will years ago today continues as the hybrid al… It’s an impossible task. Let me just say that during those more than four decades to live freely in a democracy that respects war of the Russian Federation against at The Weekly, and the last 13 at Svoboda as well, our editorial staffs produced the choice of the people. This day, which Ukraine persistently claims the lives of issues every week without fail in a most professional manner. We met our deadlines began a spiral of events leading to the brave soldiers and innocent civilians alike, no matter what – whether it be the nuclear accident at Chornobyl in 1986 or the Revolution of Dignity with tragic conse- and a rampant disinformation campaign proclamation of Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on quences, is now marked as the Day of aims to discredit Ukraine and its people. 9/11 in 2001, the Orange Revolution of 2004-2005 or the Euro-Maidan/Revolution Dignity and Freedom. “The Ukrainian World Congress pays of Dignity of 2013-2014. On November 21, 2013, precipitated by tribute to those who took a stand in During those years, we covered multifarious developments within our Ukrainian the refusal of the Yanukovych regime to defense of the Ukrainian people’s right to community in North America; U.S., Canadian and other international developments sign the EU-Ukraine Association live in dignity and freedom, and to those that affect Ukraine and Ukrainians; and, of course, the major news from Ukraine. If Agreement, the peaceful protest was who continue to stand on the frontlines of you are a subscriber to this paper, you’ve lived through an unbelievable period of answered by authorities with violence this modern-day war refusing to allow history along with us. Our work has been detailed in annual reports to the UNA spurring the country to rise up in mass Ukraine to once again be pulled under the General Assembly and in quadrennial reports to UNA conventions; it has been high- demonstrations. yoke of a foreign aggressor,” stated UWC lighted in our annual Year in Review issues. However, there are some achievements Global Ukrainian communities did not President Paul Grod. “We urge the interna- of which we’re particularly proud that I’d like to note here. stay aside. Ukrainians staged rallies in sup- tional community to remember the sacri- In 1983, The Weekly published a special issue on the Great Famine of 1932-1933 port of the Revolution of Dignity and fices made by the Ukrainian people in the with the aim of promoting awareness of the Holodomor among non-Ukrainians – espe- Freedom, Euro-Maidans in European capi- name of global peace and security, and cially among public officials and the media – as well as to remind Ukrainians of this tals, in the cities of Canada, the United remain steadfastly on the side of the genocide. The issue went through several printings; over 40,000 copies were printed and disseminated. In 1984, we released an 88-page compilation of articles titled “The States, Australia, Asia, and Oceania. They Ukrainian people.” Great Famine in Ukraine: The Unknown Holocaust” that was sent to subscribers, mem- bers of the U.S. Congress, the news media and others. It was The Weekly that advocated most strongly for the establishment in 1985 of the U.S. Commission on the Ukraine Famine. All of the foregoing was in keeping with the reason our newspaper was founded in 1933: to tell English-language readers the truth about the Famine raging in Ukraine. UCCA prepares for a new decade In January 1991, we opened a full-time Kyiv Press Bureau. Thus, our reporters were on the ground before Ukraine re-established its independence in August of that year. In 2000-2001, we released our two-volume “The Ukrainian Weekly 2000,” of U.S.-Ukraine relations a compilation of stories about the major events covered by this paper since its The Ukrainian Congress Committee of ment of Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty founding through the 1990s, thus bringing the century (and the millennium) to a America issued the following release on and territorial integrity in order to deter close. In 2001, we released “Ukraine Lives!” Dedicated to the 10th anniversary of November 18. the government of the Russian Federation Ukraine’s independence, it featured historic articles published in The Weekly about from further destabilizing and invading that historic chapter in our nation’s history. Following a historic election, with over Ukraine and other independent countries.” Thanks to the work of our tech wizard and webmaster Ihor Pylypchuk, our news- 150 million combined votes cast for the And in 2018, the United States papers’ websites contain digitized versions of every single issue published since first time in U.S. history, the Ukrainian Department of State formally rejected as a Svoboda’s establishment in 1893 and The Weekly’s in 1933. Imagine, all the issues Congress Committee of America (UCCA), matter of state policy “Russia’s attempted of both papers published since their founding can be read by interested persons the largest grassroots representation of annexation of Crimea,” pledging that the around the world! Americans of Ukrainian descent, reached United States intends to maintain this poli- And there is so much more that was accomplished… out to President-elect Joe Biden with a let- cy of refusal to recognize Russia’s illegal None of it could have been done without our editorial staffers. That’s why I’m ter of congratulations, urging the former assertions “until Ukraine’s territorial integ- proud to list their names: co-editor Ihor Dlaboha in the early years; the late Helen vice-president to fortify relations with rity is restored.” Smindak, who came to fill in when Mr. Dlaboha left; and all the valuable editorial Ukraine and reinforce internationally rec- “In 2021, Ukrainians around the world staffers who followed: Ika Koznarska Casanova, George Zarycky, the late Marta ognized principles of sovereignty and terri- will celebrate 30 years of Ukrainian inde- Kolomayets, Natalia Dmytrijuk, Michael Bociurkiw, Natalia Feduschak, Chrystyna torial integrity. pendence. This historic occasion should Lapychak, Khristina Lew, Tamara Tershakovec, Roman Woronowycz, Andrij With the incoming 117th United States motivate policy-makers of both national Wynnyckyj, Irene Jarosewich, Andrew Nynka (yes, the very Andrew Nynka who has been tapped as the UNA newspapers’ next editor-in-chief) and Matthew Dubas. I Congress, and a new presidential adminis- parties in the United States, and their coun- can’t thank them enough. tration, the United States should look to not terparts in Ukraine, to move toward specif- Ours was always a small but dedicated staff, composed of editors who took pride only live up to its public and binding securi- ic goals in the next decade, based on the in their work, were true professionals and were dedicated to the Ukrainian commu- ty guarantees to Ukraine, but should further shared belief that the security of the United nity and nation. And there were also production staff members, our newspapers’ develop this important bilateral relation- States and Ukraine rests with the expan- administration, part-timers, summer interns, correspondents in the U.S., Canada and ship. A retreat from current sanctions sion of democracy and mutual security Ukraine, columnists and community activists – too numerous to list, but no less against the Russian Federation and its prox- guarantees. This should include reciprocal appreciated. Lest we forget, there was the print shop crew that printed and mailed ies, or from continued military, political and state visits arranged in both Kyiv and the UNA’s publications for many, many years, until the shop was shuttered and their economic support of Ukraine by the United Washington, D.C., based on the U.S.-Ukraine work was outsourced in 1998. States, would entail terrifying consequences Strategic Partnership,” stated UCCA Thanks are due also to the credit unions who have been our strongest financial for Ukraine, our European partners and the President Andriy Futey. supporters after the UNA, and to all who donate to our press funds and the UNA global geo-political security structure. Ukrainian Americans are united in their Publications Endowment Fund. We are grateful also to the devoted readers who In the nearly three decades since support for the independence and territori- have supported our work with their subscriptions – many of them for decades. Ukraine’s independence, the United States al integrity of Ukraine. As Americans, we Speaking for my fellow editors, I want to underline that we are honored to be an and Ukraine have signed numerous bilateral believe that a democratic and independent essential part of the UNA’s long history of fraternal service. I personally thank the treaties, leading to the formation of the U.S.- Ukraine is in the national security interests Ukrainian Natio­nal Association and all the people with whom I’ve worked for giving Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership. of the United States. The UCCA remains me this unparalleled opportunity to serve the Ukrainian nation through the UNA’s With overwhelming bipartisan support, committed to fostering additional coopera- two newspapers. the 2014 Ukraine Freedom Support Act tion from elected officials to continue our I wish my esteemed and dear colleagues, including our newspapers’ new editor- further declared as official state policy that nation’s proud tradition of bipartisan sup- in-chief, much success, enthusiasm, fortitude and patience as they begin yet another the United States will “assist the govern- port for Ukraine. new chapter in the history of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly. Respectfully and fraternally, Roma Hadzewycz activities are focused on promoting Holodomor... Holodomor education in school curricula, (Continued from page 1) genocide recognition by state governments, exhibits, media outreach, film productions, Nov. will launch a webpage on the U.S. a campaign for the revocation of Walter Turning the pages back... Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor- Duranty’s Pulitzer Prize, and mandating Seven years ago, in preparation of the Ukraine-EU Association Genocide Awareness’ website https:// genocide studies in high schools. 29 Agreement that was to be signed on November 28-29, 2013, at ukrainegenocide.com in December 2020. The year 2015 saw the U.S. Holodomor the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Founded in 2006, the U.S. Committee for Committee’s most notable accomplish- 2013 Ministers adopted a resolution on November 21 that halted Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Awareness ment: the unveiling of the Holodomor is an organization staffed with volunteers Memorial in Washington, a project (Continued on page 15) from across the United States. Their varied approved by the U.S. Congress in 2006. No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 7

Dear Readers! Welcome to The Washington Notebook, a column compiled by the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) to provide perspective and insight on Belarus on my mind activities in Washington that concern the Ukrainian community. Part II While the State Department has spoken out and taken some limited action, Sadly, the dictatorial regime of illegiti- President Donald Trump has been silent, mate President Alyaksandr Lukashenka perhaps to nobody’s surprise given his dis- Opportunities abound! has again stepped up its repression of the regard for human rights and democracy, people of Belarus struggling for their dem- and affection for dictators the world over. What did the November 3 ocratic rights and freedoms. This includes This will change under President Joe Biden, elections prove in the United the violent death of protester Roman who has already issued a strong statement States? Firstly, an unprece- Bondarenka in police custody. After the of solidarity with the Belarusian people’s dented number of citizens shocking brutality against peaceful protest- democratic aspirations and promise of went to the polls to cast ers that the world witnessed in the imme- more action. their vote for our elected diate aftermath of the August 9 fraudulent The passage by the House of officials. But more impor- elections, the degree of abuse by the Representatives on November 18 of the tantly for the Ukrainian Lukashenka regime’s security apparatus Belarus Democracy, Human Rights and community, many of our had diminished somewhat – although it Sovereignty Act of 2020 (BDHRSA) is a “Friends of Ukraine” in never completely went away. major development in Washington’s Congress have been re-elect- The recent comprehensive and authorita- response. This comprehensive bill refuses ed, while those newly-elect- tive OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report on to recognize Mr. Lukashenka’s election as ed to Congress have had post-election human rights violations notes legitimate, calls for new elections that com- opportunities to interact the numerous instances of police brutality ply with democratic standards of the with community represen- and torture on the part of security forces Organization for Security and Cooperation tatives during the campaign that operate with impunity. It concludes that in Europe (OSCE), and the immediate not only is there overwhelming evidence period. release of all those unjustly detained and a that the presidential elections were falsified It is significant to note stop to the violence. It sends a strong, but that the violations committed by the that support for Ukraine in bipartisan message to the Belarusian dicta- security forces in response to peaceful dem- Congress largely lies with tor and to his supporters in the Kremlin onstrations and protests were “massive and the outreach and advocacy that the United States will not accept Mr. Graphic by UNIS to encourage community members systematic” and that there is a “massive of the Ukrainian community. Lukashenka’s illegitimate rule nor allow to contact their legislators and urge them to support crackdown on any opposition in Belarus.” And for that reason, there the sovereignty of Belarus to be handed the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act. Yet, the Belarusian people have not given remain many opportunities over to Russia. Among its numerous provi- in the remaining days/ up. Countless expressions of creative, grass- diminish, Russian interference. While it is sions, the bill calls for expanding the list of weeks of the 116th Congress, as well as in roots protest and other forms of civil dis- projected that enhanced sanctions against Belarusian authorities who may be subject the new 117th Congress, to continue obedience continue, notably the large-scale the building of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to U.S. sanctions and to Russians complicit expressing our concerns about mutual rallies held every Sunday. The Belarusian will be included in the National Defense in political repression in Belarus; authoriz- areas of interest for enhancing the U.S.- people, in numbers never seen during the Authorization Act of FY2021, other es and calls for an increase in U.S. assis- Ukraine strategic partnership. last quarter-century of Mr. Lukashenka’s Russian-sanctions bills such as the tance to promote democracy, human rights Recent congressional actions since the oppressive rule, continue their heroic, his- Defending American Security from Kremlin and the rule of law; and gives more support elections included passage in the House of toric struggle for their rights and freedoms. Aggression Act (DASKAA) will most likely for international broadcasting into Belarus Representatives of the Ukraine Religious Flouting, yet again, the will of the people, need to be re-introduced in the new con- Mr. Lukashenka remains intent on continu- as well as to the besieged Belarusian Freedom Support Act (HR 5408), which gressional session beginning in January media. It also calls for us to closely coordi- “opposes violations of religious freedom in ing his autocratic rule. And, while some 2021. sort of dialogue and even compromise nate with the EU and other partners. Ukraine by Russia and armed groups com- But sanctions alone are not a guarantee This act resonates strongly with me, as it manded by Russia.” A companion bill also between the regime and the citizens of for the security, sovereignty, and territorial Belarus cannot be ruled out, for the time reauthorizes and builds on the Belarus has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and integrity of Ukraine from continued acts of Democracy Act of 2004, the Belarus currently has 10 sponsors. Community being Mr. Lukashenka is digging in his Russian aggression. Ukraine was fortunate heels. He still maintains control over the Democracy and Reauthorization Act of members are urged to contact their sena- to achieve an Enhanced Opportunity security forces and government apparatus. 2006 and the Belarus Democracy and tors to support S 3064 and bring it to a vote Partnership (EOP) with NATO earlier this He is emboldened by the support of Human Rights Act of 2011, each of which before the Senate session concludes by the year, which has heightened awareness for Vladimir Putin, who despite his antipathy passed the House and Senate on an over- end of the year. the next step in Ukraine’s growing interac- towards Mr. Lukashenka, appears to be whelmingly bipartisan basis and were Additional measures, which might not tion with NATO – the introduction of a sticking by him – at least for now. signed into law by Presidents George W. expressly deal with Ukraine, have implica- Membership Action Plan (MAP). The 2008 Given Mr. Lukashenka’s intransigence, Bush and Barack Obama, respectively. Each tions in the Central and East European NATO Summit in Bucharest clearly stated the stalemate we have seen for four months of these acts was introduced by Rep. Chris region. Most notably, passage in the U.S. that Ukraine and Georgia would become will likely continue for a long time to come. Smith (R-N.J.), who served as chair and co- House of Representatives of the Three Seas members of the alliance in the future. It It may come to resemble the long, drawn- chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Initiative (3SI) resolution encourages behooves Ukrainian community members out struggle of Poland’s Solidarity move- where I was a policy advisor for many years. European Union countries in Central and to interact with their members of Congress ment than the relatively brief Euro-Maidan My portfolio included Belarus and, as such, I East Europe to promote a vision “of and relate the importance of Ukraine’s clos- or Orange Revolutions. Long-term massive was deeply involved in the writing and pro- enhanced regional infrastructural connec- er relationship with the trans-Atlantic alli- protests are difficult to sustain. And there motion of these acts – the only three public tivity to non-European Union member ance. are some indications of weariness on the laws in U.S. history ever devoted specifically states in the Three Seas region, including Thus, these and other actions signify an part of the protesters – ongoing repression to Belarus. This latest bill could become the Ukraine, Moldova and those in the Western abundance of opportunities for the takes its toll, of course – but this historic fourth, assuming it passes the Senate by the Balkans.” The crackdown on pro-democra- Ukrainian community to continue its advo- awakening of the Belarusian people will end of this year. That is by no means yet a cy protesters in Belarus has also fostered cacy of Ukraine-related concerns. As the persist in one form or another. sure bet. Along with many other friends of passage of HR 8438, the Belarus Congress begins its new session in January Even recognizing the inherent limita- Belarus, I hope it passes. But even if not, it Democracy, Human Rights and Sovereignty 2021, contact your elected officials, pro- tions due to Russia’s outsize influence on could be introduced early in the next Act of 2020, which enables the president mote their membership in the Ukraine cau- Belarus, the West can still do a lot to dem- Congress with the hopes of early passage “to impose sanctions related to Belarus to cuses in the House and Senate, and encour- onstrate its support for the Belarusian peo- and signing into law by the new president. include activities surrounding the disputed age others to become involved. ple. The response thus far has not been as (I should note that as Senator, Mr. Biden was 2020 Belarusian presidential election and Don’t let the pandemic slow down our energetic as many of us Belarus-watchers one of the strongest proponents of the subsequent government crackdown.” advocacy. The Ukrainian National would like to have seen, but this appears to Belarus Democracy Acts.) Sanctions are a pinnacle of the commu- Information Service (UNIS) will initiate a be changing. Thankfully, after a slow start, The current legislation is more impor- nity’s advocacy to stop all forms of Russian series of virtual dialogues with congressio- the European Union and our other part- tant now than the three preceding acts. aggression in the region – from the inva- nal offices to discuss matters of U.S.-Ukraine ners, including Ukraine, as well as the Throughout my more than two decades sion of Ukraine, cyberwarfare on American relations. Won’t you join the effort? United States, are beginning to ramp up covering Belarus for the Helsinki allies and the Belarus dictatorship to the For further information about promot- their efforts. Let me address here Commission, I got to know many of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Each configuration ing advocacy for Ukraine-related concerns, Washington’s response. truly courageous and committed pro- of Russian aggression holds significance for please contact the Ukrainian National democracy leaders. They badly needed our greater opportunities to foster new sanc- Information Service at unis.sawkiw@gmail. Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at tions measures to curtail and hamper, if not com. [email protected]. (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

The joy of ChrisTmas is in sharing... and in giving...

The Ukrainian National Association announces that Mr. Petryshyn is from Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, hav- your support maintains and sustains these entities. its ten 2020-2021 Christmas cards and one birthday card, ing graduated from Kosiv College with a focus on prac- This annual fundraising effort is crucial to ensure all of them featuring artwork by Ukrainian artists Iryna tical and decorative art. He is a member of the V.I. that the UNA publications Svoboda (Ukrainian lan- Korchuk and Volodymyr Petryshyn, are now available. Kasyan branch of artistic writing; and is studying at guage) and The Ukrainian Weekly (English language) Ms. Korchuk is an artist, illustrator and graphic the Lviv National Academy of Art in Lviv, with a major flourish and continue to be published far into the designer. She was born in Lutsk, lives and works in Lviv, in interior design. future. They are the premier news source about events and is a graduate of the Lviv National Academy of Art, Mr. Petryshyn has worked on monumental murals, and happenings in Ukraine and Ukrainian communi- with a masters degree in graphic design. In 2006, she often with religious or sacral themes. He is a specialist ties throughout the world. We encourage you to sub- organized and was a participant of an art exhibit, as in the Sgraffito techniques. He participated in the deco- scribe to the newspapers, which are available in both well as projects that create unity among young artists, ration of cathedrals in Ukraine, Romania, Poland and online and print options. divided into “10 platforms” in Lutsk. She has realized Slovakia. During the last few years, he has often collab- This fundraising effort also provides much-needed seven projects, including an international exhibit orated with Ms. Korchuk on creating illustrations. funds to further the mission of the Soyuzivka Heritage about easel graphics in 2017. Readers are encouraged to view the examples on Center, where people of all ages can celebrate their In 2016, with her friend and co-designer, Ms. the website, www.unainc.org where donations will be unique Ukrainian cultural heritage and where over Korchuk released a joint project “GRAFEZE,” that real- accepted via PayPal with designations for the UNA 500 children annually participate in its camp pro- ized her own ideas in the sphere of souvenir produc- Publications Endowment Fund, Soyuzivka Heritage grams. tion, from design to manufacturing. In parallel, with Center and the Ukrainian National Foundation We wish to thank you in advance design and illustrations, she is very busy developing General Fund. An order form for the cards is available for your generous gift. her own style in traditional folk art in preparation for as well. Your donations are tax-deductible as the UNF her own personal exhibit. is a registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, and Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

join the Una Christmas Card f und-raiser

Yes, I would like to join UNA’s Christmas Card Project and support Name ______the Ukrainian National Foundation. Suggested donation for 1 box of 10 cards ______is $30.00. Additional boxes available at $20.00 each. Orders and payments can be made online. Follow links on www.unainc.org. Address ______For more info call 973-292-9800 or email [email protected] ______Enclosed is my gift for the Christmas Card Project. (Please check) City ______1 box at $30.00 Additional Boxes at $20.00 each Qty:_____ State ______I would like to make Zip ______an additional donation of: $ 1,000 $500 $250 $100 Other $______to: Tel. ______UNA Publications Endowment Soyuzivka Heritage Center Ukrainian National Foundation - General Fund Email ______$______$______$______Please make checks payable to “Ukrainian National Foundation”. I will pay by Check Credit card Mail to: Ukrainian National Association, PO Box 280, Credit Card Type ______Exp. (MM/YY) ______/______Card #______Parsippany, NJ 07054. Donations CVN ______Signature______are tax-exempt as permitted by law. No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 9

UNWLA invites Ukrainian community to its 95th anniversary celebration

by Oksana Sorochan and Today we proudly continue the tradi- Orysia Soroka tions and activities established by the women who came before us, and we wel- On December 6, the Ukrainian National come new members and supporters who Women’s League of America (UNWLA) will share our mission and values. be celebrating its 95th anniversary. We Since its inception, the UNWLA has invite the Ukrainian community to join us worked to support Ukraine and its people. for this virtual event beginning at 3 p.m. During the Holodomor of 1932-1932, the Eastern Time. A wonderful program high- UNWLA worked with its counterparts in lighting our various achievements is western Ukraine to break the informational planned. blockade created by the USSR in order to Formed in 1925, the UNWLA’s goals inform the world of the genocide and to include informing the Free World about provide aid to its victims. events in Ukraine, and promoting and pre- The UNWLA continued to inform the serving Ukrainian national identity, cultural world of cultural and political repressions heritage and ethnic traditions. The UNWLA occurring in Soviet Ukraine by organizing is guided by the principles of political non- demonstrations and protests, and sending partisanship, religious tolerance and uni- petitions to local and federal officials as versal respect for human rights. These well as to international bodies like the moral pillars helped the UNWLA become League of Nations and the United Nations. one of the largest and oldest Ukrainian Supporting Ukrainian culture, members organizations in the United States. of the UNWLA organized a Ukrainian pavil- ion at the Chicago World’s Fair, created The Ukrainian Chrystyna Czajkowsky Museum in New York City and Members of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America at the organiza­ established numerous tion’s XXXI Convention in Tampa, Fla., in 2017. Ukrainian preschools in the United States. support for orphans, underprivileged chil- support of two theological seminaries that In 1944, the UNWLA began dren, the elderly (“Fund Babusi”), burn vic- prepare priests for work with both the sol- publishing its monthly period- tims, veterans, and victims of war in east- diers and residents in eastern Ukraine. ical Our Life, a magazine ern Ukraine. Father Pavlo Protsenko, a graduate of describing the organization’s This year, the UNWLA donated over Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy, activities as well as the many $25,000 to the flood victims in western chaplain of the Aidar battalion and the accomplishments of notable Ukraine and over $31,000 was raised as a 53rd mechanized brigade, and priest of the Ukrainian women. At the time part of the “Feeding the Hungry, UNWLA only Ukrainian church in the Luhansk of its founding, Our Life/ for the U.S.A.” program to help those region writes: “With the help of the Nashe Zhyttia was the only Americans who have lost jobs and the abili- UNWLA, I can continue on this path of bilingual English-Ukrainian ty to provide for their families due to the defending Ukraine not only at the frontlines magazine in the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic. in the war zone, but also in the domain of In the sphere of education, Recently, the UNWLA established a new the UNWLA supports under- program, “Spiritual Rebirth of Ukraine,” in (Continued on page 15) privileged children in Ukraine, Brazil and Poland through its scholarship fund. The organization financed Courtesy of Cleveland State Library Special Collection the creation of a women’s At the unveiling of the Lesia Ukrainka monument in studies center at the Ukrainian Cleveland in 1961: The UNWLA commissioned the Catholic University in Lviv. statue from Ukrainian sculptor Michael Cheresh­ The UNWLA continues to niowsky and then donated it to the Cleveland Culture disseminate information and Garden, a special space established in 1939 by the awareness about Ukraine and Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation and the Ukrainians and seeks to cor- United Ukrainian Organizations of Cleveland to rect any misrepresentation of honor Ukrainian historical and cultural figures. Kateryna Mural, president of UNWLA Branch 30 in the country, its people, and Parma and chair of the Lesia Ukrainka committee, events. and UNWLA President Olena Lototsky of Philadel­ Continuing its 95-year phia, are seen above unveiling the monument. In commitment, the UNWLA’s front of the statue is Isydora Kosach-Borysova of humanitarian programs help New York, sister of the late poet. those in need. They include

Mariya Furtak In 1958, the UNWLA initiated the “Fund Babusi” project. Providing moral support to elderly women who have no family is an ongoing effort. The UNWLA has made a concerted effort (through its representatives in Ukraine) to send out personal Christmas and Easter greetings with small financial gifts to elderly women through­ out Ukraine. The photo above was taken in the village of Dobrove in 2019. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

“Every year, Holodomor Memorial Day Communist regime. While the Soviets tried the millions who suffered and died during Canada’s... reminds us to take pause and reflect on one to deny the Holodomor – cover it up and the cold winter of 1933 across Ukraine. It’s (Continued from page 1) of the darkest chapters in human history,” keep Ukrainians behind the Iron Curtain, a bitter reminder that the lives of those we said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in an they failed,” he noted. love are so fragile and that we should never “A lot of people died. I saw this,” Ms. English-French online address. Mr. O’Toole referred to The Ukrainian take for granted all we have around us,” he Krikun recalled of the genocidal famine, “We remember the millions of Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) explained. perpetrated by Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Ukrainians who suffered and died of fam- Memorial Day Act, a private member’s bill “Second, it’s a strong conviction against regime, which between 1932 and 1933 ine during the 1930s. This genocidal act his Conservative colleague, Manitoba ruthless criminal regimes ready to destroy claimed the lives of nearly 4 million was designed to break the spirit and erase Member of Parliament James Bezan, a millions of lives and to wipe nations off the Ukrainians, according to the findings of the the identity of the Ukrainian people. But Ukrainian Canadian, presented in the face of the earth just to feed their mad Kyiv Court of Appeal in 2010. the tyrannical regime of Joseph Stalin did House of Commons in 2008 and which was ambitions. Unfortunately, even today, we “We had a river in the village and not a not achieve its aim. Despite the brutality of adopted, officially recognizing both the know there are regimes like that – and that single fish or frog or turtle was left… There the Holodomor, Ukrainians endured. You fourth Saturday of every November as is why we are so thankful to Canada for was not a single dog or cat left in the vil- held onto and protected your language, Holodomor Memorial Day in Canada and keeping the memory of Holodomor,” the lage. Nothing. People ate everything… your culture and your identity,” he said. the Holodomor as genocide. ambassador continued. Absolutely nothing was left,” Ms. Krikun “For decades the atrocities of the This legislation “immortalize[ed] the Ambassador Shevchenko said that com- said. Holodomor were denied and the suffering memory of innocent victims” of the memorating this cruel chapter of human During this time of COVID-19, no major of Ukrainians was hidden from the world. Holodomor, said the Tory leader, who history is also “a source of light and hope public prayer services or candlelight vigils But events like this one help make sure that thanked members of the Ukrainian and historic optimism because Stalin and were held in Canada to remember an the memories of those who suffered live on, Canadian community “for their tireless the architects of the Holodomor badly unspeakable atrocity that occurred less and more importantly, that such horrors efforts in preserving this tragic page of failed in their main goal to break the will of than a century ago, after the previous glob- never happen again,” said the prime minis- world history by collecting the stories of Ukrainians.” He underscored: “Ukraine has al pandemic. ter, who also “reaffirmed Canada’s unwav- survivors and educating the public about gained its independence and now, as one of Instead, communities organized smaller ering support for a free and independent the horrific treatment of Ukrainians by the the [world’s] free nations, struggles to build events with a limited number of people or Ukraine.” Soviet regime.” a fair and peaceful world order where took to the web to hold a memorial, as was Erin O’Toole, leader of the Official “While this year’s commemorations will Holodomors will never ever happen again.” the case with the UCC’s commemoration, Opposition Conservative Party, highlighted take place online, let us all pledge to never The challenge today, according to UCC presented in conjunction with the Embassy this year’s commemoration as the 87th stay silent in the face of adversity and for- National President Alexandra Chyczij, is for of Ukraine in Ottawa and the Canada- anniversary since the end of “this horrific ever remember the victims of the Ukraine to keep its independence. Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group. crime against humanity, orchestrated by Holodomor,” Mr. O’Toole said. “Memory “For seven years, Russia has waged a The virtual setting allowed for segments the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin.” eternal.” war of aggression against Ukraine,” she to be pre-recorded, including messages “The deliberate starvation of millions of During the virtual memorial, Jagmeet said. “Russia’s war is guided by the same from Canada’s three main political leaders Ukrainian men, women and children Singh, leader of Canada’s left-of-center New evil impulse: the cruelty of imperialism – who might not otherwise have been physi- between 1932 and 1933 is a reminder of Democratic Party, said that it was “vital to the denial of a nation’s right to self-deter- cally present at a memorial vigil. the horrors perpetrated by the Soviet acknowledge this genocide in order to heal mination – indeed to its very existence – from the harms and in order to commit to that guided the Soviet Communist regime.” ensuring that this never happens again to Ontario Liberal MP and Canada-Ukraine the people of Ukraine.” Parliamentary Friendship Group chair Yvan He added that, “when we acknowledge a Baker pointed out that eight decades ago, it genocide, we collectively denounce any was Stalin’s regime that “closed Ukraine’s TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 form of violence against any people and borders and confiscated all grain to destroy or e-mail [email protected] commit collectively to ensure that this a Ukrainian population that sought the never happens again to any community.” same freedom that the people of Ukraine SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine’s ambassa- are fighting for today.” dor to Canada who acknowledged that he Mr. Baker, a Ukrainian Canadian who “comes from a family of Holodomor survi- noted that his grandmother was a Holodo­ ОКСАНА СТАНЬКО vors,” said the annual global tradition of mor survivor, put the imposed mass starva- Ліцензований продавець Страхування Життя commemorating the Famine-Genocide tion into context based on fatalities at the holds important meaning. height of the genocide: 19 people died per OKSANA STANKO Licensed Life Insurance Agent “First of all, it’s a way to pay tribute to minute, 1,200 per hour, and 28,000 per day. Ukrainian National Assn., Inc.

Tel.: 908-872-2192 officials, AFP reported on November 20. email: [email protected] NEWSBRIEFS Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Linas (Continued from page 2) Linkevicius told the French news agency that Belarusian Information Minister Ihar Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, as Lutski, who is blamed for Internet shut- HELP WANTED well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and downs to prevent protests, was among Ukraine. Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has those newly blacklisted. Sports Minister ruled Belarus for 26 years, has faced almost Syarhey Kavalchuk was also sanctioned for Dental Receptionist wanted daily protests calling for his resignation putting pressure on athletes who have spo- Join our award winning team! since the August 9 presidential election, ken out against Mr. Lukashenka. (RFE/RL’s Work at a beautiful place with Belarus Service, with reporting by AFP) positive energy. Great opportunity which the opposition says was rigged and for professional growth! Training on the West has refused to recognize. Several Ukraine-Israel FTA to go into effect site. Immediate hire for P/T or F/T. protesters have been killed and thousands Bene ts package. of people arrested since authorities A free trade agreement (FTA) between Please text us at 917-849-9311. OPPORTUNITIES declared the Belarusian strongman the Ukraine and Israel will take effect begin- landslide winner of the vote. There have ning on January 1, 2021, Ukrainian also been credible reports of torture during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. EARN EXTRA INCOME! a widening security crackdown. Most of the “FTA between Ukraine and Israel will take WANT IMPACT? country’s opposition leaders have been effect on January 1, 2021! This is a new The Ukrainian Weekly is looking level of relations between the countries Run your advertisement here, for advertising sales agents. arrested or forced to flee the country, while dozens of reporters have been incarcerat- and the ‘green light’ to the growth of in The Ukrainian Weekly’s For additional information contact Ukrainian exports, closer cooperation in Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, ed, including contributors to RFE/RL’s CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Belarus Service. The EU has slapped visa the fields of high-tech, engineering, invest- bans and asset freezes on Mr. Lukashenka ment. Great news, [Prime Minister of and more than 50 senior officials over their Israel] Benjamin Netanyahu,” Mr. Zelenskyy roles in the crackdown on protests and the posted on Twitter. The Israel-Ukraine Free rigging of the vote. Noting that previous Trade Area Agreement was signed by the parties back on January 21, 2019. The 1152 Route 10 West, Suite N, Randolph, NJ 07869 measures failed to halt repression in Belarus, Mr. Borrell said on November 19 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified it in 862-219-5344 that EU foreign ministers agreed to expand July 2019. In August 2019, President the bloc’s sanctions to include “institutions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law ratifying entrepreneurs and firms.” The European the FTA with Israel. (Ukrinform) Commission is also recommending the EU Zelenskyy appoints envoy to UNESCO scale back cooperation with Belarus, including in trade, justice and security. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoint- Meanwhile, EU member states Lithuania, ed Ukraine’s ambassador to France, Vadym Latvia and Estonia added 28 Belarusian Omelchenko, as the permanent representa- individuals to their own blacklists already containing Lukashenka and more than 100 (Continued on page 11) No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 11

tion panel, Andriy Hrechylo, had said since it represents Ukraine’s western Choice... years ago that a great emblem “isn’t region and thus should be on the left. (Continued from page 1) necessary.” He and Mr. Kokhan were Additionally, he noted that “the co-authors of the small trident approach to the heraldry in the image and Still others on Twitter noticed that the emblem. state elements contained therein are mir- Kozak looks “theatrical” or “cartoonish” “There really is no sense in approv- ror images of the chaos and absence of a and that the depiction of wheat and the ing a large coat of arms. The time goal-oriented culture of statehood” for Eurasian guelder rose (kalyna) look similar when it could be done painlessly is Ukraine. to the images used in Soviet propaganda. over. The existing symbols are accept- Mr. Proskurnya characterized the sketch The winning sketch depicts a Kozak with ed by the country and have justified as “romantic” – one that looks to the past a musket inside a banner that appears atop themselves,” Mr. Hrechylo had said. “poetically” and doesn’t show “continuity Ukraine’s small state emblem – the trident Historically, the trident was first between the state and its people harmoni- (tryzub). The tryzub is flanked on the right approved in 1918 as World War I was ously.” by a lion representing western Ukraine and coming to an end during a brief period It more resembles a situation when after on the left by Kyiv’s guardian, Archangel of independence. It carried the idea of years of “a single sense of statehood, … Michael, brandishing a sword. Presumably, unifying Ukrainian lands and associa- amid a tragic history when people were the composition is meant to unite the west- tion with the heritage of the Kyivan- subjugated, …of the instinct of fear being ern and eastern parts of the country. At the Rus’ era, he added. forced upon us through the Holodomor bottom is a floating ribbon of Ukraine’s Mr. Kokhan’s background also [the Great Famine of 1932-1933] and the blue and yellow national colors intertwined attracted scrutiny. post-World War II famine of 1946-1947, with wheat and kalyna. Sergej Sumlenny, head of the while being the Soviet republic most pun- As news spread of the selected sketch, a Ukrainian office of the German- ished for pursuing statehood through funded Heinrich-Boell Foundation, severe repressions… We can’t find an process that involved a 10-member panel One of Oleksiy Kokhan’s Soviet-era drawings of historians, and heraldry, legal and art noted that the sketch artist had agreement,” Mr. Proskurnya said. He was featured in the satirical magazine Perets depicts worked for the Perets (Pepper) maga- referring to Ukraine’s turbulent history experts over a one-month period, criticism a grovelling Ukrainian Kozak trying to sell his zine in 1984-1999. One drawing of that makes reaching a consensus on a state grew across a broad spectrum of politics soul to a devil wearing an American bow tie. and culture. The image was shared on social media. Mr. Kokhan’s that he shared depicted emblem more complicated. On the day of the announcement, a Ukrainian nationalist dressed in It’s like having “two Ukrainians with Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko, dling and discrediting symbols” as part of Kozak garb grovelling for money from three hetmans [Kozak leaders],” he added. who for years managed oligarch Ihor the “government’s actions to shake the a devil. The devil is wearing a bowtie with He found it puzzling why a Kozak stands Kolomoisky’s 1+1 Media empire, took to foundations of the state.” the colors of the U.S. flag and the Kozak has above an angel and why the lion is “stand- Facebook to say that graphic artist Oleksiy Ms. Hopko added that the trident suffic- a suitcase beside him with stickers of the ing on its hind legs as if it’s begging for a Kokhan’s work was chosen from among es as the nation’s symbol as “a wonderful Central Intelligence Agency and the con- piece of sausage.” The emblem, he said, 111 other submissions, winning the equiv- and expressive coat of arms, which unites gressionally funded Radio Liberty news should properly represent the lands in and alent of nearly $3,600 for taking first prize. our millennial history and Ukrainians of all agency. around Lviv controlled by King Danylo The Ukrainian Weekly was unable to Halytskyi, who “symbolizes someone who Mr. Tkachenko said the 73-year-old artist regions for generations.” reach Mr. Kokhan through the National has the ability to defend himself, who dem- met all the constitutionally stipulated crite- If the current sketch passes as the great Union of Artists of Ukraine. onstrates strength and an optimistic view ria – namely the inclusion of elements of the state emblem, she said, it will be an “out- Serhiy Proskurnya, a film and drama of the future.” “emblem of the Zaporizhzhia [Kozak] army, rage” given that Parliament this year director who also has organized Ukrainian Ms. Hopko, the former lawmaker, said if a Kozak soldier, a knight with a musket and couldn’t “muster enough votes to condemn Independence Day parades for Presidents Parliament approves the emblem, “and I the coat-of-arms of the princely state of Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler in a resolu- Petro Poroshenko and Viktor Yushchenko, don’t believe it will, …then it will be humili- Volodymyr the Great [the trident, which tion during the 75th anniversary of the end told The Ukrainian Weekly that the chosen ating for the state.” constitutes Ukraine’s small emblem].” of World War II.” sketch “has no direct relation to the artist’s And if it doesn’t, then “Ukrainians will It was the fourth time Ukraine has Heraldry expert Oleksa Rudenko told the background.” have failed to approve their own great coat moved forward to designate a great state Ukrainian service of the BBC that the inclu- However, judged visually, he questioned of arms... and Russian propaganda will have emblem, with the previous three attempts sion of a great state emblem was the out- why the lion is placed on the right side, more fodder on Ukraine,” she said. failing to gather at least 300 votes in the come of a compromise between nationalists Verkhovna Rada, the number necessary for and Communists when the Constitution­ of a constitutional two-thirds majority. Mr. Ukraine was being ratified in 1996. Tkachenko added that the Justice Ministry The back-and-forth negotiations that will next draft legislation “on state sym- took place also included wrangling over the bols” for the legislature to vote ahead of state language and the agreement that the Ukraine’s 30th independence day anniver- small emblem would be the trident while sary next year. reserving the great state emblem for a later The sketch is in “absolutely bad taste,” date – something that the “Communists Hanna Hopko, a former lawmaker and thought would still be the [Soviet] hammer With deep sorrow and grief we announce the passing chairwoman of the Zero Corruption and sickle,” Ms. Rudenko said. on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 of our most dear and beloved Conference non-profit group, told The The last time an attempt was made to wife, mother, grandmother and sister Ukrainian Weekly. enshrine a great state emblem in the She accused the administration of Constitution was in 2009. It failed. Dr. Mary Lidia Klodnycky Procyk President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “dwin- Even the chairman of this year’s selec- born January 8, 1943 in Hrubeshiv. She devoted her life to medicine UNESCO, and appointed Vadym Omelchen­ and the health and care of her community. NEWSBRIEFS ko to the post of ambassador to France. (Continued from page 10) Born in 1963, Mr. Omelchenko is an She leaves behind in deep sorrow her: Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, and the found- tive of Ukraine to UNESCO. The appoint- er and president of the Gorshenin Institute. husband – Dr. George Procyk ment was made by presidential decree on In 1996-1998 he headed the group of advi- brother – Dr. Roman Klodnycky (Dorothy) November 23. As previously reported, on sors to Vice Prime Minister for Economic children – Kalyna Procyk (Nicholas Sawicki) June 11 Mr. Zelenskyy dismissed Oleh Reforms Serhiy Tigipko, and in 2005-2006 – Daniel Procyk Shamshur from the concurrent posts of the and 2008-2009 he was an advisor to the – Stephanie Procyk (Adam Shamoon) ambassador of Ukraine to France and the speakers of the Verkhovna Rada. (Interfax- permanent representative of Ukraine to Ukraine) grandchildren – Alexandria Procyk – Audrey Procyk – Taisa Procyk Sawicki – Lydia (Liana) Procyk Sawicki reforms of the education and medical sys- – Ilya Procyk Shamoon Moldova’s... tems. Notwithstanding Ms. Sandu’s reputa- – Yara Procyk Shamoon (Continued from page 3) tion as an adherent of economic liberalism, her 10-point electoral program adum- and family and relatives in the United States, Canada, Germany, Poland, Argentina, and Ukraine Ms. Sandu’s campaign never mentioned the brates social-protection measures in seven problem of the Moldovan versus Romanian of its 10 points. This is hardly surprising, The requiem service was held on November 22 at Muzyka and Son identity, let alone a hypothetical unification considering Moldova’s basket-case econo- Funeral Home in Chicago, the Divine Liturgy on November 23 at Sts. of the two countries. Finally, it avoided any my. Even before the COVID-19 coronavirus Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, and interment at St. discussion of thorny problems in Moldova’s hit, Ms. Sandu’s government had adopted a Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. historical memory – to this day distorted by social protection-oriented budget while in Russian and Soviet legacies. power in 2019. In lieu of owers, the family requests that those who wish to express Instead of such “geopolitics,” the Sandu their sympathy and support consider making a donation to: campaign focused on combatting corrup- The article above is reprinted from https://gf.me/u/y9ix6d tion, cleaning up the justice and law Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from enforcement systems, and promises to its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, May her memory be eternal. bring (if elected) Western funding for www.jamestown.org. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Wilmington parishes remember Holodomor

WILMINGTON, Del. – The parishioners of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, both in Wilmington, Del., com- memorated the 1932-1933 Holodomor with an ecumenical panakhyda celebrated by their pastors. Seen above are Father Volodymyr Klanichka (right) of St. Nicholas and Father Stephen Hutnick of Ss. Peter and Paul at the Holodomor Memorial on grounds of the Orthodox parish. Flowers were left at the memorial by the members of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 54. No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48

SPORTS Onyshko’s concussion case challenging NCAA

by Ihor N. Stelmach The injury law firm representing Onyshko, Goldberg, Persky & White, were the first to sue the NFL over concus- May 2019 saw Matthew Onyshko in his wheelchair at sions in 2011, filing for 120 former players in a case that the front of a Washington County, Pa., courtroom, face to grew into a class action involving thousands more ex-play- face with an attorney representing the NCAA. The ers. In 2014 as the NFL suit moved toward settlement, Ukrainian was a football player for Division II California headlines hinted the crusade could forever change the University of Pennsylvania from 1999 to 2003. sport of football. After graduating, he became a fireman in his hometown of In actuality, the NFL was barely inconvenienced with Pittsburgh. On a November 2007 day while fighting a fire, he estimates of the league’s actual payout from the 2016 set- had difficulty putting on his gloves, becoming aware his tlement at $1 billion over 65 years. This translates into hands were losing strength. The father of two was diagnosed mere pittance for a business that generated $16 billion in a couple of months later with the degenerative brain disease revenue in the year 2018. Estimates claim some 5 percent ALS. After viewing a report about former New Orleans of the 20,000-plus eligible former players were actually Saints Steve Gleason’s experience with ALS on Super Bowl paid due to the legal and medical details each must navi- Sunday of 2012, Onyshko questioned whether the head gate to receive compensation. injuries he’d suffered playing football were the cause of his The NCAA suit gives the lawyers a second chance. condition. His personal physicians agreed with him, con- Instead of a huge class action, where lawyers served them- cluding he had no genetic precondition for the disease. selves rather than the ex-players, the strategy will take on Today, the 38-year-old Onyshko is fully paralyzed, long the NCAA in several individual brain-injury cases filed in since unable to work, not able to talk, communicating via a state courts. Onyshko’s case was the first of eight suits the device which tracks his eye movement to spell words and law firm filed against the NCAA in four states. Five addi- produce speech. In court he managed to testify that he tional ones are being prepared with more to come once the endured some 20 concussions at Cal U, although he never pandemic backlog eases. The new approach is case by case. reported them to trainers, thinking they were a non-issue. The strategy is risky due to high expenses, the time to be He was never taught the symptoms of a concussion, lead- consumed and the overall challenge. The legal team must ing him to file suit in state court against the NCAA in June Rebecca Droke/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette convince jurors the NCAA should have known playing foot- 2014. His complaint stated the NCAA should have known Matthew Onyshko with his two daughters in a 2013 the risks to student athletes of repetitive head trauma. photo. (Continued on page 15)

and industrial workers during the 1920s, posthumously awarded him the Croix de Eleanor Roosevelt, the American delegate Documentary... the Canadian government allowed for the Guerre, a military decoration commonly to the U.N., who urged the conference to (Continued from page 4) arrival of about 200,000 immigrants, of bestowed on foreign military forces allied reconsider the move to repatriation. whom some 65,000 were Ukrainian. to France. “Much of the wording in her speech areas on the Prairies, and the Depression “The response to the second wave of so- Mr. Dmytryk was also among the tens of matched the wording in our memoran- left life on the farm very, very hard.” called non-preferred immigration was loud thousands of Ukrainian Canadians who dum,” Mr. Smylski recalled. “We couldn’t be “They also wanted to show that they and shrill,” says Mr. Paskievich’s documen- realized Mr. Gowda’s “prophetic” sentiment sure if she read our memorandum – or was were as good anybody else. Almost all of tary, which refers to a letter George Exton – expressed a generation before, during the it just a coincidence?” them were born in Canada, so they were, in Lloyd, the Anglican bishop of Saskatchewan first world war – that “Ukrainians would In June 1946, Mrs. Roosevelt, as chair of their minds, real Canadians, even though at the time, sent to his clergy in which he ultimately need to gain full acceptance as the newly formed U.N. Commission on others might not have thought so,” he added. characterized Eastern Europeans as “dirty, Canadians through sacrifice on the battle- Human Rights, oversaw the drafting of the The documentary refers to writings by ignorant [and] garlic-smelling.” field,” according to the documentary. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, who briefly served as When the Depression struck, Ukrainian “We Ukrainian Canadians volunteered in which was adopted unanimously. The Canada’s fifth prime minister between Canadians remained in the non-preferred great numbers for Canada,” recalled Mr. Soviet Union abstained over its opposition 1894 and 1896, in which he described category and were largely left with finding Romanow. “We fought for Canada. We per- to Article 13, which provided for the right Ukrainians who settled on the Prairies as work as manual laborers – or if they sought formed in a fashion that was unquestion- everyone has “to freedom of movement and “disgusting creatures… [that] caused many to advance in any way, often changed their able – without any doubt. This finally gave residence,” along with the right “to leave to marvel that beings bearing human form names to something more Anglo-sounding. Ukrainian Canadians the prerogative of any country, including his own, and to could have sunk to such a bestial level.” Yet the Ukrainian Canadian community being recognized as real Canadians.” return to his country.” One of those immigrants, poet Michael rallied when Canada entered World War II “A Canadian War Story” also examines By the early 1950s, an estimated Gowda, chose service rather than rancor, in September 1939, organizing concerts to how Ukrainians, rendered stateless following 156,000 DPs entered Canada, of which and sought to organize a Ukrainian regi- provide funds for the purchase of war World War I, had their hopes for indepen- about 40,000 were Ukrainians – a number ment in the Canadian army during World bonds and encouraging enlistment. dence dashed when the Germans occupying similar to that of the Ukrainian Canadians War I – a plan that was “dismissed out- “It was evident to everyone in Canada the Soviet Union during World War II viewed who served in the second world war. right” by the Canadian government, accord- that Nazism was a strong and threatening them and other Slavs as “subhumans.” Mr. Paskievich, who examined the ing to “A Canadian War Story.” dictatorship. It had to be fought,” said Joseph Among them were Mr. Paskievich’s late impact of exile on the children of displaced But rather than recruit Ukrainians, the Romanow, a Ukrainian Canadian veteran Ukrainian-born parents (his mother, Ewka, persons in his 2001 National Film Board of government restricted their rights under the from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “There was from the Lviv area; his father, Paul, from the Canada documentary, “My Mother’s War Measures Act, ordering some 80,000, an awareness that Ukrainians must not be Volyn region), who were sent to forced-labor Village,” partially shot in Ukraine, told The mainly Ukrainians, to report to the Office of recognized as second-rate citizens. And one camps in Hungary and then Austria, where Ukrainian Weekly that working on “A the Registrar of Alien Enemies because of way to do that was to fight for their country.” they remained following the war and where Canadian War Story” was “an absolute their citizenship in the Austro-Hungarian As with Mr. Konowal during the First Mr. Paskievich was born 72 years ago. learning experience.” Empire, with which Canada was at war. World War, a Ukrainian Canadian serving in Some of the Ukrainian Canadians who “I certainly didn’t know about the folks Another 8,579 of these enemy aliens were World War II was also lionized – this time served overseas during the war stayed whose efforts helped bring me and my par- sent to 24 receiving stations and internment by the French. behind in Europe to help Ukrainian dis- ents to Canada,” he said. camps from 1914 to 1920. “Those that were In the French town of Les Martres-de- placed persons, such as the Paskievichs, “I think there should be a memorial or naturalized for less than 15 years were dis- Veyre, there is a monument, along with a avoid being repatriated to the Soviet Union some kind of monument to the Ukrainian enfranchised,” states the documentary. street sign and square honoring an Allied and find a new home in Canada. Canadian service personnel, who not only “While Austrian Ukrainians were pre- airman – Sgt. Peter Dmytryk of Wynyard, “In 1946, I returned to Europe with the served in the war but who stayed behind vented from enlisting in the Canadian Saskatchewan – fondly remembered there [Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s] Ukrainian and helped the DPs emigrate to Canada,” Army, Ukrainians from the Russian Empire as “Pierre le Canadien.” Canadian Relief Fund to assist the the filmmaker added. – a British ally – were welcomed.” As detailed in “A Canadian War Story,” Ukrainian DPs,” remembered Ms. Crapleve Originally, “A Canadian War Story” was From the latter group emerged Filip Mr. Dmytryk parachuted into rural France in the documentary. “The early years were scheduled to be released for public screen- Konowal, a tough Canadian soldier who after his aircraft was damaged following a very hard for the DPs – very uncertain. ings in April, but was delayed due to the became the first Eastern European-born bombing run. He was taken in by a cell of Families would live in eight-by-eight rooms coronavirus pandemic. member of the British Empire to receive its the French Resistance known as the with blankets for walls.” A national digital premiere was held on highest military award, the Victoria Cross, Maquis, which he joined and participated in When the United Nations convened a November 6 during an online event orga- which was presented to him in 1917 for his sabotaging German supply depots, bridges meeting on displaced persons in London in nized by the Ukrainian War Veterans “conspicuous bravery and leadership” dur- and railway lines. Following one of those February 1946, Mr. Smylski, Mr. Romanow Association of Canada. ing World War I. missions, he and a fellow Resistance fighter and three other Ukrainian Canadian offi- Anyone interested in purchasing a DVD However, his valor didn’t push Canada encountered a German roadblock where cers wrote a memorandum on the plight of copy of the documentary should contact toward becoming a more welcoming place they met their “end in a hail of machine- the Ukrainian refugees who were being the UCRDC, which has created a website for its ethnic Ukrainian citizens. gun fire” on December 9, 1943. Mr. forcibly repatriated to the Soviet Union. about “A Canadian War Story” at https:// As part of the demand for agricultural Dmytryk was 23. The French government They sent a copy to former First Lady canadianwarstory.com. No. 48 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 15

the moment of the agreement’s signing. Turning... In the diaspora, Ukrainians, Georgians (Continued from page 6) and other nationalities joined together in solidarity to show support for those who those preparations, sparking large protests were protesting in Ukraine. Events were in Ukraine on November 24 that became organized in Washington, San Francisco, November 30 Presentation by Alexander Motyl, “The Holodomor,” known as the Revolution of Dignity. It was New York, Cleveland, Toronto, Vancouver, Online Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, the largest protest action in Ukraine since British Columbia, Stockholm, Sweden and www.victimsofcommunism.org/events the 2004 Orange Revolution. Rome. The Cabinet’s decision attracted The Ukrainian Weekly’s editorial under- December 2 Book launch, “Ukrainian Nationalism in the Age of Extremes: between 100,000 and 200,000 protesters scored the “dangerous political game” that Online An Intellectual Biography of Dmytro Dontsov” by Trevor to Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Ukraine’s Cabinet was playing. The editori- Erlacher, Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu Nezalezhnosty) to demand the resolution’s al added: “Ukraine’s leaders have turned cancellation and the Association the negotiations into a bazaar-style bar- December 3 Online retreat, “Experiencing Worship Series: The Online Nativity,” Ukrainian Orthodox League, www.uolofusa.org Agreement’s signing by President Viktor gaining in a desperate search for cash that Yanukovych. will keep their floundering government December 3 Online presentation by Lubomyr Luciuk, “What Mendel The resolution was not submitted to the afloat until the March 2015 presidential Online Osherowitch Saw: Ukraine During the Holodomor,” European Union as the Ukrainian govern- election. Winning those elections will Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, ment’s official position, and lacked any enable this band of crooks and swindlers www.facebook.com/canadian.institute.of.ukrainian.studies international standing. It also left the door to continue robbing the country for anoth- open for Mr. Yanukovych, as president, to er five years… Mr. Azarov himself admitted December 3 Panel presentation with Tymofiy Mylovanov, Daryna make a final decision that would be bind- that [President Vladimir] Putin demanded Online Marchak, Yuriy Gordnichenko, Ilona Sologoub, “Ukrainian ing for Ukraine as a foreign policy decision. delaying the Association Agreement until a Economy in 2020 and Beyond,” Ukrainian Institute Mr. Yanukovych was in Vienna for a work- trilateral commission was formed, while of America, https://zoom.us or www.ukrainianinstitute.org ing visit when the Cabinet decision was Ukraine’s representative to the Eurasian made, and he stated that Ukraine would Economic Commission, Viktor Suslov, December 6 Virtual gala celebrating the 95th anniversary of the continue “on the path of Euro-integration.” acknowledged the November 21 resolu- Online Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, with However, opposition leaders called for tion was planned with the Russians.” Iryna Fedyshyn, Kateryna Buzhynska and Petro Maha, https://unwla.org/events/95thanniv the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Other reactions to the decision were Azarov and his Cabinet, and Mr. included in that issue of The Weekly from December 9 Panel discussion, “Postcolonial Perspectives on Ukraine,” Yanukovych’s impeachment if he failed to the Ukrainian Catholic University, the Online Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu sign the Association Agreement in Vilnius. Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, The opposition also called for the EU lead- the Ukrainian Congress Committee of December 10 Virtual presentation by Lev Fridman and Oksana Rosenblum, ership to impose sanctions on the mem- America, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Online Halyna Babak, Ainsley Morse and Ostap Kin, “Translating bers of the Yanukovych administration if he the Australian Federation of Ukrainian the Hidden Soul: The Discovery and Collaborative failed to sign the agreement. Organizations, and the Ukrainian World Treatment of the Early Work of Mykola Bazhan,” with Among the major hurdles to the signing Congress. Additional reactions were presentation of “Quiet Spiders of the Hidden Soul: of the EU Association Agreement was the included from the U.S. Department of State, Mykola (Nik) Bazhan’s Early Experimental Poetry,” EU calling for the release of former Prime Canada’s foreign affairs minister, and the Columbia University, https://harriman.columbia.edu Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from prison. EU high representative for foreign affairs. However, signing the agreement was not Similarly, the decision on October 27 of Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events directly tied to her release, and was based this year by Ukraine’s Constitutional Court advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions more on the EU decision that her imprison- to scrap anti-corruption efforts has also from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors ment was based on selective justice. been identified by observers as a manifes- and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. European leaders said there was a pos- tation of Russian influence on the court. sibility of signing the agreement with an Those decisions by the court are seen as assurance of her release by Mr. having an immediate and profound impact implying some serious debate and persua- Yanukovych. In that scenario, the 28 EU on foreign investment in Ukraine, judiciary Onyshko’s... sion, with two jurors convinced of the member-states would evaluate Mr. independence and reforms, IMF loan guar- (Continued from page 14) NCAA’s negligence. Key testimony was pro- Yanukovych’s commitment to that promise antees, EU integration and an equal appli- vided by Dr. Bennet Omalu, whose research in the agreement’s ratification process cation of the rule of law. ball could lead to long-term brain disease into the 2002 death of Pittsburgh Steelers (requiring all 28 EU member Parliaments well before the research and attention great Mike Webster connected repetitive to approve). However, Germany, the Source: “Cabinet rejects EU association received from the past 15 years. Risky, yes, trauma to the brain and spine with diseases Netherlands and Sweden had already stat- pact, igniting largest protest since 2004,” by but with the right jury of peers, legal found in NFL players. ed that they would not support anything Zenon Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, experts claim the cases can be won. Even The appeal is moving forward, with the short of Ms. Tymoshenko’s full freedom at December 1, 2013. one victory’s ripple effects could pose a sides recently exchanging briefs, in addi- threat to the NCAA’s finances and its opera- tion to several similar state-level cases tional model, at a time when the organiza- awaiting verdicts. The hope is for just one tion is vulnerable. (Diminishing revenue jury in favor of a sympathetic hometown our community. due to the pandemic, scrutiny from hero like Onyshko over the NCAA’s hard- UNWLA invites... Our 95th anniversary celebration on Congress, and conferences, schools and ened lawyers to produce an avalanche (Continued from page 9) December 6 will feature a presentation of athletes pushing for more power make for leading to more plaintiffs and lawsuits all all the current projects in which readers most challenging times for the NCAA.) over the country. If enough cases were to informational warfare, which is less tangi- can get involved. Together we can do amaz- emerge, the litigation costs combined with Verdict and appeal ble, but equally as threatening.” ing things, as illustrated by the hard work settlements/damages would be a massive of our amazing members in organizing Father Volodymyr Vakin, rector of Volyn The verdict returned on May 23, 2019, expense for the NCAA. Potential damage charitable as well as artistic events, fairs Orthodox Theological Academy, writes: “… by a Washington County jury said the would go beyond money, as a headline pro- and concerts. Conducting such events helps It is important to remember that the aid of NCAA was not negligent in its dealings with claiming “NCAA responsible for player’s not only to promote Ukrainian culture but the UNWLA to the chaplains and priests in Onyshko by a vote of 10-2. NCAA attorneys ALS” would result in major fallout. Even also establishes a positive reputation for the east provides a powerful boost of successfully argued Onyshko’s brain injury forcing the NCAA to publicly make its hard- Ukrainians in the U.S. morale, a feeling that we are all working for could have been caused by a trauma other edged legal arguments in cases upon cases We invite you, your family and friends to a common goal.” than college football collisions. Chronic could be extremely damaging. join the online celebration of the UNWLA’s For more information on the history of traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can only 95th anniversary, support our programs * * * the UNWLA, and its past and present proj- be confirmed through autopsy, meaning It was in October 2013 that Jason and join our efforts. For registration infor- ects, readers are invited to visit the organi- the known link between brain diseases and Luckasevic, a partner at the Pittsburgh zation’s website: (www.unwla.org) and fol- mation for this event, please visit our web- football was not yet applicable in Onyshko’s injury law firm Goldberg, Persky & White, low its Facebook page (www.facebook. site or Facebook page. case. His side was not helped by the fact the opened his inbox and read an e-mail from com/unwla). The multitude of projects Ukrainian linebacker failed to report his someone named Matthew Onyshko. The UNWLA members have run since 1925 Oksana Sorochan and Orysia Soroka are concussions. NCAA lawyer Arthur Hankin e-mail explained he had been diagnosed were made possible by contributions from members of UNWLA Branch 137. argued athletes’ health was the responsibil- with ALS seven years ago which he ity of individual schools, not the NCAA. believed was from college football. He The issue of compensatory damages (the knew his law firm represented many NFL were never able to rally a substantial por- amount sought was $9.6 million) on behalf players, and he wanted to see if the firm Belarus... tion of the population. Now we have a new of Onyshko was not addressed due to the would participate in a concussion lawsuit (Continued from page 7) reality as the Belarusian people, in ways verdict, which was immediately appealed. against the NCAA. and numbers never before seen, have aris- Onyshko’s lawyers believe they lost their Onyshko may have started something help back then, and we tried to support en. No matter what the challenges ahead case because of technicalities. The presiding with potentially future precedent-setting them in their struggle. But for various rea- and how long it might take, the United judge precluded a number of issues and ramifications in the world of college foot- sons, notably the regime’s severe suppres- States, the EU, Canada and other democrat- arguments from the plaintiffs which may ball. His name may be well remembered sion of the democratic opposition and sti- ic partners need to stand by the freedom- have made a difference in the trial’s verdict. proudly by his wife, Jessica, daughters, fling of civil society more broadly, they loving people of Belarus. The jurors deliberated for over seven hours, Kendall and McKenna, and a host of others. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 No. 48