TransHistory_The-Moldova-Jewish-Family-Album_exhibitio-panels_web

THE MOLDOVA JEWISH FAMILY ALBUM 

PICTURES AND SToRIES FRoM THE CENTRoPA INTERVIEWS IN MOLDOVA 

THE MOLDOVA JEWISH FAMILY ALBUM 

PICTURES AND SToRIES FRoM THE CENTRoPA INTERVIEWS IN MOLDOVA

FAMILY 

Raisa Roitman 

Raisa Roitman 

Bella Chanina 

Bella Chanina 

Photo taken in: Rezina – 1913 

Interviewer: Zhanna Litinskaya 

Interview Location: Kishinev 

My great-grandfather, Itsik Rubel (left), was born 

in the 1840s in the town of Rezina. He lived there 

all his life. He had a large vineyard and worked on 

it by himself for the most part, occasionally hiring 

workers during the harvest time when it was too 

much for him. He sold his wine to the marketers 

from Kishinev. He died in 1930 when I was a small 

girl. 




My great-grandfather, Itsik Rubel (left), was born 

in the 1840s in the town of Rezina. He lived there 

all his life. He had a large vineyard and worked on 

it by himself for the most part, occasionally hiring 

workers during the harvest time when it was too 

much for him. He sold his wine to the marketers 

from Kishinev. He died in 1930 when I was a small 

girl. 

Photo taken in: Kishinev – 1927 

Interviewer: Nathalia Fomina 


This is a picture of me with my mother. My 

mother only had one dress, adjusting it with a 

brooch when she lost weight. She was beautiful 

– she had expressive black eyes and men really 

liked her, but she was very strict and imperious. 

My mother taught me to recite poems and 

I performed at school concerts only on the 

condition that she left the hall or I got confused, 

feeling her strict gaze on me. 




This is a picture of me with my mother. My 

mother only had one dress, adjusting it with a 

brooch when she lost weight. She was beautiful 

– she had expressive black eyes and men really 

liked her, but she was very strict and imperious. 

My mother taught me to recite poems and 

I performed at school concerts only on the 

condition that she left the hall or I got confused, 

feeling her strict gaze on me. 

Sarra Shpitalnik 


Molka Mirskaya 





This is me with my parents, Shlomo and Beila Molchanskiy, and their friends 

at Sobornyi Park. During Rosh Hashanah, my parents had friends visit us 

for a meal. We went to the town park after. This was the season of nuts and 

grapes, and we drank freshly squeezed grape juice. It foamed and was always 

wonderfully delicious. My grandmother was very religious, but we didn’t 

follow all of the customs. 




This is me with my parents, Shlomo and Beila Molchanskiy, and their friends 

at Sobornyi Park. During Rosh Hashanah, my parents had friends visit us 

for a meal. We went to the town park after. This was the season of nuts and 

grapes, and we drank freshly squeezed grape juice. It foamed and was always 

wonderfully delicious. My grandmother was very religious, but we didn’t 

follow all of the customs. 

Tamara Koblik 

Tamara Koblik 




This is me, Tamara Koblik, and my family. My husband, Monia, is holding our 

daughters, Ella and Sopha. Beside me is Allochka, our friend’s daughter. 

My husband and I rented a room for 20 rubles per month when his salary 

was 90 rubles and I wasn’t working. We actually lived in a room in a meat 

factory. There was a stove to heat it, but the temperature never went above 

14 degrees. 




This is me, Tamara Koblik, and my family. My husband, Monia, is holding our 

daughters, Ella and Sopha. Beside me is Allochka, our friend’s daughter. 

My husband and I rented a room for 20 rubles per month when his salary 

was 90 rubles and I wasn’t working. We actually lived in a room in a meat 

factory. There was a stove to heat it, but the temperature never went above 

14 degrees. 




These are my parents, Tsivia and Yoyl Vaksman, during their golden 

wedding anniversary. The photo was taken in our apartment. In 1985, 

my father passed away without having the chance to rejoice in a greatgrandchild. 

In 1994, my mother died. When she got ill in the 1990s, I had 

to quit work to look after her. My husband and I didn’t observe religious 

traditions during the Soviet times, but my mother always did. 




These are my parents, Tsivia and Yoyl Vaksman, during their golden 

wedding anniversary. The photo was taken in our apartment. In 1985, 

my father passed away without having the chance to rejoice in a greatgrandchild. 

In 1994, my mother died. When she got ill in the 1990s, I had 

to quit work to look after her. My husband and I didn’t observe religious 

traditions during the Soviet times, but my mother always did.

AT SCHOOL 

Zinoviy Sapunar 




When I was seven, my father sent me to a teacher so 

that I could learn how to play the violin. I didn’t have 

an ear for music. Once, my father asked me to play a 

piece for him. I did. He closed his ears with his hands 

and said, “God, how awful! As if an elephant has 

stepped on your ears!” 



When I was seven, my father sent me to a teacher so 

that I could learn how to play the violin. I didn’t have 

an ear for music. Once, my father asked me to play a 

piece for him. I did. He closed his ears with his hands 

and said, “God, how awful! As if an elephant has 

stepped on your ears!” 

Bella Chanina 

Bella Chanina 



This photo was a souvenir for my teachers at the Romanian school I 

attended. We all wore black robes at the school. They lined us up so that 

the teacher could measure the length with a ruler – they had to be 30 cm 

from the floor. My mother was very strict about my studies at school. She 

even asked the teacher to be strict with me. I wasn’t happy about that. 



This photo was a souvenir for my teachers at the Romanian school I 

attended. We all wore black robes at the school. They lined us up so that 

the teacher could measure the length with a ruler – they had to be 30 cm 

from the floor. My mother was very strict about my studies at school. She 

even asked the teacher to be strict with me. I wasn’t happy about that. 

Theodore Magder 




This is my Bachelor’s diploma from 1939. My fondness for literature 

helped me pass my final exam. This was a very important exam: about 

140 incumbents from all gymnasia across Kishinev – as well as some from 

Bucharest – had to come to a big hall. We were to name a writer and be 

ready to answer any question regarding his life or work. I chose Caragiale, a 

complex and contradictory author. 



This is my Bachelor’s diploma from 1939. My fondness for literature 

helped me pass my final exam. This was a very important exam: about 

140 incumbents from all gymnasia across Kishinev – as well as some from 

Bucharest – had to come to a big hall. We were to name a writer and be 

ready to answer any question regarding his life or work. I chose Caragiale, a 

complex and contradictory author. 

Maria Koblik-Zeltser 

Maria Koblik-Zeltser 



My friends, Raisa and Frida, and I in our pioneer outfits. I was moved from 

a Romanian State Lyceum in Orhei to a Soviet school in Rezina for eighth 

grade. Surprisingly, it didn’t take me long to become proficient in Russian. 

My mother helped me do that, as she was good at Russian. The first year 

went by quickly and I graduated from that grade top of my class. 



My friends, Raisa and Frida, and I in our pioneer outfits. I was moved from 

a Romanian State Lyceum in Orhei to a Soviet school in Rezina for eighth 

grade. Surprisingly, it didn’t take me long to become proficient in Russian. 

My mother helped me do that, as she was good at Russian. The first year 

went by quickly and I graduated from that grade top of my class. 

Ida Voliovich 

Ida Voliovich 



Me in my uniform from the Princess Dadiani Gymnasium. The founder, 

Princess Dadiani, was a teacher of biology. When she married a Georgian 

prince and became wealthy, she opened up this Russian gymnasium. We 

had to wear these uniforms every day: black robes with collars and the 

letters LPD with our numbers embroidered on them. I made a number of 

Jewish, Russian, and Moldovan friends at this school. 



Me in my uniform from the Princess Dadiani Gymnasium. The founder, 

Princess Dadiani, was a teacher of biology. When she married a Georgian 

prince and became wealthy, she opened up this Russian gymnasium. We 

had to wear these uniforms every day: black robes with collars and the 

letters LPD with our numbers embroidered on them. I made a number of 

Jewish, Russian, and Moldovan friends at this school.

AT WORK 

Moses Chubat 

Moses Chubat 

Photo taken in: Dzhambul, Kazakhstan – 1945 


These are workers at the garment factory in 

Dzhambul where my mother, Roza, worked during 

the war. We were mobilized to work at a tobacco 

kolkhoz when the war started. Later, we moved 

in with a woman and her son in the Pervomaysk 

district. One day, my mother exchanged some 

grain and the miller gave her flour which had 

been fertilized for planting. I barely survived that. 

Photo taken in: Dzhambul, Kazakhstan – 1945 


These are workers at the garment factory in 

Dzhambul where my mother, Roza, worked during 

the war. We were mobilized to work at a tobacco 

kolkhoz when the war started. Later, we moved 

in with a woman and her son in the Pervomaysk 

district. One day, my mother exchanged some 

grain and the miller gave her flour which had 

been fertilized for planting. I barely survived that. 

Zlata Tkach 

Zlata Tkach 



Here is my father with his pupils in the music school he worked in. My 

father was gifted in music and he graduated from the violin class at the 

Conservatory. He knew how to play the violin, as well as the trombone, tuba, 

and horn. After graduating, he taught private lessons at the Conservatory. 

He even founded a small orchestra consisting of his students. His pupils loved 

him. 



Here is my father with his pupils in the music school he worked in. My 

father was gifted in music and he graduated from the violin class at the 

Conservatory. He knew how to play the violin, as well as the trombone, tuba, 

and horn. After graduating, he taught private lessons at the Conservatory. 

He even founded a small orchestra consisting of his students. His pupils loved 

him. 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Shlima Goldstein 


Photo taken in: Balashikha, Russia – 1947 


Here I am while I was working at a cotton spinning factory in 1947. I lived in a 

dormitory room with nine other girls. At the age of 16, I was already working 

the same amount as the adults – 8 to 12 hours every day. We ate potatoes, 

bread, and macaroni for our meals. We were only given meat during 

important holidays, but I was just happy that I was no longer starving. 

Photo taken in: Balashikha, Russia – 1947 


Here I am while I was working at a cotton spinning factory in 1947. I lived in a 

dormitory room with nine other girls. At the age of 16, I was already working 

the same amount as the adults – 8 to 12 hours every day. We ate potatoes, 

bread, and macaroni for our meals. We were only given meat during 

important holidays, but I was just happy that I was no longer starving. 

Photo taken in: Chernovtsy – 1947 


I graduated from college in 1944, and this construction site 

in Chernovtsy was my first job after I graduated. Here, I was 

photographed bringing a pot of milk to the Hungarian prisoners-ofwar 

who were working there. I was going up the stairs when I heard: 

“Stand, or I will shoot!” Our mechanic was standing downstairs with 

a camera. I put down the pot and posed for him. 

Photo taken in: Chernovtsy – 1947 


I graduated from college in 1944, and this construction site 

in Chernovtsy was my first job after I graduated. Here, I was 

photographed bringing a pot of milk to the Hungarian prisoners-ofwar 

who were working there. I was going up the stairs when I heard: 

“Stand, or I will shoot!” Our mechanic was standing downstairs with 

a camera. I put down the pot and posed for him. 

Busia Makalets 

Busia Makalets 



I liked my job as a music editor in the Radio committee. I especially 

enjoyed working in the record library, listening and selecting recordings 

of pieces. Before a performance, there was always a story about the 

composer and the performer. I had to select the actor to read these 

before the music played. I conducted programs of Moldovan music on the 

radio for ten years. 



I liked my job as a music editor in the Radio committee. I especially 

enjoyed working in the record library, listening and selecting recordings 

of pieces. Before a performance, there was always a story about the 

composer and the performer. I had to select the actor to read these 

before the music played. I conducted programs of Moldovan music on the 

radio for ten years.

IN THE ARMY 

Moses Chubat 

Moses Chubat 



Photo taken in: Unknown, Romania – 1920s 


This is my father, Shulim, when he was serving in the Romanian 

army. He didn’t serve in the tsarist army, but between 1920 and 

1922 he was drafted into the Romanian army. 

Photo taken in: Unknown, Romania – 1920s 


This is my father, Shulim, when he was serving in the Romanian 

army. He didn’t serve in the tsarist army, but between 1920 and 

1922 he was drafted into the Romanian army. 



My father, Solomon, was recruited into the Romanian army in 1940. He was released from the 

army like all other Jews. With no way to contact us and knowing that he couldn’t stand to live 

under a fascist regime, he committed suicide. I never told my mother the truth about what 

happened to him. 



My father, Solomon, was recruited into the Romanian army in 1940. He was released from the 

army like all other Jews. With no way to contact us and knowing that he couldn’t stand to live 

under a fascist regime, he committed suicide. I never told my mother the truth about what 

happened to him. 

Isaac Rozenfain 




Photo taken in: Ulyanovsk, Russia – 1942 


My father, Yoyl, was drafted into the army for three years. My mother, who 

was then engaged to him, waited for him. Once, when Yoyl was on leave, he 

decided that he wouldn’t go back because he couldn’t bear to part with my 

mother again. He was arrested and punished. Mother had to wait for him for 

an extra year after that. She remained faithful and they did eventually marry. 

Photo taken in: Ulyanovsk, Russia – 1942 


My father, Yoyl, was drafted into the army for three years. My mother, who 

was then engaged to him, waited for him. Once, when Yoyl was on leave, he 

decided that he wouldn’t go back because he couldn’t bear to part with my 

mother again. He was arrested and punished. Mother had to wait for him for 

an extra year after that. She remained faithful and they did eventually marry. 

Photo taken in: Lom, Bulgaria – 1944 


Here I am with a group of Bulgarian girls in Lom. I was serving in 

the Red Army, and on September 24th 1944 we arrived there. It 

was hot and I jumped out of the tank without my shirt on. The girls 

surrounded me. One of them gave me flowers. The bravest of them, 

Katia, asked me for a photo with them. Her boyfriend took this 

picture of us, but only after I put my shirt back on. 

Photo taken in: Lom, Bulgaria – 1944 


Here I am with a group of Bulgarian girls in Lom. I was serving in 

the Red Army, and on September 24th 1944 we arrived there. It 

was hot and I jumped out of the tank without my shirt on. The girls 

surrounded me. One of them gave me flowers. The bravest of them, 

Katia, asked me for a photo with them. Her boyfriend took this 

picture of us, but only after I put my shirt back on. 



Photo taken in: Baku, Azerbaijan – 1945 


When the commandment learned that I knew a few foreign languages, 

they assigned me to headquarters. Our unit was responsible for 

communications between Pehlevi and Tehran. In 1945, I asked to be 

demobilized despite receiving another promotion. I desperately wanted to 

go home. 



When the commandment learned that I knew a few foreign languages, 

they assigned me to headquarters. Our unit was responsible for 

communications between Pehlevi and Tehran. In 1945, I asked to be 

demobilized despite receiving another promotion. I desperately wanted to 

go home.

JEWISH COMMUNITY 

Raisa Roitman 

Raisa Roitman 

Photo taken in: Vad-Rashkov – 1924 


My parents’ wedding took place in a synagogue 

in Vad-Rashkov under a chuppah. Mother said it 

was very merry. Klezmer music was played and the 

guests danced until dawn. The tables were filled with 

delicious dishes cooked by my grandmother and 

great-grandmother. 

Photo taken in: Vad-Rashkov – 1924 


My parents’ wedding took place in a synagogue 

in Vad-Rashkov under a chuppah. Mother said it 

was very merry. Klezmer music was played and the 

guests danced until dawn. The tables were filled with 

delicious dishes cooked by my grandmother and 

great-grandmother. 

Photo taken in: Kishinev – 1930s 


This photograph was taken during my grandfather Ihil’s birthday. It was a family reunion. Ihil was born in 1860 in the 

town of Medzhibozh in South-Western Ukraine. He was married at the age of 18, but I didn’t know Grandmother 

Riva. All I know is that she gave birth to ten children – five sons and five daughters. 



Riva Belfor 

Riva Belfor 

This photograph was taken during my grandfather Ihil’s birthday. It was a family reunion. Ihil was born in 1860 in the 

town of Medzhibozh in South-Western Ukraine. He was married at the age of 18, but I didn’t know Grandmother 

Riva. All I know is that she gave birth to ten children – five sons and five daughters. 



David Wainshelboim 




The Jewish girls’ orphanage in Kishinev. I am the second girl from the right 

in the first row. We didn’t have enough to eat. To drink water, we lined up 

and took a sip from a mug. Some of us used to cling to the cup for more, but 

they always snatched it away. 



The Jewish girls’ orphanage in Kishinev. I am the second girl from the right 

in the first row. We didn’t have enough to eat. To drink water, we lined up 

and took a sip from a mug. Some of us used to cling to the cup for more, but 

they always snatched it away. 



The employees and clients of the Jewish Health Organization where 

my father worked before 1940. The one with the mustache wearing 

the tie in the center, far back in the photo, is my father. All around 

him are Jewish mothers with their children. My mother, sister, aunt, 

and I are in the photograph too. Besides his medical practices, my 

father collected statistical data related to death rates among Jewish 

children in Bessarabia. 



The employees and clients of the Jewish Health Organization where 

my father worked before 1940. The one with the mustache wearing 

the tie in the center, far back in the photo, is my father. All around 

him are Jewish mothers with their children. My mother, sister, aunt, 

and I are in the photograph too. Besides his medical practices, my 

father collected statistical data related to death rates among Jewish 

children in Bessarabia. 



Photo taken in: Dombroveni – 1937 


These are my paternal grandparents, Meir and Haya, with their son’s family. 

They were photographed in their yard; behind them is a Moldovan carpet 

to decorate the background. Grandfather Meir was deeply religious. When 

he visited us in Kishinev, I always had to fetch him from the prayer house 

in the yard when dinner was ready. 



These are my paternal grandparents, Meir and Haya, with their son’s family. 

They were photographed in their yard; behind them is a Moldovan carpet 

to decorate the background. Grandfather Meir was deeply religious. When 

he visited us in Kishinev, I always had to fetch him from the prayer house 

in the yard when dinner was ready.

PORTRAITS 

Raisa Roitman 

Raisa Roitman 

Photo taken in: Vad-Rashkov – 1920s 


The girl in the middle is my mother. She’s with her friends. My mother was 

the most intelligent of all of her siblings; she was the head of our family 

and my father followed her unconditionally. Later in life, she was often the 

‘judge’ in many disputes among her friends, relatives, and neighbors. She 

died from liver cancer in 1956. 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Photo taken in: Vad-Rashkov – 1920s 


The girl in the middle is my mother. She’s with her friends. My mother was 

the most intelligent of all of her siblings; she was the head of our family 

and my father followed her unconditionally. Later in life, she was often the 

‘judge’ in many disputes among her friends, relatives, and neighbors. She 

died from liver cancer in 1956. 

Photo taken in: Falesti – 1923 


My sister, Sarah. She studied in the Jewish grammar school in Beltsy. When 

she was home, Sarah never went to bed until she read 20-30 pages of a book. 

When she was reading an adventure novel, she left the book on the sideboard 

while she slept. When she put the book under her pillow, I knew that it was a 

love story. Sarah is still alive to this day. She looks just like our mother. 

Photo taken in: Falesti – 1923 


My sister, Sarah. She studied in the Jewish grammar school in Beltsy. When 

she was home, Sarah never went to bed until she read 20-30 pages of a book. 

When she was reading an adventure novel, she left the book on the sideboard 

while she slept. When she put the book under her pillow, I knew that it was a 

love story. Sarah is still alive to this day. She looks just like our mother. 

Polina Leibovich 






Here I am with my brother, Shymon. We had a nanny who was very devoted 

to our family, but she was a drunkard. Often, a policeman took me home 

because she would be found lying on the pavement while I was quietly 

playing beside her. “This is the last time,” my mother would say, but she 

tolerated her because our nanny had nowhere else to go. Shymon still calls 

me every week. He is 86 years old. 



Here I am with my brother, Shymon. We had a nanny who was very devoted 

to our family, but she was a drunkard. Often, a policeman took me home 

because she would be found lying on the pavement while I was quietly 

playing beside her. “This is the last time,” my mother would say, but she 

tolerated her because our nanny had nowhere else to go. Shymon still calls 

me every week. He is 86 years old. 



My parents and I. When I was two-years-old, I wandered into a 

nearby garden where a dog bit me on the cheek. My father wanted 

me to get rid of my fear for dogs after this, so about a year later he 

took me back to the garden. The same dog bit my father’s lip. My 

father was recruited to railroad construction in Russia during the 

war and I evacuated to Uzbekistan with my mother. 



My parents and I. When I was two-years-old, I wandered into a 

nearby garden where a dog bit me on the cheek. My father wanted 

me to get rid of my fear for dogs after this, so about a year later he 

took me back to the garden. The same dog bit my father’s lip. My 

father was recruited to railroad construction in Russia during the 

war and I evacuated to Uzbekistan with my mother. 

Zlata Tkach 

Zlata Tkach 



This is me at the age of three in 1931. My family led a traditionally Jewish 

way of life. My father was very fond of sports. When I turned six, he began 

to teach me how to swim. There was this one time when I swallowed a 

lot of water and almost drowned before he pulled me back up. I’ve been 

afraid of swimming since then. 



This is me at the age of three in 1931. My family led a traditionally Jewish 

way of life. My father was very fond of sports. When I turned six, he began 

to teach me how to swim. There was this one time when I swallowed a 

lot of water and almost drowned before he pulled me back up. I’ve been 

afraid of swimming since then.

THE GULAG AND OTHER CAMPS 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Photo taken in: Falesti – 1920s 


This is a photo of my mother, Pesia. In 1941, two officers wearing NKVD 

uniforms came to our home. They woke us up, searched our lodging, and 

told us, “you have 20 minutes to get ready and leave this place!” We were 

deported to the Tomsk region in Siberia. There, they declared that we 

were sentenced to 25 years in exile. My mother died in Siberia in 1946. 





This is a photo of my mother, Pesia. In 1941, two officers wearing NKVD 

uniforms came to our home. They woke us up, searched our lodging, and 

told us, “you have 20 minutes to get ready and leave this place!” We were 

deported to the Tomsk region in Siberia. There, they declared that we 

were sentenced to 25 years in exile. My mother died in Siberia in 1946. 

Photo taken in: Alchevsk, Ukraine – 1946 


Here I am by the monument installed in Alchevsk where my parents and 

grandmother were executed. My family and I were placed in a work camp 

after German troops caught us. There were rumors that the Fascists were 

preparing to massacre inmates there, so mama insisted that my sister and I 

escape. She hugged me and I ran out of the barrack. This was our “good bye.” 

My entire family there was killed. 

Photo taken in: Alchevsk, Ukraine – 1946 


Here I am by the monument installed in Alchevsk where my parents and 

grandmother were executed. My family and I were placed in a work camp 

after German troops caught us. There were rumors that the Fascists were 

preparing to massacre inmates there, so mama insisted that my sister and I 

escape. She hugged me and I ran out of the barrack. This was our “good bye.” 

My entire family there was killed. 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 

Bella Chanina 

Photo taken in: Nyrob Settlement, Perm Region, Russia – 1951-1954 


This is a page from my camp diary. In 1951, I was arrested by Soviet 

authorities “for the unauthorized escape” from my exile in Siberia. I was sent 

to a camp as punishment. The diary page has two quotations by my favourite 

poet, Mihai Eminescu. Finding his book was a sign from God; it meant I 

wasn’t going to stay there in the camp and in exile forever! 

Photo taken in: Nyrob Settlement, Perm Region, Russia – 1951-1954 


This is a page from my camp diary. In 1951, I was arrested by Soviet 

authorities “for the unauthorized escape” from my exile in Siberia. I was sent 

to a camp as punishment. The diary page has two quotations by my favourite 

poet, Mihai Eminescu. Finding his book was a sign from God; it meant I 

wasn’t going to stay there in the camp and in exile forever! 

Photo taken in: Nyrob Settlement, Perm Region, Russia – 1956 


Here I am performing while I was in exile in 1955. When I was still in 

the gulag, I recited poems and narrated stories in the evenings. The 

chief of the camp ordered me to come to his office one day: “They 

told me you read in your barrack. I think that you should recite 

poems on Soviet holidays.” So I began to participate in amateur 

performances for everyone. 

Photo taken in: Nyrob Settlement, Perm Region, Russia – 1956 


Here I am performing while I was in exile in 1955. When I was still in 

the gulag, I recited poems and narrated stories in the evenings. The 

chief of the camp ordered me to come to his office one day: “They 

told me you read in your barrack. I think that you should recite 

poems on Soviet holidays.” So I began to participate in amateur 

performances for everyone. 

Bella Chanina 



This is my mother’s cousin, Zalman. This photo was taken after he returned 

from a Soviet labor camp. After Stalin died, Uncle Zalman was released in 

1954. He had been kept there for fourteen years and returned a broken, ill 

man. He wasn’t entirely released, but had been told to reside in Kishinev, 

which meant that he had to make an appearance in the KGB office every 

week. He died from a stroke in 1959. 



This is my mother’s cousin, Zalman. This photo was taken after he returned 

from a Soviet labor camp. After Stalin died, Uncle Zalman was released in 

1954. He had been kept there for fourteen years and returned a broken, ill 

man. He wasn’t entirely released, but had been told to reside in Kishinev, 

which meant that he had to make an appearance in the KGB office every 

week. He died from a stroke in 1959.

“THE ONES I LOST” 



Raisa Roitman 

Raisa Roitman 



My parents, Shyfra and Yakov. We were deported 

to the Odessa region in 1942. My father was very 

ill, but I managed to get a place for him on a train. 

That was the last time that I saw him. He was killed 

near Yasinovo. On the way, they began shooting 

the exhausted people who were forced to walk. 

This included my mother. We had been dragging 

her by the arms because she couldn’t walk. 



This is my Uncle Leib. A note is written on the 

back of this photograph: “As a keepsake to my 

dear sister Tabl from Leib Lerner, 25th January 

1918.” He had three children with his wife, Reizl. 

During the war, Leib and his family evacuated 

to Andijon, Uzbekistan. He died from typhus 

there on March 23rd 1943. Reizl and her children 

moved back to Soroca after the war. 



My parents, Shyfra and Yakov. We were deported 

to the Odessa region in 1942. My father was very 

ill, but I managed to get a place for him on a train. 

That was the last time that I saw him. He was killed 

near Yasinovo. On the way, they began shooting 

the exhausted people who were forced to walk. 

This included my mother. We had been dragging 

her by the arms because she couldn’t walk. 



This is my Uncle Leib. A note is written on the 

back of this photograph: “As a keepsake to my 

dear sister Tabl from Leib Lerner, 25th January 

1918.” He had three children with his wife, Reizl. 

During the war, Leib and his family evacuated 

to Andijon, Uzbekistan. He died from typhus 

there on March 23rd 1943. Reizl and her children 

moved back to Soroca after the war. 

Tamara Koblik 

Tamara Koblik 



This is my grandmother, Sura, with her daughters, Keila and Sonia. During 

the Great Patriotic War, Grandmother and Keila’s family were in the ghetto 

in Rybnitsa. In late 1941, they were moved to Transnistria along with a large 

group of other Jewish inmates. On their way there, in Gvozdavka (Odessa 

region), they were shot by the Fascists. About 500 people were killed there. 



This is my grandmother, Sura, with her daughters, Keila and Sonia. During 

the Great Patriotic War, Grandmother and Keila’s family were in the ghetto 

in Rybnitsa. In late 1941, they were moved to Transnistria along with a large 

group of other Jewish inmates. On their way there, in Gvozdavka (Odessa 

region), they were shot by the Fascists. About 500 people were killed there. 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 



My father was a member of the Jewish Arbitrary Court where Jews brought 

forward their problems and disputes. Our family was evacuated in 1940 by 

the NKVD. They read out a list as we were getting off the train in Tiraspol; I 

never saw my father again once they read his name out. He died in 1941 in a 

camp in the Sverdlovsk region. 



My father was a member of the Jewish Arbitrary Court where Jews brought 

forward their problems and disputes. Our family was evacuated in 1940 by 

the NKVD. They read out a list as we were getting off the train in Tiraspol; I 

never saw my father again once they read his name out. He died in 1941 in a 

camp in the Sverdlovsk region. 

Tamara Koblik 

Tamara Koblik 

Photo taken in: Soroki – 1925 


This is my papa, Elih. In 1940, he was in the Red Army. We were 

evacuated in 1941, which was when he had been working in a job 

outside of the army - we thought his leave was approved. One night, 

militia took him away for desertion. He told mama: “Take care of the 

children. I am finished.” He handed her his watch and the money in his 

pocket. He died of dysentery in 1942. 

Photo taken in: Soroki – 1925 


This is my papa, Elih. In 1940, he was in the Red Army. We were 

evacuated in 1941, which was when he had been working in a job 

outside of the army - we thought his leave was approved. One night, 

militia took him away for desertion. He told mama: “Take care of the 

children. I am finished.” He handed her his watch and the money in his 

pocket. He died of dysentery in 1942.

VACATION 



Raisa Roitman 

Photo taken in: Odessa, Ukraine – 1955 


Here I am in the Odessa Opera Theater. I spent my 

vacation in the recreation center that summer and 

shared a room with the man beside me. Once I went to 

the Bolshoi Drama Theater, but when I got there, there 

were no tickets left to see the show. I decided to go 

see Tovstonogov - the chief producer. He gave me a 

complimentary ticket. 

Photo taken in: Odessa, Ukraine – 1955 


Here I am in the Odessa Opera Theater. I spent my 

vacation in the recreation center that summer and 

shared a room with the man beside me. Once I went to 

the Bolshoi Drama Theater, but when I got there, there 

were no tickets left to see the show. I decided to go 

see Tovstonogov - the chief producer. He gave me a 

complimentary ticket. 

Photo taken in: Unknown Location, Moldova - 1956 


This picture was taken during our Volga trip on a ship called “Russia.” You can 

see me, (left to right), my husband, my cousin, and my son. Another of our 

vacations was totally devoted to Leningrad. I loved its palaces and museums. 

Of course, we were not rich: we didn’t own a house or a car, but at least we 

could afford a well-furnished apartment, good food, clothes, and recreation. 



Raisa Roitman 

This picture was taken during our Volga trip on a ship called “Russia.” You can 

see me, (left to right), my husband, my cousin, and my son. Another of our 

vacations was totally devoted to Leningrad. I loved its palaces and museums. 

Of course, we were not rich: we didn’t own a house or a car, but at least we 

could afford a well-furnished apartment, good food, clothes, and recreation. 



Photo taken in: Mikhailovskoye, Russia – 1966 


Here I am (second from the left) with my husband, Moisey (third from the 

left), during our tour of Pushkin’s places. We often went on vacation to 

the Northern Caucasus, Poland, the Volga, and to Pushkin’s places. We 

particularly enjoyed the tour in this picture since we were both very fond of 

Pushkin. Moisey couldn’t help reciting his poems out loud during this trip. 

Photo taken in: Mikhailovskoye, Russia – 1966 


Here I am (second from the left) with my husband, Moisey (third from the 

left), during our tour of Pushkin’s places. We often went on vacation to 

the Northern Caucasus, Poland, the Volga, and to Pushkin’s places. We 

particularly enjoyed the tour in this picture since we were both very fond of 

Pushkin. Moisey couldn’t help reciting his poems out loud during this trip. 

Ivan Barbul 

Ivan Barbul 

Photo taken in: Odessa, Ukraine – 1970s 


Our family often spent the summer holidays together and our 

favorite place was Odessa. We also travelled to Sochi, Sukhumi, 

and Yalta. We read a lot; we gathered a large collection of books in 

Russian, and Liana and I had many scientific manuals and guides in 

our collection. Our son, Boris, jokingly calls his mother an inquisitor 

of the 21st century. 

Photo taken in: Odessa, Ukraine – 1970s 


Our family often spent the summer holidays together and our 

favorite place was Odessa. We also travelled to Sochi, Sukhumi, 

and Yalta. We read a lot; we gathered a large collection of books in 

Russian, and Liana and I had many scientific manuals and guides in 

our collection. Our son, Boris, jokingly calls his mother an inquisitor 

of the 21st century. 

Esfir Dener 

Esfir Dener 



A street photographer took this picture of me in the 1980s. I loved 

travelling and Crimea was my favorite place. I usually went there in the 

middle of September – the ‘velvet’ season – when it was warm, but not 

hot. A plane ticket from Kishinev to Simferopol cost me 17 rubles. In Yalta, 

I rented a room and swam in the sea. 



A street photographer took this picture of me in the 1980s. I loved 

travelling and Crimea was my favorite place. I usually went there in the 

middle of September – the ‘velvet’ season – when it was warm, but not 

hot. A plane ticket from Kishinev to Simferopol cost me 17 rubles. In Yalta, 

I rented a room and swam in the sea.

GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR/EVACUATION 

Zlata Tkach 

Zlata Tkach 



Photo taken in: Beltsy – 1928 


This is a photograph of my husband with his 

parents. When the war began, they left Beltsy 

on foot. German troops caught up with them 

and they were taken to the ghetto in Kryzhopol. 

They were favored by the Romanian guards there. 

Yefim’s mother was a cook for a Romanian officer 

and his father worked for another one in the 

ghetto, so they had people looking out for them. 

Photo taken in: Beltsy – 1928 


This is a photograph of my husband with his 

parents. When the war began, they left Beltsy 

on foot. German troops caught up with them 

and they were taken to the ghetto in Kryzhopol. 

They were favored by the Romanian guards there. 

Yefim’s mother was a cook for a Romanian officer 

and his father worked for another one in the 

ghetto, so they had people looking out for them. 



This is my wife, Asia. On June 21st 1941, I was spending 

time with my co-students. We had passed our summer 

exams and spent the night dancing. I returned home at 

1 o’clock in the morning. At 5 AM, we woke up from the 

roar of bombing: The Great Patriotic War had broken 

out. I made my mother promise that we would take 

Asia’s family with us during evacuation so that we could 

be together. 



This is my wife, Asia. On June 21st 1941, I was spending 

time with my co-students. We had passed our summer 

exams and spent the night dancing. I returned home at 

1 o’clock in the morning. At 5 AM, we woke up from the 

roar of bombing: The Great Patriotic War had broken 

out. I made my mother promise that we would take 

Asia’s family with us during evacuation so that we could 

be together. 



Raisa Roitman 

Raisa Roitman 

Photo taken in: Buguruslan – 1944 


During the war, I worked as a loader at the cotton oil factory. Before I left 

the factory every day, I was allowed to soak my clothes in cotton oil. There 

was a considerable lack of fats in our diet, so my family had to suck cotton 

oil from my clothes in order to get the proper nutrients. I always tried to 

leave some oil for my little brother when I could. 

Photo taken in: Buguruslan – 1944 


During the war, I worked as a loader at the cotton oil factory. Before I left 

the factory every day, I was allowed to soak my clothes in cotton oil. There 

was a considerable lack of fats in our diet, so my family had to suck cotton 

oil from my clothes in order to get the proper nutrients. I always tried to 

leave some oil for my little brother when I could. 

Photo taken in: Kokand, Russia - 1943 


Here I am (third from the right in the top row) with my 

schoolmates in Kokand. On June 22nd 1941, the Great Patriotic 

War broke out. Kishinev was on fire and we evacuated. I remember 

that we stayed in Rostov for some time and then in a Cossack 

village. After the Fascists started moving into Rostov, we were 

brought to Tashkent; from there, we went to a collective farm near 

Kokand. 

Photo taken in: Kokand, Russia - 1943 


Here I am (third from the right in the top row) with my 

schoolmates in Kokand. On June 22nd 1941, the Great Patriotic 

War broke out. Kishinev was on fire and we evacuated. I remember 

that we stayed in Rostov for some time and then in a Cossack 

village. After the Fascists started moving into Rostov, we were 

brought to Tashkent; from there, we went to a collective farm near 

Kokand. 

Ida Voliovich 

Ida Voliovich 

Photo taken in: Buguruslan, Russia – 1944 


This is a photograph of my friend, Tyusha (right), and I during the 

evacuation of Buguruslan. I was woken up early in the morning on June 

22nd 1941 by the roar of bombs falling on Kishinev. The other students and 

I received white robes and forgot about our summer exams. Mama and I 

were driven by Red Army soldiers to Kuibyshev, but ultimately ended up at 

a kolkhoz in Bashkiria. 

Photo taken in: Buguruslan, Russia – 1944 


This is a photograph of my friend, Tyusha (right), and I during the 

evacuation of Buguruslan. I was woken up early in the morning on June 

22nd 1941 by the roar of bombs falling on Kishinev. The other students and 

I received white robes and forgot about our summer exams. Mama and I 

were driven by Red Army soldiers to Kuibyshev, but ultimately ended up at 

a kolkhoz in Bashkiria.

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