[Cz-L] Different needs and wants

Hello, all --

With reference only to the Czernowitz visit itself, it does seem as though
there are several sets of needs and wants emerging. Perhaps it would be
possible to organize our time in that city in such a way as to recognize
and satisfy these as much as possible and practical.

For those who wish mostly to meet with fellow Czernowitzers, share stories
and memories or simply listen to them, there could be time set aside for
informal discussion -- perhaps with a facilitator and some structure. Time
for pre-war, during war, and postwar experiences (if our ages span such a
range). Time for sharing photo-boards. Talk about school experiences, etc.
People could obviously continue such conversation on their own as much as
they wish, afterward.

For those who wish to walk the streets of the Jewish Quarter, to see the
Synagogue, the current Jewish Center (I've forgotten what it is actually
called), to see where the old schools were, there could be such a tour.

For those who wish to see specific streets and addresses -- as I do, among
other things -- where their family members lived, were born, died, perhaps
we might list in advance what these addresses are. Then two or three guides
might help to walk with small groups whose streets are near to one another,
to see these specific places if they still exist. Their names may have
changed, but I think we have information to help "translate" from old to
new names.

For those who wish to visit outlying towns where their families lived, that
too might be accomplished in small groups. A Souceava group. A Radauti
group. Etc. Again, if we say ahead of time the names of the towns that are
important to us, such groups could be formed. If there are town halls or
churches or even a remaining synagogue where records might still be housed,
that should be investigated ahead of time to allow for maximum satisfaction
for those to whom this is important. This of course would need
pre-planning, and guides.

I suspect many of us would like to spend some time in the Cemetery. That
could be an organized tour, with copies of the plot maps distributed so we
can wander independently. Afterward, we can discuss whether we'd like to
follow up on Nina's idea to help restore the cemetery, or not, and, if so,
how best to do that.

We should be taking into account that some people can walk cobbled streets
easily and for long periods of time -- and some can't.

We should be taking into account that some speak Hebrew, some speak
English, some speak German or Yiddish or French or Russian -- but not
everyone speaks all these languages. So some thought should be given to how
best to facilitate comfortable conversation.

As for the extension trips -- days in Vienna, or traveling through Romania,
L'viv or wherever, that is a whole separate issue. And once again, there
needn't be dissention, but, rather, a menu of options.

If this all sounds way too complicated, well, at least it's a way to think,
straightforwardly and rationally, about how to respond to the different
suggestions and reactions that are emerging. We clearly have the potential
to be a large group, and no one formula can make everyone ecstatic -- but
we can try, instead of breaking down in frustration and disagreement.

Jessica Falikman Attiyeh
Received on 2005-08-18 08:07:17