Re: [Cz-L] Popovici dispute.

Dear Czernovitzers!

I have not been involved in the memorial-plaque project at any stage,
but I was always following the progress and want to thank everybody who
was and is involved for their efforts. But given the fact that
unfortunately a heated and very emotional discussion emerged (and I
receive those emails daily in my inbox), I want to make a statement
regarding this matter as well.
I think that the question is, for who - or for who's sake should this
plaque be put up.
Is it put up for the sake of the memorial of a great man who saved so
many, or is this all about the craving of recognition for the project
and those who work on it?!
Is it about Trajan Popovici or is it about those who are involved and
want to make a statement?!

I believe that it is about Trajan Popovici, and I think it would be a
shame if this project would be misused as means to pride oneself.
Mimi is doing a remarkable job. It is her project, thanks to her we are
so close to having it come to reality.
A project like this requires not only willpower and patience, but also
some wit and tactical thinking.

Mimi is absolutely right when she does not want this (her) project to
become a victim of nationalistic propaganda of two very young democracies.
The involvement of Romanians would definitely make this a
Romanian-Ukrainian issue, and since the Ukrainians have the last say on
this, we can imagine how
this whole project would end.

Asides from that, I think it is a big Chuzpe to ascribe Mimis decision
to "Jewish showinism" and to imply openly that "racial(ly) and identity
pure[ity]" are the driving forces behind those tactical considerations.
I belong to a much younger generation, but I believe that it is an
insult to those members of this group, who actually have suffered those
horrors, that "racial purity" led to.

And on a different note: if I was truly embarrassed to be a member of
this group, I would just drop an email to the moderator and unsubscribe.

Shabbat Shalom!

Reuven Rennert





Sylvia de Swaan wrote:
> There is a certain Jewish chauvinism that from time to time permeates
> this group. You yourself, Hardy, just recently slammed me for
> suggesting the possibility that one could be identified as
> Jewish-American or Jewish-Romanian et al, which comment I wrote in
> response to your request for comments. If we are going to be so
> racially and identity pure - our plaque, our suffering - not letting
> others relate or have a role, than we are doing the opposite of what
> this venture should be trying to accomplish - which should be more
> about contemplating that what's so special about Traian Popovici (and
> others like him) is that they transcend the specificities of their
> own identity to be able to care about humanity at large - especially
> at a time when such empathy was not encouraged or rewarded by the
> prevailing authority. The success of the plaque venture therefore
> should be measured by how much e greater interaction, communication,
> participation, inclusion, understanding and love it can generate.
>
> all the best
>
> Sylvia
>
>


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Received on 2008-11-07 07:59:28