Re: [Cz-L] explanations from Romania

Miriam (Mimi) Taylor <mirtaylo_at_indiana.edu>

Dear Florentin,

I recognize your good intentions and thank you for your offer of help.
Quite possibly you are right that currently the relations between Romania
and the Ukraine are good. From what I read earlier this year, I thought
that this was not so. Because a city government official of Chernivtsi
with whom I corresponded about the plaque, insisted earlier that
Traian Popovici not be referred to as "mer" (mayor) and that,
the Romanian text be omitted from the plaque, I thought that Romanian
involvement in this project might diminish the chances of it being
authorized. Initially I also thought that the plaque would be put up
during the Yiddish conference which took place in Chernivtsi in August
of this year and that is why, I did not want to combine this with the
celebrations in Romania for the birthday of Traian Popovici on Oct 17th.

I generally think that there is a better chance of accomplishing small
individual projects, rather than big multifaceted ones and have acted
accordingly. I do not believe all Romanians to be anti-Semitic, nor am I
anti-Romanian. I want to assure you, that I have the highest respect for
what you and your organization, are trying to accomplish. As far as I know
these thoughts and sentiments are shared by most members of this list.
 
Still, all of us choose individually, which projects to expend our time,
energy and money on. What the members of this list have in common, is an
interest in the history, genealogy and heritage of Jewish Czernowitz.
Traian Popovici is part of this history and heritage. It is only natural,
that keeping his memory and legacy alive in Chernivtsi is more important
to us, than erecting a bust to him in his birthplace of Fundu Moldavei.
I believe that many members of this list sent you data, information and
eye witness reports about the generous and righteous deeds of Traian
Popovici, which can be used in teaching children about him.
In view of the fact that most of us live on the American continent and
Israel, it is not surprising that almost none of us came to the unveiling
in Fundu Moldavei. The fact that we did not ask about the unveiling in Fundu
Moldavei, should not be taken by you as a sign of disrespect.

Personally, I have little interest in ceremonies and consider other and
longer term effects, deeds and "facts on the ground" more important,
that is why I have made no plans at all for the "unveiling" of the memorial
plaque for Traian Popovici, nor has anyone previously written me on this
subject. I also do not know what is commonly done in Chernivtsi or other
places on such occasions.

Please, all members of the list, if you have knowledge, ideas and advice
about this, write to let us know. I will inquire into what has previously
been done in Chernivtsi on similar occasions.

Mimi



    

> Dear CZ list,
>
> I have hesitated and struggled to decide if I should respond to the
> messages I have seen on the list.
>
> First, I want to thank to who understood the opportunity of
> having Romanian involvement. My proposal was only to amplify
> the plaque importance. I want you know that the relations among
> Romania and Czernowitz are very well in this moment. I informed you
> about this misconception in my earlier message when I told you that
> my Romanian group and I were warmly entertained the City Hall
> officials on our visit last month. I was able to discuss with them
> about Traian Popovici and their words about his involvement with
> saving jews were very sincere. So, your fear of a possible political
> aftermath is not supported. I don`t want to go on with this issue so
> I will respect your decision. I hope that you will get the
> authorization with or without Romanian involvement.
>
> However, I wait to see which will be your steps after authorization
> is received. I hope I wrong but my feeling at this time is that there
> is also the desire to keep us away from the plaque unveiling. I want
> to explain that I don't intend to diminish the importance of Mimi`s
> involvement, but my mission is to make Triana Popovici more known to
> more people while not diminishing the effects of Holocaust.
>
> If you would be in my place, maybe you wouldn`t accept easily the
> idea that the Cz list project is different by ours in Romania. All
> the time I was thinking that there could be a collaboration for join
> the two projects. It`s pity that this opportunity for collaboration
> was refused.
>
> Besides, I want you know that not all Romanian have anti-Semitism
> sentiments. Already my Association have demonstrated this over and
> over. But I think that not all of you appreciate this. I have been
> waiting for some of you to ask about the unveiling of the bust.
> Nobody do it. Only Cora was here and I thank her for effort and for
> her presentation. (I did get a generous donation for the bust from
> Regina & Alexander Raviv and I thank them very much. As for the rest,
> nothing. Not so much as a question. No so much as to give you a
> photo. WHY? How did we fail to let the people on the list see the
> importance of what we were doing here in Romania? Sure, I am deranges
> by this situation.
>
> I am a religious person and I can forgive and forget about the
> past. But if unveiling Popovici`s plaque become only a jewish event
> and Romanian participation is refused, then I prefer to stay away by
> these mentalities.
>
> Now my request is for these list commentaries to please stop. It
> would better for all. And I don`t want to became a target. Maybe all
> of us would be better off if we could work toward achievement of a
> common goal.
>
>
>
> With consideration,
>
> Florentin

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Received on 2008-11-09 15:31:21