Re: [Cz-L] 600th celebrations

Hi Bruce,
  Here is a model letter I would like to get from Czernowitz City Hall.
   They dont have to accomplish a iota from what it says.
      What a reaction it would have.
         And it costs nothing.

The letter I would like to get from the Czernowitz

City Council ( but somehow missed):



    Dear co- patriots ,old time city dwellers of the Jewish faith.

I was overcome with joy receiving your letter showing such

interest in our common city, you left so long ago .

   Your mass departure left the city devoid of its cultural and financial

backbone that made it so outstanding

 Your presence gave Czernowitz the European flavor it now misses.



   We are aware of the great crimes committed by individuals

of our people against our Jews , these crimes are inexcusable

and we do not even dare to repent.

     We are deeply ashamed of these happenings and can assure

you that such atrocities can never happen again.

   We humbly ask for forgiveness ,if such a thing is possible

at all.

  Now as to the jubilee:

 We are, as you know , not a very wealthy city and our

resources are barely enough to keep the place running so

  projects requiring big budgets will have to

wait, but something has to be done without any relation

to the upcoming celebration .

    The Jewish cemetery: As of next week, the cemetery will be

 brought up to the standard of the Christian one.

   Not better , not worse. Cleaned and maintained.

     Broken headstones and open graves will be restored.

      Graves will be catalogued and visitors will be assisted

in locating graves.

   The Temple: All activities connected with amusement and trade within

the Temple premises will cease immediately.

We know what this place means to you .

   We will show respect to the site of the Temple just as much as

we do to our churches even though the jewish population has left.

      It is our sacred duty as Christians.

     The place will be cleaned and locked - awaiting future

plans.

    Any change in the future of the place will be worked out

with the cooperation of World Jewish Institutions.

    You are the owners of this place and we have no say in this matter.

   This is the very least we can do.



      We hope to host you here on the 600 years celebration.

        Czernowitz is open to all of you and so are our hearts.

          Come and feel at home.



      City Council

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Reisch" <bir1_at_nysaes.cornell.edu>
To: <Czernowitz-L_at_cornell.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Cz-L] 600th celebrations


> Dear Friends:
>
> I think it's unlikely that the city will issue invitations to any
> religious group, or even consider paying expenses for anyone but Ukrainian
> politicians or foreign dignitaries. They have many more problems with
> poverty and basic services/infrastructure; I seriously doubt they will
> consider spending money to invite descendants of any ethnic or religious
> group to the festivities.
>
> I'm also doubtful that there is truly an attempt to exclude the Jewish
> history of Czernowitz from the celebrations. I'm sure many will disagree
> with me, but there are no details on the internet as to what will or won't
> be included in the celebrations. Instead, you will find that organizers
> are asking for suggestions as to how to celebrate the 600th anniversary of
> the city. See the letter from the Mayor here:
>
> http://www.city.cv.ua/cgi-bin/en_citynews.cgi?17.09.2007.15.11.22
>
> The rest of the 600th anniv. info on the official web site is here:
>
> http://www.city.cv.ua/English/600all.shtml
>
> It seems they are asking for input (though mostly directed to current
> citizens), and there is an opportunity here for anyone so moved to speak
> up and make sure there is proper acknowledgement given to the special
> contributions of the Jewish people to the history of the city. But as for
> me, I'm going to assume the best intentions of the current administration
> unless I see documentary evidence otherwise.
>
> That's just my opinion,
>
> Bruce
>
> At 16:20 +0200 9/26/07, HARDY BREIER wrote:
>>Hi Cornel,
>> As for now ,the official letter of Mr Kylynych as it appears on the Cz-L
>> , calls for " interesting facts,
>>old photos and suggestions " . The word " Jewish "or " invitation " do not
>>appear.
>> You want an official invitation ? What for ? To take part in an
>> official, festive reception , where
>> Mr Kylynych will kiss you on the cheeks and award you with a medal and
>> a ribbon ?
>> This is what you need ?
>> You speak of old time co-existence: The Magen David at the Residenz.
>> How can this compare to what is going on today : Take the Temple -
>> instead of leaving it deserted
>> for absence of believers - they bring the best of movies , hold Schmatte
>> sales just to fill the place.
>> Even at our High Holidays was the Temple not so full as when they
>> screened the latest Harry Potter flick !
>> And the gravestones - instead of leaving them deserted in some
>> forgotten Zwinter, they place them
>> on much used steps , where hundreds of people pass daily.
>> This I call concern .
>> What more do you need ?
>>
>>Hardy
>
>
>
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Received on 2007-09-26 17:35:19