Friends!

Friends! Today in Israel people celebrate Shavuot - the day when the union between God and man was concluded.

On the 50th day after the Exodus from Egypt, at Mount Sinai Moses was given the tablets of the Covenant with the Ten Commandments, which we follow up to this day. Also in the Jewish tradition, it is assumed to think that at the same time, Moses received from God the oral commandments, some of which he wrote himself – it is so-called Pentateuch, or the written Torah. The rest of the Commandments was kept verbally and were recorded only 1500 years after the destruction of the Second Temple. Today we call this book the Talmud.

Shavuot is celebrated on the 6th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. On this day in all the synagogues a solemn reading of the Torah and the Ten Commandments is held. On the streets of Israel on Shavuot day you can see children with wreaths on their heads and with baskets full of fresh fruit: a symbol of the seven kinds of fruit, granted to Jews by God - wheat, barley, grapes, fig, pomegranates, olives and dates. It has long been the custom to decorate the home and synagogue with greenery, flowers, and branches of trees, reminiscent of greenery that grew around Mount Sinai when the Jews received the Torah. In Jewish tradition, it is believed that the exodus from Egypt was not a complete liberation from slavery. Only after receiving the Torah, Jews became completely free people.

In the evening, with the coming of the feast the large meal is arranged. Before it the kiddush ceremony is carried out (a blessing recited over a glass of wine). On this day it is accepted to eat dairy foods - in memory of the fact that, when Jews received the Torah, the laws of kosher meat and the separation of meat and dairy product were difficult and unusual for them and they ate only dairy foods for some time. Since then, paying a tribute to the past, on Shavuot before dinner people eat something dairy and only then holiday meat dishes are served in a separate bowl.

I congratulate all Jews on the holiday and wish you today and always to feel the support of the Almighty. Chag Shavuot Sameach!

Friends!

Friends! Today we celebrate 145 years since the birth of Konstyantyna Malycka, Ukrainian writer, known under the pseudonyms Vera Lebedova and Chayka Dnistrova.

Malycka was born on the 30th of May, 1872 in the village Kropyvnyk, in the family of Greek-Catholic priest. She graduated from the Lviv seminary, then was a teacher at the public schools in small towns in Galicia and Bukovina. In addition, she taught in Lviv Ukrainian Pedagogical School Girls' Association.

Konstyantyna was active woman. Intelligent and educated, she was convinced that all Ukrainian women also have to be educated, intelligent and nationaly conscious. Therefore, Malycka became Deputy Head of the International Union of Ukrainian women, was one of the founders of the "Women's Society of Bukovina." Konstyantyna also took an active part in social and political life, founded the choir, places for "Prosvita".

During the First World War, the Russian authorities deported woman to Siberia. But there her patriotic spirit did not die. Since 1919 she has lived in Krasnoyarsk, has become the first Ukrainian school teacher. After five years of Malycka returned to Lviv. She continued her mission – dedicated her life to science, culture and the struggle for women's rights. And wrote. Her poems and stories for kids were not just interesting - they carried in a warm light. She printed her works in magazines "Young Ukraine", "Peace Child", "Dawn" almanacs "New house", "Teacher", "Women's destiny" and others. She wrote serious scientific and educational texts. Malycka performed with journalistic articles on topics of spiritual emancipation of women, published the book "On the women's movement."

Konstyantyna also was the author of many Sich songs that lifted the patriotic spirit of youth. Her poem "Why, why, why, my land" has become almost a folk song.

Konstyantyna died in Lviv on the 17th of March, 1947.

Friends! In this blog post I would like not only to remember the story of Konstyantyna Malycka, but also highlight the role of women in society. This woman was struggling for achieving legal and de facto equality with men. The problems that confronted the Ukrainian women during the life of the writer and nowadays are very similar - they require active citizenship and inclusion in the fight for national revival.

Friends!

Friends! These days expired two years from the moment of opening of the Honorary Consulate of Israel in Lviv.

The opening of the Consulate in this beautiful and charming place was not accidental. Jews lived in Lviv since its inception, and mention of the Jewish community, which had several wooden houses in the city, was dated by the XIV century. Years passed, ancient monuments – were destroyed, Jews were forced to forget their origin, but their spirit still remained here - in the Jewish quarter, in old buildings, in the history of the city. I am glad that now young Jews want to know more about their history. But also, I am happy that Ukrainians want to learn more about the example of the state of Israel.

All this I have seen during last two years. The Cultural Center at Honorary Consulate regularly hosts a variety of events: there are seminars, trainings, cultural evenings, celebrations and days of mourning. They meet completely different people - young people and adults. It is nice to know that people unite for the sake of gaining knowledge or just have fun.

I am proud that during this time I managed to do a lot for the development of Ukraine-Israeli relations. Those who actively follow up on my page know about it. As Honorary Consul of Israel in Western Ukraine, I met with you at some happy moments - invited to the theater, movie premieres, participated in the opening of "Space of synagogues," and so on. There were emotionally difficult, but very necessary measures – trainings from different doctors from Israel (oncologists, cardiologists, psychologists), help to kids whose parents are in the area of ATO.

I had dozens of conversations with various ministers, deputies of the State of Israel in order that they could understand that Ukraine is a country-friend, which sees Israel and the history of its formation as the example. And I know that they heard it. I participated and organized the trip of Ukrainian politicians and officials to Israel, so they may learn about the Israeli experience in various areas. I talked with you, told different stories about creation of Israel and famous Jews, supported many Jewish activities, so you could get to know this ancient culture.

Friends, there is still a lot of work. But I am sure that it will be done.

Friends!

Friends! On this day in 1916 died prominent Ukrainian writer, poet, public and political figure Ivan Franko. According to legend, when Metropolitan Sheptytsky received the sad news about the death of Franco, he called this event the biggest loss of Ukrainian in the First World War. Franco was the only Ukrainian poet who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature. His contribution to Ukrainian literature cannot be overestimated. So today I propose to mention some interesting facts about the Ivan Franko.

The first true love of Franko was Olga Roshkevych. He worked as a tutor at her brother. The couple met and their meeting turned into feelings. The writer even asked for the hand of his beloved when he was 20. However, the writer was arrested and girl’s father persuaded her to renounce Franco.

Overall Franko was arrested three times. The first time he spent in the chamber 11 months. After the second arrest in 1880, nearly died of starvation. After his release, he wrote in a week full story "On the bottom" and for the last money sent her to the city. For three days he lived on pennies that he found on the banks of the Prut River. And when they were spent he lied unconscious without power. He was saved by an employee of the hotel.

Franco knew 14 languages. When he was a student at the school he showed phenomenal abilities: he could almost literally transfer all the information given by teachers.

In 1886, Ivan Franko married Olga Horuzhynska. There was a theory, that the marriage was more of convenience. During thirty years of marriage, Franko dedicated only one verse to her. But she maintained her husband was a true friend. It was not alien to the idea of ​​revival of Ukraine. Together, the couple brought up four children - Andrew, Taras, Peter, Anna. Olga suffered because she was refused to accept by the Galician society. But the worst thing for a woman was unexpected death of her son Andrew in 1913. With all the burden that fell on her, she had tuberculosis, nervous strain, and then it turned into a mental disorder. In 1914, Ivan Franko's wife was hospitalized in a "madhouse."

The last decade of life Franko passed mainly in isolation. He also suffered - both physically and psychologically. Although, according to current data, he suffered infectious rheumatoid arthritis, due to which his arms were paralyzed, he continued to work. And you left us many wonderful pieces, translations of poems. Share in the comments your favorite poems of Franko as a sign of eternal memory to the grand Kamenyar!

Friends!

Friends! I congratulate all of you on the Day of Kyiv!

Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, but this year for residents and guest’s celebration this beautiful day allocated for four days. This year's slogan is appropriate: "Four days of dance, music and flowers." This weekend in the capital of Ukraine will be about 30 different events dedicated to the holiday - from cultural and ending with sports, so everyone can choose a celebration of taste.

Kyiv is one of the oldest, greenest and most beautiful cities in Europe. The deepest metro station in Europe - is "Arsenalna". One of the most beautiful - "Golden Gate". Among the top places in the world there is the National Library of Ukraine Vernadsky. It is part of the list of 20 largest public libraries in the world and has about 15 million books.

Kyiv is full of amazing sights. Most visited museum in Kiev is National Historical and Cultural Reserve "Kiev-Pechersk Lavra", it is visited by more than a million tourists a year. Kyiv highest monument is a monument-sculpture "Motherland". Its height is 102 m and it is one of the five tallest statues in the world. Also in Kyiv, there is a monument that cannot be found anywhere in the world - a monument to garbage truck. It was established in 2004 in gratitude to sanitation workers Ukraine.

Kyiv is a city where everyone can find something he would like. Now is the best time to express your feelings to the city. Wander on Kyiv streets, singing the eternal "How can I don’t love you.." and smile. Congratulations!

Friends!

Friends! Seven years ago, on this day died a famous Ukrainian actor, People's Artist of Ukraine Les Serdyuk. During his lifetime, he starred in over 90 films, including "Babylon XX", "Legend of Princess Olga", "Taras Bulba."

Les Serdyuk was born on the 14th of October, 1940 in Kharkiv, he was the son of Ukrainian actor Oleksandr Serdyuk and opera singer Anastasia Levitsky. The boy's father revered Kurbas, because it was he who invited him to play in Kharkiv Theater of Sadovsky. It is not surprising that they wanted to call their child after the famous theater director. But then only few years have passed since Kurbas was killed in Solovki... So, this name was the same as a verdict. Therefore, the child was called Alexander, but everyone called him Les.

Not surprisingly, Les went through the path of his creative family. In 1961, he graduated from the Kharkov Theater Institute, then - worked at the Kharkiv Shevchenko Drama Theater. Worked in Riga, and later arrived in Kyiv - to the test in his first film heritage "Death squadron". Actor himself said instead of preparing to the role he celebrated the arrival with friends. Therefore, he played only sporadically role. Les Serdyuk admitted that his roles in the movies were mediocre .. until the shooting in the movie "Babylon XX" of Ivan Mykolaichuk. He told that he could even stand without Danko role. When assistant director phoned Serdyuk he shouted at her and threw the phone he told that Mykolaichuk had a star disease if he could not call and ask for the role of the actor himself. But Ivan called Les himself. And so, there was a turning point in his life - the role in a truly important film. In his declining years, Les Serdyuk said that such films are no longer filmed. He believed that the main reason is that during the Soviet period they failed to raise a new galaxy of actors and directors. He tried to correct it - taught acting at the Kyiv National University of Theater, Film and Television of Karpenko-Kary.

Besides - played at the Franco theater. Before that four years worked at the Lesya Ukrainka Theater, then at the Dovzhenko Film Studio.

Les Serdyuk died on the 26th of May, 2010 due to lung cancer. He was buried at the Baikove cemetery.

Les Serdyuk was self-critical and demanding. Into his theater and screen images he put all the effort and talent. Actors with whom he worked, told that Serdyuk, always told the truth. I think it is worth respect. Eternal memory to this talented actor.

Friends!

Friends! 126 years ago was born Adalbert Erdelyi - Ukrainian painter, whose paintings are one of the most expensive in Ukraine, they are estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars. It was he who in 1920 organized the first exhibition of Transcarpathian artists.

Adalbert was born on the 25th of May, 1891 in the village Zahattia (now - Transcarpathian region). His father Michael Grits was Ukrainian, his mother - Ilona Tsayska was German. He had 10 brothers and sisters. When Adalbert was ten years old, his father changed his surname to Erdelyi (Hungarian). In Transcarpathia, people were used to change their names in Hungarian manner for edge was becoming part of Austria-Hungary.

He studied at the Budapest Academy of Arts. After graduation, he settled in Mukachevo, and then a few years later he moved to Munich. Later he lived in Paris - acquainted with new trends in art, including Impressionism. He could live in Europe and there achieve global recognition for going the same way as other world-famous artists. But he decided to return home to his art to glorify the "land without a name." He came back to Mukachevo, he became a teacher and trained a galaxy of Transcarpathian artists. First Adalbert taught people to draw at the Mukachevo school, then a teachers' seminary in Uzhgorod, in 1945-1955 - the Uzhgorod Art School.

By the mid-1930s Erdelyi drew more than a thousand pictures. He loved his job, gave it a lot of time, but worked out them easily. Soviet totalitarian regime condemned his work - they were too "bourgeois." The authorities criticized him, he did not get any good reviews.

His beloved Magdalene Adalbert met in Uzhgorod in 1933. She was a dancer, 25 years younger than the artist. They lived together for many years, and took the marriage two months before the death of Adalbert, when he was seriously ill.

Magda helped himall the time. In times of Soviet persecution they paid for food by selling pictures. Sometimes the woman herself earned on food for virtuoso playing cards.

Only in 1954, a year before his death, Erdelyi was allowed to organize a solo exhibition in Uzhgorod. A year later the artist died.

Artist’s name apeeared in news again in 2004 - because of the terrible tragedy. In September,to the house of painter, where lived his widow Magdalena Erdelyi, broke bandits. They tied her with electric wires and stole 48 paintings. 88-year-old woman died on the spot from shock. This crime is not disclosed until now.

"Art and Love - is Man self. And when a person expresses itself in these two dimensions, she lives "- said Adalbert Erdelyi. I wish you all to love and make art!

Friends!

Today is the birthday of Bob Dylan - the famous American singer, composer and poet, winner of the Nobel Prize in literature. He created a new poetic expression in American song tradition. He wrote songs that the whole world is singing. And he has Ukrainian-Jewish roots. Did you know that?

Robert Allen Zimmerman (that is Dylan's real name) was born in the town of Duluth on the 24th of May, 1941. Bob’s grandfather and grandmother were Ukrainian Jews. Zihman and Anna Zimmerman lived in Odessa and emigrated from there in 1905 after pogroms. The family moved to the US where in Minnesota was born Bob. His parents - Abraham Zimmerman and Beatrice Stone took an active part in the life of the small local Jewish community.

In 1947, Robert's father contracted polio, and the family moved to the nearby city of Hibbing. There Bob began his formation as a person. In 10 years, he wrote the first verse. A guy was influenced by the movie "Rebel Without ideal" and "Savage", they changed his views of society, style. Zimmerman was loved blues, and later - folk. His favorite artist was Woody Guthrie, he was so fond of him, that even went to visit his favorite singer to the clinic where he was treated through the nervous system.

While studying in high school, Bob played in the various bands, performed folk music in cafes and bars. Music lessons he continued after joining the University of Minnesota in 1959. During this time, he began to perform in nightclubs. To this end, decided to pick a nick. The first (but not only) was "Dylan." Bob took the nickname from the name of his favorite poet Dylan Thomas. Although later denied it.

In 1961 Dylan left the University and moved to New York. He has talked to other musicians, has gathered experience. During one of the performances Bob was heard by the music critic Robert Shelton. He helped musicians get the first contract with the label and to release first solo album. Although initially there were only two authors' songs, others were a remake.

All next year Dylan worked on second album. It was dramatically different - sophisticated, full of hidden meanings and complaints to policies. This disc has affected not only fans of folk, but the rock stars. For example, it was listened to the Beatles also realized that with great power to talk about social issues in songs. Subsequent albums were also full of protest, strong and impressive. In 1965, Dylan released the first rock album. The single «Like a Rolling Stone», the first song in the new style appeared in the list of "5000 best songs of all time."

In 1966, Bob Dylan was in a serious motorcycle accident. After the accident, he had time to work on sound of his music. More than six months resulted in a great album «John Wesley Harding». He opened the world a new musical direction - country rock.

By '76 Bob Dylan has released 37 studio albums, his hits «Knockin 'on Heaven's Door» and «Blowin' in the wind» knows the whole world. In 1997, Pope even gave a sermon that was based on the theme of the song.

This great musician still works - regardless of hisr age. Even awarding of the Nobel Prize, he overslept because of preparing for the next concert. Bob Dylan is Legend, I sincerely wish him long life, strength and inspiration!

Friends!

Today after sunset the Israelites will begin to celebrate Jerusalem Day. This city is the most sacred place for all Jews. The world is also honoring it as the unique city of three religions, the capital of the Israeli state, the symbol of the revival of the Jewish people.

On this day in 1967 the Jews liberated Jerusalem. This event was the culmination of the Six Day War, one of the most stable bricks in the foundation of the State of Israel. One hundred eighty-three soldiers were killed in the battle for Jerusalem, many were wounded. They gave their precious lives for the victory, won of their capital. Then General Moshe Dayan said his famous words: "Jerusalem is united and will never be divided." For the first time in two thousand years Jews gained control under the two most holy places for them - Temple Mount and the Western Wall. In Atykva - National Anthem of Israel – there are words: "Our hope isn’t lost, the hope same as two thousand years ago: to be a free people in their land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem."

Today Jerusalem as thousands of years ago is the capital of Israel. The city is growing rapidly, it is the administrative and political center of Israel, the Knesset is here, as well as the official residence of the President, government ministries and the Chief Rabbinate. In Jerusalem, there are more than 2,000 archaeological sites, 60 museums, 1,578 public parks, 70 cultural centers, 26 wineries. For example, a botanical garden the city has more than 6,000 species of plants.

City of three religions annually is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. And I understand why those who once visited Jerusalem, wants to come back again. It is a city where you feel every time something different, from the spiritual filling, ending with a deep impression of historical connection with ancestors. It is the city where your dreams come true, when you hide them at the Western Wall. It’s hard to express the greatness of one of the oldest cities in human civilization, this city you should visit at least once during your life.

I sincerely congratulate all the residents of Jerusalem and Israel on the Day of the capital! I wish Jerusalem to stood at least the same number of years, to develop and retain its special atmosphere and spirit!

Friends!

Friends! I think many of you saw on passers brand footwear of the Timberland company - yellow boots, while others may have them. Did you know that the shoe, which hit the market was made by Odessite Nathan Schwartz?

Nathan Schwartz was born on the 2d of February, 1902 at the Little Arnautskaya in Odessa. The father and grandfather of the boy were cobblers. On the eve of World War their cases were bad, there was no work, and riots kept at bay, so the family decided to emigrate to the United States. Little Nathan was only 11 years old when the family moved to Boston.

But if you think this is a story about a runaway success that happened immediately after the move, no. When Nathan was 16 years old he started to work as an apprentice in a small shoe workshop. Throughout his life he worked hard, tried not only to feed their families, but to defer at least some money. Finally, when Nathan was 50, he was able to buy half in a shoe factory The Abington Shoe Company. After several years of relentless work, in 1955, Schwartz bought the factory completely. Since than his sons worked with him and continued the dynasty of Odessa cobblers.

The family did not set some unattainable goals - they did not want to achieve glory, even doubted whether they can gain some money. In 1965, Nathan invented a way seamless connectivity rubber soles and leather uppers with a special press. This invention helped to make waterproof boots and it was a real breakthrough. Imagine Schwartz at the time was 63 years old, and only than he began the conquest of the American shoe market ...

Schwartz called his company Timberland. Logo image was the American oak. The main buyers have become advocates of leisure. The first pair of waterproof boots appeared in 1973 and were ... yellow. Son Jeffrey Schwartz recalled that when his father brought home a first pair of yellow shoes, even his brother refused to wear them because of the color.

But they began to sell them. Why did these yellow boots become so popular? There is a legend. Like, once to the Schwartz’es factory came the Italian. He bought 900 pairs and took them home. A year later he returned. Schwartz feared that he wanted to return the shoes and Italian really wanted to get the new party.

All because he could properly use the feature of these waterproof boots - their color. For fair skin were easily noticeable dirt and therefore tremendous effect on its deprivation during washing. The Italian even launched an advertising campaign - "If you like Timberland, treat them as worse" when buying experiments showed where a pair of dirty yellow shoes was washed and dried on a rope. Thus, boots became popular in Italy, and then throughout the world.

In 1978, the company produced the first shoes for "every day." They were sewn by hand. After another 10 years company begun to produce clothing for men and women. It is also waterproof and designed for tourism. There are even models of trunks with waterproof pocket for mobile.

The children still continue his father's work - develope the brand to this day, its production head offices are located in Boston, London and Tokyo. This success story demonstrates once again that you never have to give up, you need to work hard and go to the goal, regardless of age and ability.

Friends!

Friends! Yesterday was held a private screening of the film "Another’s prayer" directed by Akhtem Seyitablayev. I want to thank everyone who watched this incredibly touching film with us.

I felt empathy, sadness and pain of each of the viewers after watching strong this film. And yet - an incredible honor to those who made such an important and emotional film. The hall erupted with applause as soon as the titles appeared and continued clapping throughout the final movie soundtrack that complemented and completed the film – song "1944" by Jamala.

"Another’s prayer" is very important for all of us. It narrated the story of simple Tartar woman who saved Jewish children at the time of the German occupation of the Crimea. Her feat was one of the powerful forces that resisted the global evil, such people were later named Righteous among the Nations. In Ukraine, there were 2.5 thousand of them. They came on the terrible risk, they risked their lives, the lives of their children and relatives and opposed to the mad dictator who for some reason decided that the whole nation should disappear from the earth. But it did not happen.

"Who saves a man, saves the world." Once I was at the ceremony in which the award Righteous Among the Nations was given to a couple, that saved a little boy-Jew. Unfortunately, husband and wife did not live up to that point and their daughter came to get the reward. From Israel came 20 relatives of these boy. I will always remember their emotions - tears, full of pain and happiness at the same time.

I would like each of you to watch the movie "Another’s prayer". This is a multifaceted film, which has many parallels, combines two terrible tragedies on the history of Ukraine. There are many planes for reflection. And most importantly, all of you can imagine this story, think how would you have done. And most importantly - the movie should be watched by the young people who have not seen these horrors. So, they can feel the terrible atmosphere and conclude that such appalling events must never happen again in the future. Such terrible things, events, words like deportation, genocide, the Holocaust, the Holodomor, have to left only at the pages of history books.

Friends!

Friends! Today Ukraine celebrates Day of Vyshyvanka!

This holiday is celebrated on working day due to all Ukrainian could wear embodied shirt as an organic attribute of everyday life. Today I walked through Kyiv and saw lots of people walking the streets in vyshyvankas: in cases, to work, for a walk with children. It is infinitely beautiful. When people dress up in their traditional clothing – it means that they remember and respect their culture. In such moments, I feel real revival of Ukraine.

In 2006, enterprising students patriots from the Department of History, Political Science and International Relations, University of Chernivtsi handicrafts offered to dedicate Ukrainian one day in a year to the vyshyvanka. In 2014, the holiday has gone beyond conscious Ukrainians. Now Day of Vyshyvanka is celebrated not only in Ukraine but also worldwide.

On this day, I wish you to appreciate your history, traditions and roots, nurture and care for them. Wear vyshyvankas more often, because they are not just clothes - work of art, but also a strong guardian. And yet - get involved to all events that unite Ukrainian and reaffirm you are a powerful nation.

I congratulate you all on the Day of Vyshyvanka! Share your photos into embroidery shirts in the comments under this blog post!

Friends!

Friends! 10 years ago, on this today, died an outstanding Ukrainian aircraft, Heroe of Ukraine Petro Balabuyev. With his participation and under his leadership had been built various aircrafts, including the world's largest An-225 "Mriya", giant An-124 "Ruslan" and AN-22 "Antaeus."

Petro was born on the 23d of May, 1931 on a farm Valuysk at the Luhansk region. At the age of 11, he became head of the family. His father was a partisan Vasily Balabuyev, he was caught and shot by the Nazis. Then Petro learned to take care of the whole family - mom and two sisters. Caring became one of the features that will remember his family and colleagues all the time.

For the first time Peter saw a small plane after the war. The aircraft struck him as if it was something unearthly. It was love at first sight. However, when came time to choose where to study, Peter doubted. He was afraid to struggle for something great, thought of becoming a geologist. But documents filed in Kharkiv Aviation Institute. And he entered.

However, philological subjects were difficult for Balabuyev. He missed those classes, and in his spare time worked as a loader at the station, to be able to survive. Petro lived directly in a university lecture, along with 19 other students. Life was hard, but with his friends from school Balabuyev always contacted.

With his wife Raisa Petro met in college. During the study they were friends, went for some walks. Then the whole class came to work at the plant Antonov. There was no time for courtship - a solid job. But despite the fact that to Raisa was popular among other workers, she still loved Petro. Time passed and they became married. The wedding was poor, without rings, but the woman adorned herself a white dress, which she had made for herself. Later, the couple had daughter.

First Petro worked as a design engineer, later – as a head of the assembly shop. In 1961 Balabuyev was appointed a deputy chief designer and head of branch EDO on a batch plant in Tashkent during launch of the series of the world's largest at the time the AN-22 "Antaeus." In 1965 he took the plane to Le Bourget air show in France. There occurred an interesting case - the plane was not allowed to land. At first it was sent to the second round, then to the third ... the crew could not understand what was going on, below the plane gathered a crowd. It turned that management of the Le Bourget decided not to delay the plane and immediately show viewers the first wide-body aircraft.

As chief designer Balabuyev gave a start into life to the An-225 "Mriya", which is still a thing to be proud of to all Ukraine. Petro told another story that occurred at the international air show at Le Bourget. In 1989, there arrived "Mriya", even with the space shuttle "Buran" on the "back". Then the chief designer of the company "Boeing" was completely surprised, he told: “Does this giant fly?” Balabuyev jokingly replied: "No, we brought plane here by train." Then the representative of "Boeing" threw his hat at his feet and worshiped "Mriya."

Petro was a man with a capital letter. When Oleg K. Antonov died in 1984, he led ASTC and continued his work. For Balabuyev said his actions - he knew anyone who worked at the factory, went to see people. If they worked overtime - followed so that the workers were fed be sandwiches, coffee. Once, during a trip to Africa serious illness contracted one of the aircraft. Then Balabuyev sent him on plane for treatment in England.

Unfortunately, this great man with a kind heart died only a few days before his 76th birthday. He died on the 17th of May, 2007 in Kyiv. I think people like Peter Balabuyev - is an example for us all. Because he combined talent, faith in his work, diligence and kindness - the qualities that make people great.

Friends!

Friends! This day 122 years ago Feodosy Osmachka was born - a Ukrainian writer, poet and translator with a very uneasy fate. Today I will tell you the story of his life.

Feodosy Osmachka was born on May 16, 1895 in the village of Kutsovka (Cherkasy region). His father Stepan was very hardworking, he was a worker in the estate of the landowner Tereshchenko, and later he himself learned to be a veterinarian. Stepan's children were also capable and hardworking - they all received secondary education. And Feodosy even independently graduated from the Kiev’s Institute of Public Education in 1925.

But he was drafted into the army to participate in the First World War. Then he wrote a poem "Soldier’s deem" for which he came under the military-political court. But the revolution thundered and Osamachka was fired.

While studying at the Institute, Feodosy actively participated in literary life. He joined the Writers' Association, which was headed by Nikolai Zerov, and later with friends - Grigory Kosynka, Boris Antonenko-Davidovich and others, entered the "Links".

The first collection of poetry by Osmachka "Krucha" was published in 1922. Its characteristic features were strong images, good folk speech and mighty power of thought.

The last book of Osmachka, which was printed in the Soviet Ukraine, was the collection "Klekit". It was published in 1929 - just on the eve of the planned destruction of the intelligence - the trial of the Union of Liberation of Ukraine.

This collection is full of strong poetry, according to which Osmachka was equated with Shevchenko, because he depicted a powerful image of the peasantry, which was the driving force of the revolution, and later became its own victim.

Bloody years were gaining momentum and Feodosiy’s friends began to disappear in the cellars of the NKVD. Literary-critical articles brand Osmachka as "enemy" and "bandit". Therefore, he decides to flee to Poland. He is arrested and sent to Sverdlovsk, and the poet runs away suddenly and again tries to get to Poland. There he is arrested again and then accused of espionage.

To escape from the murder, Feodosiy simulated madness. He was transferred to a psychiatric hospital in Kiev. The terrible things that Osmachka experienced there, he described in the novel "The Rattle of Homicide." He retired from the hospital through the German occupation - doctors were frightened and ran away from it. The poet walked home on foot, to Cherkasy.

And from there, he got Lviv. He again tried to join the active literary life, but years of imprisonment and torture made themselves to be felt. It was in this city that Osmachka met his greatest love. He lived at the Villa "Party", trying to cope and move away from one of the most difficult stages of his life.

And Mother Superior of Joseph tried to do the same. In the world she was named Elena Veter,

She lived and studied in Kiev. She was extremely patriotic, she was friends with students, who subsequently gave their lives during the Battle of Kruty.

From the Bolsheviks fled to Lviv, where she became a nun. During the Soviet occupation of the city, she was arrested, wanted to obtain a certificate of Metropolitan Sheptytsky. During the interrogations, the woman was beaten, threatened to burn alive, raped. But she did not say anything. She was to be shot, but the Germans captured Lviv and the prisoners were released. Joseph was sent for treatment - to the same villa where Osmachka was.

He saw her - and seemed to come alive. He fell in love at first sight and really wanted them to be together. And Joseph refused to go for walks. her heart didn’t melt from his serenades under her window - he had a beautiful voice and sang from the heart. But Joseph just picked up things and left. Unfortunately, Osmachka was doomed to loneliness. Wounds he suffered during life, there was no one to cure, he was left alone with them.

At the end of 1944 Feodosy Osmachka was forced to emigrate. First Osmachka and Samchuk moved to Germany, created the Artistic Ukrainian Movement there. In the emigration Feodosy created a new extremely talented and strong works "The Senior Boyar", "The Plan to the Court." From Germany, Osmachka moved to the United States, lived for some time in Canada, visited France, traveled Yugoslavia.

Somehow in summer 1961, walking through Munich, Feodosy fell right in the middle of the street. He had a nervous paralysis. His friends transported him to New York by plane. He tried to continue to create in the hospital, wrote a book of poems and aphorisms. September 7, 1962 Osmachka died.

Friends! Feodosy Osmachka died alone, but this ending can not be the final memory of him - a talented Ukrainian poet, writer, who lived and worked in one of the most terrible periods for the Ukrainian intelligence.

Friends!

Today began the official visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman to Israel. In the framework of the head of the Ukrainian government will participate in more than two dozen of different meetings, in particular the meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Yuli-Yoel Edelstein and others.

During a meeting with Reuven Rivlin, that has ended recently, Volodymyr Groysman picked up one of the most important topics - Israel's recognition of Holodomor as genocide of Ukrainian people. He stressed that this step is extremely important for Ukrainian society and bilateral relations. I am sure that the request of Ukrainian Prime Minister will be heard, because for this decision has been made many efforts, as I told you before.

Reuven Rivlin also assured Ukrainian Prime Minister that Israel supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Along with Volodymyr Groysman they talked about Russian aggression and confrontation of Minsk agreements.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were signed several bilateral agreements and a Memorandum on cooperation in health care, which will help Ukraine to adopt experience of Israel as one of the leading countries in this field.

Between meetings the Prime Minister of Ukraine and his wife visited the memorial complex "Yad Vashem" in Jerusalem. Also, Volodymyr Groysman planted an olive tree in the "Grove of Nations" as a symbol of peace for our countries and people, because Ukrainian and Israelis understand the price of peaceful sky over the head like no other.

I have repeatedly stressed that Ukraine and Israel are countries-friends. And relations between our countries have become increasingly stronger and fruitful. Visit of the Volodymyr Groysman and claims that recite on this occasion, reaffirm it. I believe cooperation between our countries will develop even faster after this visit.

Friends!

Friends! Today in Ukraine is celebrated Mother's Day.

The idea to allocate a separate day to honor mothers unity in the struggle for peace came from pacifists. But it did not receive wide support. But in 1907, the American Anna Jarvis from Philadelphia, took the initiative to honor mothers and their role in everyone's life. She wanted to do it in memory of her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, who was a prominent social activist, fighted for the development of healthcare in the US. Her ideawas reliazed: she wrote a touching letter everywhere she could, ranging from government agencies and ending with celebrities. She asked to withdraw one day a year to honor mothers.

Firstly Mother's Day was recognized an official holiday in Virginia in 1910. Four years later, in 1914, US President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday to honor all mothers. After World War I it began to be celebrated in Europe.

Ukrainian community celebrated the first Mother's Day in 1928. However, in Canada. The initiator of the event was the Union of Ukrainians of Canada. In a year marked holiday in Lviv. Initiative Canadian women was supported by the main editor of the weekly "Women's destiny" Elena Kysilewska. Since 1929, the feast has been implemented and Ternopil. Subsequently, various organizations staged concerts, conferences, festivals on the occasion of Mother's Day throughout Western Ukraine.

But in 1939, Soviet authorities banned the celebration. Only after more than half a century, in 1990 Mother's Day returned to Ukraine on the initiative of the same Union of Ukrainians. Mother's Day officially was established in Ukraine in 1999, it is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May.

"My Dear Mother, you did not sleep at nights .." Ukrainian poets have found many different kind words that you can present to greet your mothers. They - are the most valuable thing in our lifes. I thank every mother who reads these words for her efforts in educating their children, warm heartd, sincere and ambitious support. I wish you all health, happiness and warmth!

Friends!

Friends! Today Jews celebrate Lag B'Omer. This unusual holiday combines several events. On the one hand, it has a mystical side - a day of memory of the great Kabbalist Rabbi Shimon Bar Joha, author of "Zofar" that reveals the mystical secrets of Torah.

Traditionally, on this day people kindle fires. For each tree is a fire inside, that we cannot see right away, but it is hidden in the middle of the wood and can be released when we arson it. Similarly, the Torah - at first glance seems to contain transferred stories that happened to our ancestors, and the laws that should be followed. But inside it also has own fireplace.

Also, this day has historical tradition. Today, children go into the woods to shoot a bow to honor the memory of the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Romans, which occurred in 135 BC

The mystical and historical aspects are related by third aspect of the holiday - Rabbi Akiva. Lag B'Omer is celebrated on the day when deadly epidemic that raged among Rabbi Akiva students was over. It took lives of 24 thousand people. Shimon Bar Joha was one of the few students who survived the epidemy. Years later on the same day Rabbi Shimon Bar Joha died. So today the believers visit his grave on Mount Meron. In addition, Rabbi Akiva was a great fighter for the independence of the Jews, he did not only support the Bar Kokhba revolt, he considered him "a potential Messiah."

Lag B'Omer is celebrated between Israel Independence Day and Jerusalem Day. It is also very symbolic. This day combines wisdom and spirituality, with the desire to revive the nation. I think that such holidays - deep and ambiguous - are extremely important. I welcome the Israelis, who are now remembering their history and are burning fires in the search of personal meanings.

Friends!

Friends! 168 years ago was born Panas Rudenko, whom we know as Panas Mirny - Ukrainian writer, playwright and social activist.

Panas Yakovlevich was born on the 13th of May 1849 in Mirgorod, he was the son of an accountant county treasury. He was calm and closed child, though he had three brothers and a sister. Family lived poorly - father received a meager salary, his mother was illiterate and did not work, was busy in the garden.

To help the family, Panas started to work early - at age 14. Before that, he studied a bit in schools, enough to get a job as the court clerk, and later - assistant accountant. Gray routine, work and simple leisure like playing cards with a bottle of alcohol after work with colleagues – did not amuse Panas. He wanted to spend time on the books alone. So, he went to work every day with a heavy heart. But the work itself he treated differently: did it carefully, for that he received numerous awards and even became a state councilor. In 1871 Panas Rudenko became official in Poltava Exchequer, this work he gave up 40 years of his life.

The new work forced him to move - now Panas lived in Poltava. Along with the work, which he did not admire, Panas Rudenko found a favorite thing - writing. An example for him was an older brother Ivan, who since the beginning of 1860 published his folk material in "Poltavskyh Provincial Gazette," published in the "Fundamentals" and later published some collections of stories and songs, translated stories by Turgenev.

The first works under the pseudonym "Panas Mirny" - the poem "Ukraine" and the story was published in Lviv magazine "Pravda" in 1872. He could not print his works in the Russian Empire, because of censorship. Therefore, Panas Mirny was published and in small editions in Dnieper Ukraine.

In 1875, in collaboration with his brother Panas Mirnyi finished the novel "Why are owes roaring, if mangers are full?". They even gave it to censorship, to publish in Ukraine but Ems decree in 1876 banned Ukrainian publishing. So first novel was published in 1889 in Geneva.

Authors publications was supported by Michael Starytskyi, which produced an almanac "Council" where he published the first two parts of the novel "Prostitute" and some stories.

Panas Mirny has had revolutionary views followed since his youth - he was associated with the liberation movement, participated in the revolutionary group "Union" during the search he found a banned political publication. When in 1914 it was forbidden to commemorate Shevchenko, the writer expressed his deep indignation and protest actions of the Russian authorities. So, in a year he was in search listings as "politically suspect".

He got married only at the age of 40, with a young teacher of music from Poltava Institute of Noble Maidens Alexandra Mikhailovna Scheidemann.

He lived a double life - by day he was official, by night - night - pro-Ukrainian writer. In a letter Panas Mirny wrote: "I ask you not to disclosure my pen name. While many of my friends know who really is "Panas Mirny," but I do not want to advertise this name, seriously believing it is unworthy in comparison with the reputation Panas Mirny got. Suppose when I die (and it will be soon probably), people will know who I am and what good things I did for my country, unless I really did something good. "

"I do not want the glory. All my glory is Ukraine - he wrote in his youth in the diary. - If did something good, it would be my glory glory. " This was the position of the prominent Ukrainian writer. Panas died peacefully in Poltava on the 28th of January, 1920. But the words that he truly described Ukraine and Ukrainian, remain relevant today.

Friends!

 On this day in 2008 in Warsaw, died Irena Sandler – a Human with a capital letter, the righteous of nations, that saved 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust. "Every child who was saved with my help and the help of wonderful secret messengers, who are no longer alive - this is the reason of my existence on earth, but not the reason for fame." Obviously, a strong appreciation could be recognized- Irena Sandler lived a long 98 years.

Irena Sandler was born on the 15th of February, 1910 in Warsaw. Her father was a doctor, and when she was only 7 years old, he died of fever – got it from his patient. Irena and her mother were in material need. Suddenly the family was found by the representatives of the local Jewish community. They would like to thank for the free medical care provided by Irene’s father. They offered to pay tuition Irene, until she would become an adult. Her mother refused, but told about the proposal to daughter. This sincere willingness to help struck Irena Sandler in the heart.

In December 1942, 32 years-old Irene became the leader of children's department of the newly created Aid Jews ( "Żegota"). The German authorities feared a typhoid epidemic which was widened through Jewish ghetto. This played into the hands of Irene - she had a pass to the ghetto to distribute drugs and to monitor the hygienic condition. In the ghetto, Irena wore a Star of David in solidarity with Jews. Each of her campaigns in the ghetto Irene could cost her life - every time she took out Jewish children, including babies, mostly orphans.

She always had to invent new methods of escape, children were taken out from the ghetto through the sewers or basements of neighboring homes, the smallest were carried in bags or buried under the tram seats. Another option was to hide the children in the garbage bags and export them. Children were administered a sedative so they were not screaming, but there was a plan for the force majeure situations - ambulance driver had taught his dog to bark on command loudly when it was necessary to pass protection.

Irena often recalled how painful it was to take children from their parents. They all tried to get the guarantee that children would be safe, but no one could guarantee that. Some cried and did not allow to take children - Irene passed these families. And the worst when she returned to the ghetto for a while, she learned that these families with children were taken to concentration camps. Rescued children Irena Sandler gave to checked in family shelters or monasteries.

Once the anonymous wrote the denunciation to the Gestapo. Irena Sandler was arrested in 1943. She was tortured, had broken arms and legs, was sentenced to death. Fortunately, "Żegota" could save her. The organization has found someone to bribe and the name of "Irena Sandler"appeared in the list of killed people.

If you think that scare of death and torment stopped this remarkable woman, it’s wrong- during the war, Irena continued to work and save Jewish children, even though had to walk on crutches.

Overall Irena Sandler rescued about 2,500 children, including nearly 800 – from the Warsaw ghetto. She was able to save all the data, because she buried glass jars with notes about their origin in her garden.

In 1965, Israel paid tribute to the heroine: Irena Sandler was named Righteous among the Nations. But she did not receive the Nobel, although she was one of the nominees in 2006. In April 2009 was released film "Braveheart Irena Sandler," which tells the story of the heroism of the simple and polite woman.

"As a child I was taught that if a person is drowning, it should be saved regardless of religion and nationality." I bow to the feat of Irena Sandler and believe that love for others, mutual support and assistance are something on which great society could be built by smart people for whom humanity is not an empty word.

Friends!

Today expire 135 years from the death of Nadiya Tarkovsky-Tobilevych - well-known actress, wife of Ukrainian writer and playwright Ivan Karpenko-Kary, aunt of the writer Alexander Tarkovsky and great-aunt of the famous film director Andrei Tarkovsky. I think, you felt a strong creative spirit, which combined all these hearts, and, no doubt, was flaming in the heart of Nadiya Tarkovsky.

Nadiya was born on the 13th of March, 1852 in the village of Timothiivka (now - Mykolaivka Kirovohrad region) in the noble family. Her father was a soldier, mother - daughter of the landlord. Since childhood girl was engaged in charity - helped to sew clothes for shelters and hospitals, collected books for the local library.

At 16, Nadiya met Ivan Tobilevich. He invited her to play in an amateur theatrical group. In a year she married him, although parents tried to do everything to prevent this marriage.

But they did not know that they would leave Nadiya with a strong shoulder on which she could rely on. The girl's parents died within a year after she was married. The reason - a terrible cholera. Nadiya took her brother Olexander to live with her. Later he became a prominent public figure. And his son Arseny became a famous poet and grandson Andrew - world famous film director.

On land that was inherited to Nadiya, together with all debts Tobylevych built the first house, then there was a small village. For building Ivan Tobilevych took out a loan at the bank. And not in vain, later this place became "theatrical capital of Ukraine." And it was named after the wife of Karpenko-Kary - farm Nadiya.

Nadiya continued to play in the theater, appeared at charity performances of the Elisavetgrad amateur club. Along with other community leaders she actively promoted Ukrainian language, including a letter signed Russian scientist Alexander Pypin, for that matter.

In the marriage with Ivan Tobilevych she gave birth to 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daughters. One of the daughters - Galya - she drove to the treatment to the estuary near Odessa. There Nadiya caught a cold and then cold developed into pulmonary tuberculosis. From it charming Ukrainian woman died on the 11th of May, 1882. She was only 30 years old.



Interestingly, the "Farm Nadiya" exist until today. It is state reserve-museum in the village of Nikolayevka. At the time, many forces to rescue it made Arseny and Andrei Tarkovsky - the descendants of the same Alexander who was sheltered there by his sister. So, visit this place with an interesting history and charming creative atmosphere on the occasion.

Friends!

 Today marks his 56th birthday Ivan Malkovich - Ukrainian poet and publisher, director of the publishing house "A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA." I'm sure each of you have heard of the books, which are published by Ivan Antonovich. At least, he gave printed whole series of books about Harry Potter in Ukrainian. At first it had a small circulation, but then books about the young wizard that audience as "accustomed" to read in Russian, began to be bought only in Ukrainian, because the translation had not only good quality - the new edition in Ukrainian could read among the first, because material was prepared quickly and responsibly.

Now the "A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA" is one of the leading Ukrainian publishers. Since it worked with Mykola Vingranovsky, Lina Kostenko, Sasha Derman, Marina and Sergey Dyachenko, Andrey Kokotyukha, Vsevolod Nestayko, Dmytro Pavlichko, Volodymyr Rutkivsky, Yuri Vynnychuk and other famous Ukrainian authors. The important role played the illustrations in books - they are very beautiful and well-remembered.

Ivan Malkovich is the man, that is causing delight. Not only due his contribution to the Ukrainian book publishing. This year he was awarded the National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine. Speech delivered by Ivan, touched everyone. If you did not read iy, I advise you to do it, because there were a lot of interesting thoughts about everything - from the Shevchenko to the importance of the Ukrainian language. Let me give you one of his quotes: "My dream is to live to the time when children in school will not be told about unlucky serf who served powerless, dumb slave of masters and the paradigm will be changed to the inspired talks about the incredible boy, who glowed with great talent, the boy, who without father and mother, without any chances of success,created himself. This glow was seen by all - and the arbitrary drunk pope, which read with Taras small harps over the dead - and even obstinate Paul Engelhardt ... "

Friends! Interestingly, Germany is conducted May the 10th the Book day. In 1933 in Berlin on the square in front of the State Opera to the sound of music by Strauss and military marches, the Nazis burned at the stake books of the internationally renowned authors. Thousands of works of world culture pearls, were burned in a huge fire in Berlin and other German cities. In memory of there is a memorial "library drowned", created by the famous Israeli sculptor Micha Ullman. On it are engraved the words of Heinrich Heine: "Where books are burned, eventually, people will be burned too.”



Several decades later in the day, when the books were mocked was born man who makes many efforts to help Ukrainian book to live, develop, know better life. For your children and grandchildren could read quality literature on their native language. I congratulate Ivan Malkovich on his birthday, I wish you long life and thank for invaluable work!

Friends!

Today in Ukraine celebrate the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II.

The Second World War forever left its imprint. And not only in the history of Ukraine and the world, but in the fate of every person who lived on this earth.

Human losses among civilians in Ukraine amounted to more than 5 million people, more than 1.5 million of them died as a result of the Holocaust. Approximately 4 million Ukrainian soldiers died in fierce battles. During the Second World War, more than 28,000 villages and 700 cities were destroyed. All these figures are not just terrible statistics. This is the price that Ukrainians paid to help stop the terrible black whirlwind of Nazism.

Friends! Today we honor the memory of all those who died in those terrible years. We thank them for their heroic deeds, for the terrible price that they had to pay for the next generation to live better. Unfortunately, now Ukraine lives in the realities of war again. Our generation as nobody should understand the price of a peaceful sky overhead and respect this day everyone who paid it for us and you during the Second World War.

Never again.

Friends

Friends! On May 8 and 9 Ukraine together with the whole world celebrates the Days of Memory and Reconciliation commemorating the victims of the Second World War.

These days we remember about 60 million. People who were victims of a terrible war. These are warriors and civilians, women, children and men, people of all races and religions. They died differently - someone in the trenches, someone in concentration camps, someone in their own homes ... The pain from their loss remained at our gene level.

The Ukrainian people did a lot to put an end to the outbreak of global violence. He made an outstanding contribution to the victory of the anti-Hitler coalition in World War II. Therefore, today we must once again thank the brave fighters against Nazism, whose feat and sacrifice we always remember.

Never again.

Friends!

Friends! On this day in 1902 in Grozny was born an amazing woman - Alexandra Derevskaya. She was not a famous actress, singer or writer, but her name will always remain in the history of Ukraine. Because she made a real feat - adopted and brought up 48 orphans!

Alexandra Avramovna Semyonova was born on May 6, 1902. Her father was an oil industrialist. The girl studied well, finished 8 classes at the gymnasium, and later - went to the nurses' courses. And suddenly - civil war broke out. At that time, Alexandra was working in a military hospital, where she was lucky to meet her soul mate - Emelyana Derevsky.

The first child, who was adopted by his wife, was Yemelyan's brother. After that, they adopted two more orphans, whose parents were killed at the front.

During the Second World War, Alexandra became the director of the Syzran children's home. From there she took 7 more orphans. Another 9 children evacuated from Leningrad, they took with her husband in Stavropol. When the family was already very considerable, Alexandra left the work and devoted herself to raising children.

At the end of the war, the family moved to the city of Romny, Sumy region. There the Derevskaya spouses adopted ten more children! Such a huge family helped everyone - they were given a house with a garden and a garden, and people sent food, clothes and toys. But along with the benefactors there were also those who simply threw the babies under the door of their house.

At the same time, Alexander was actively engaged not only in the upbringing of her children. She led a social life. She was an extremely strong woman and did not fold her hands even when Emelyan, tired of the constant worries and problems of a large family, left his family.

But she was not alone. She had 48 children of different ages and different nationalities: Jews, Russians, Germans, Uzbeks. And those that she provided temporary shelter and just cared for (along with them the number of her wards by various estimates reached from 62 to 65 children).

The mother-heroine died at the age of 59 years. Hard life still made itself felt. On her grave there is a monument on which is embroidered: "You are our conscience, our prayer is your mother, your earthly bow Your children" and the names of her 48 sons and daughters.

The life story of Alexandra Derevskaya was the basis of the film entitled "Romenskaya Madonna". This film was so popular with the audience that at the festival in Leipzig she was given the first place and the Golden Dove award.

Another film about Alexander - "Feast of baked potatoes" - was created by film director Yuri Ilenko.

Friends! The story of this amazing woman proves that the heroes are among us. They are distinguished by humanity, self-sacrifice and kindness. I am grateful to Alexandra Drevlyanskaya for аn amazing example, which should remain in our memory.

Friends

Friends!

Friends! Yesterday was 119 years since the birth of world famous Kyiv citizen, that became 4 Prime Minister of Israel - Golda Meir. "A political leader, who without hesitate draws his people to war, has no right to be a leader" – this is just one of the beautiful quotes of this incomparable woman.

Holdela Mabovich was born in Kiev in Besarabka. Till this days there are the house where she lived, decorated with magnificent bas-relief with her image. But before this place was nothing remarkable. At that times city suffered of pogroms, and often at home they used to score the door to feel safe. One of these evenings, when her father and his friends with hammers stood near the door, forever imprinted in the memory of the girl. Then she felt the strongest fear in her life, but realized that the idle never. Later, she began to struggle. As it turned out, not only for herself - for all Jews in the world.

From pogroms Golda’s family fled to the US. Her father worked as a carpenter, the family was poor. In the locker room of the future founder of Israel there were only two dresses - for all occasions. But then she realized that the main thing – was not external tinsel. The main thing - was knowledge. So, when parents found for their fourteen years old daughter the thirty-insurance agent as a husband, she fled to her sister to Denver to get secondary education. There she met her future husband Maurice Meyerson. The history of their relationship was very difficult, because Golda Meir never put family interests on the first place. She was the person who created the State. And put her life on its wellness - that's what was her main goal. "My life was very happy. I did not only live at the times of forming of the Jewish state, but also saw how it adopted and absorbed masses of Jews from all over the world, "- said Golda.

In 1915, Meir joined the "Poale Zion", Union of the Left Zionists. After some time with her husband and sister she went to Palestine on the ship «Pocahontas». Upon arrival, she officially changed her name to "Golda." The family joined the kibbutz in the valley Merhaviyi. There Golda became a delegate of the Zionist convention and met with such iconic personalities as David Ben-Gurion, Berl Katsnelson, Zalman Shazar and David Remez. "She is the only real man in the Israeli government" - said David Ben-Gurion about Golda. And he did not make a mistake.

She has made a lot of efforts to ensure that in 1946 the United Nations voted to partition Palestine and independence of Israel. She met with thousands of Jews and explained that they need to fight for their own state. And common victory was quick.

Golda was appointed Israel's ambassador to the USSR. The moment when during her first visit to Moscow synagogue hundreds of Jews welcomed the representative of an independent state, was even perpetuated in Israeli currency - 10 new shekels and 10 000 shekels. This point was a moment of dignity for all: Jews, which in the Soviet Union were treated as people of the "lower class" have the right to go where they will be respected and understood. People, who was behind the "iron wall", understood that if Jews can go from the Union why than they were closed?

Golda Meir became Prime Minister at the age of 71. She led the country in a difficult period - the Yom Kippur War, Munich Massacre ... Although she might remind someone of an old Jewish grandmother, sweet and colorful, inside she was always tough core. With honor and dignity, she went out of the most difficult problems, for that people respect her even today.

Golda struggled all her life and lost only to the disease. She died on the 8th of December, 1978 from lymphoma. She was buried in Jerusalem on Mount Herzl.

"There is no difference between killing a man and a decision, because of which the man will be killed by others. It is the same, if not worse. " I mention these and other powerful words of Golda Meir and understand that it is always important - to understand the strength of the decisions and actions. If we could sacrifice and the put people's interests on the first place to, we can build a powerful state, which will serve as an example for the whole world.

Friends!

Friends! Recently, appeared a negative trend – when it is a holiday in Israel, UNESCO takes into consideration anti-Israeli resolutions. The last time this happened during the Sukkot holiday, this time - on Israel Independence Day.

Toward the close of the festive day the agency of the UN based on Education, Science and Culture decided to vote for the document, which rejects Israel's sovereignty over East Jerusalem and Gaza. UNESCO decided that it could deny the right of Jews of Jerusalem - the central symbol of the nation, its main shrine. Of course, this resolution cannot be called otherwise than absurd.

But I want to note the good side of the coin. Ukraine voted "against" this nonsense and once again confirmed that it is a friend of Israel in the international arena. For that I thank the representatives of the country in UNESCO. In addition to Ukraine, "against" anti-Israeli resolutions voted Germany, USA, Italy, UK, Holland, Lithuania, Greece, Paraguay and Togo. 23 countries abstained, another 22 - voted "for", including Russia.

Israel condemned the policy of the international organization and its constant attacks and anti-Israeli stance. Creating the new conflicts in the world, where their dominance and so frightening - is not what UNESCO should do.

Friends!

Friends! Today Ukraine bids farewell to poet Boris Oliynyk. He died on the 30th of April on the 82d year life after a long illness. Yet has finished the farewell ceremony with the poet in the Club of the Cabinet of Ministers, after which he was buried at the cemetery Baikove.

"I have been so proud that Ukrainian naturally ..." - this was the position of Borys Oliynyk. In life, he managed to write a lot of great works, his "Song of the mother" is imprinted on the heart of every Ukrainian. Borys Oliynyk was controversial as the time in which he lived, but communist political views coexisted in his personality along with the fact that it Oliynyk has made many efforts to the adoption of the law on the state language and other acts that helped assert Ukrainian statehood.

Borys Oliynyk was born in the village Zachepilovka on the 22d of October, 1935. He always liked to write, started to publish hos works at school and later learned to be a journalist in Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University.

He worked in various magazines, first as a journalist and later became the editor. He headed the Union of Writers of Ukraine and was proud that during his presidency, none of the writers was expelled from its ranks or thrown behind bars.

He was a man with an active civil position, always raised in the press about important topics. For example, in relation to criminal activity in Chernobyl that caused the accident or the Holodomor of 1932-1933 which he directly announced during a speech in the Kremlin in 1988.

He was a famous poet and academician, a man worth mentioning today with a kind word and conduct the funeral.

Eternal memory.

Friends!

Friends! Now Israelis are rubbing their tears for the fallen in the wars and raise the national flag, as after sunset begins Israel's main state holiday - Independence Day. I congratulate Israel on this joyous and happy day!

Israel Independence Day is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar by the Jewish calendar for that day (in 1948 it fell on May 14) David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel.

Israel Independence Day, or Yom Atsmaut – is the most important day for all Jews. Israel's fate was sealed on the 29th of November 1947, when the UN resolution was declared the creation of two independent states in Palestine. 8 hours before the end of the British mandate on the land of Israel, future Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence of Israel. Finally, Jews could enjoy and feel home. But 5 hours after gaining independence, the neighboring countries of Israel declared war. So again the Israelites had to cameto arms and defend the newly created state.

So now on the Independence Day, people gather at the streets of all cities of Israel and do what they failed to do in '69 - Celebrate sincerely and carefree! Music is playing everywhere, buildings are decorated with state symbols in synagogues is heard prayer "Halel." Most Israelis like to go on picnics and nature, to relax with the family. In the evening – all dance and have fun time.

Friends! Israel is a close friend of Ukraine. This proves the strong historical connection between the Ukrainian and Israelis. Those who have built an independent state in the Middle East in many cases lived next door to us. For them, Ukraine was the first homeland. And now Israel is home to over half a million people from Ukraine, which continue to develop and improve the country.

Therefore, we continue to develop relations between peoples and our countries. Fates of Israel and Ukraine are similar, independence for them is not just a word, for it both of countries payed a high price and continue to do it.

I am grateful to the Israelis that in a difficult time for Ukraine they has extended a helping hand to Ukrainian: Israel treated tens of Ukrainian soldiers, Israel sent humanitarian supplies to displaced persons, shared invaluable experience of Ukrainian psychologists, physicians and volunteers. I, as Honorary Consul of Israel, will continue to make efforts to strengthen comprehensive relations between Ukraine and Israel.

I congratulate Israel on Independence Day and wish the residents of Israel goodness, peace and prosperity!