Friends!

Tomorrow Ukrainian film "My grandmother - Fanny Kaplan" will come to the wide screens. This film gathered great audiences at film festivals in Budapest, London and Odessa. Viewers really loved this story, and I'll tell you why.

Life story of Feige Hayimovny Roytblat-Kaplan is very confusing. From what we know for sure - she was born in Volyn province in a family of Jewish elementary school teacher. He called his daughter very romantic, in Hebrew her name means "violet". Likewise, under the star of love passed all Fanny’s life. In 1905 she met Viktor Harskiy in Odessa. She was only 15, the young man was a few years older, but the feelings were frantic. He, though, inspired her to join the ranks of the anarchists.

Lovers prepared an attempt on the Governor-General Sukhomlinov, they brought homemade explosives to the hotel "Merchant” in Kiev, where they lived under other names. Suddenly - it worked there. Because of this, Fanny was wounded and partially lost her vision. Meanwhile Harskyy fled. A woman was detained and sent to prison.

In captivity, she spent years. Suddenly February Revolution took place, amnesty was proclaimed. She and her lover managed to get free. They met again after 11 years, but the love passed. At this time, Fanny met the brother of Lenin - Dmitry Ulyanov. He helped to arrange her surgery to restore vision. What was the character of their relationship – is hard to understand, and film director Elena Demyanenko said that when they searched for some details: "We were able to find this information only in the investigative case of Fanny Kaplan, which until 1993 was classified as "Top secret". Interestingly, ten pages from there are torn. " Is not it strange?

Especially when you consider that the most Fanny Kaplan is known for its attack on Lenin, which was committed into the backyard after a rally of workers in August 1918. We don’t know now, if she had done it or not. But Kaplan paid the bitter price. Three days after the assassination, she was brought into the yard of Kremlin and shot. Then her body was stuffed into the barrel and set on fire.

Filmmaker calls her film an act of decommunisation. She taught us that life is extremely important thing, and we need to appreciate all the sufferings and victories. The state has no right to interfere in it.

Another fact about this film I also cannot remember - the day before completion of shooting the actor, who played Lenin - Alex Devotchenko was found dead. His death occurred in very unclear circumstances. Russian human rights activist Olga Kurnosova said that he was "removed" by the Russian special services. It is the saddest analogy.

Friends, I advise everyone to watch a movie "My grandmother - Fanny Kaplan," and to understand this story, because many people means many opinions, but all of them are important.

Friends!

Today Ukraine celebrates the Day of Armed Forces! It is the anniversary of their formation - 25 years.

Exactly on the 6th of December, 1991 the Parliament of Ukraine adopted the Law "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine" and "On Defense of Ukraine". This documents approved the main principles and directions of development of the Ukrainian army.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union Ukrainian army was extremely well equipped. At that time, it was full of modern technologies there, more than this – there were nuclear weapons. Years passed, and, unfortunately, instead of having the developing of this framework, all the opposite occurred – armed forces were almost completely destroyed. The army was one of the most “killed” industries, military cut, they did not see a future in the profession.

Now Armed Forces are currently experiencing a new milestone of its history. After activation of the enemy, who occupied the Crimea and continues his aggression on the Donbas, Ukrainian army had to be reborn from the ashes like a Phoenix. Unfortunately, a lot of true Ukrainians gave their lives for the protection of others. They, brave new militaries – are the symbol of Ukrainian army and its pride.

Ukraine is close to honoring the military profession as well as in Israel. For Israel, there is no greater honor than to serve in the army and defend the country. I'm sure, the same will be in Ukraine, and young people, which now "run" from the service, will take the stage to the most elite battalions. Ukrainian army proved that impossible - does not exist. Bless you, brave Ukrainians, the true descendants of the Cossacks, our mainstay! We are proud of you!

Friends!

Today the famous Ukrainian writer Grygir Tyutyunnyk could celebrate his 85th birthday. The exclusive short story writer, talented novelist, he lived a hard life, and payed high price for each day.

Grigor was born in the village Shylivka in Poltava region. For his father, it was the second marriage, in first he also had a son, Gregory, oddly enough -he is another well-known Ukrainian writer, author of the novel "Whirlpool".

As a child, Grygir survived Holodomor, this terrible period has left significant mark on all his life. The terrible memories of how his family suffered from hunger, and grandfather died because of it, leaved with him forever. Only a few years later Grygir’s father Michael Tyutyunnik was arrested and sent to Siberia. Uncle took the boy to his place. So, the guy actually became an orphan. But he saw life from the other side. Uncle’s wife was a teacher, and she taught him to love reading and showed the biggest family wealth - a small library.

Grygsr studied at a trade school, after which he was sent to work to the factory in Kharkiv. He didn’t work there for three years, as he used to, and ran to the village. For this he was arrested and spent four months in prison. Then he served in the army,as navy radio operator.

Later, he finally managed to implement a dream. In 1961 in the journal "Krestyanka" he published his first story"The Twilight". Then he wrote on Russian. However, the same year died his brother Gregory. It extremely influenced him, so finally Grygir decided to write only in Ukrainian.

Author lived a hard life. All his works were subjected to censorship. And yet he was spied by the faithful dogs of the KGB. Grygir was always the soul of the company, told a variety of stories, funny and sad. He knew that all of his conversations were bugged, and said: "For every Abel there are three Cains." Friends told that the writer never choose compromises, hated opportunists, made a lot of enemies because of that. And in spite of external force and courage, he was extremely vulnerable. This proves his famous quote:

"I accept that surrounds me, and what is happening around me, at first through my heart, and then through the mind – that’s why I suffer twice on one occasion. God, how hard it is. "

Difficulties life brought Grygir to the tragic end - he shortened his age. Previously people thought that it is because of the award - during his lifetime he received only Lesya Ukrainka’s award for his work for children, and serious works were not awarded. And it's not true. Even after the death of Grygir, readers nominated him for the Shevchenko Prize as their favorite author. He just could not stand all the hardships that he had to go through. And Ukrainian literature lost a bright star.

Friends, unfortunately, only few nowadays knows him. I suggest you to read his stories, if you suddenly are not familiar with them. Finally give you, in my opinion, his prophecy: "When I’ll die, through the ashes of my heart will sprout an oak root, and from it will grow a mighty oak, and its branches will took on pins – to beat stupid and disabled people's hearts."

Friends!

Today I want to tell you the story of one of the most elite IDF brigades, called "Tsanhanim." This word is translated from Hebrew as " paratrooper", so I think you guessed it - we will focus on airborne brigade.

In January 1954, into the 890-commando came the new unit under control of Ariel Sharon. Two years later it was made into brigade, led by this famous military, and in the future - Maj IDF and the Israeli Prime Minister. The first operation of "Tsanahim" was held on the 10th of October, 1956. It was called "Shamron" and was extremely difficult. Then the paratroopers lost 18 people. Especially distinguished the fighter called Noah Phinehas, who joined the melee with 9 Jordanian soldiers, for that he received a medal "For heroism."

Since that times soldiers of “Tsanahim "participated in thousands of raids, special operations and full-scale fights. It is the only IDF team that moves on ATVs and special mobile equipment. There is no wonder that there are many recruits, who wants to join this unite. The competition for one place reaches 5 people. Of course, they realize that service in "Tsanahim" will open the door to a brighter future. It is true, because 5 Maj IDFs and 3 Defense Ministers came from it.

In fact, the high rank of brigade was gained through hard work. It is hard to get there not in case of some privileges, but because there is very hard selection. Firstly, you must go through severe physical and psychological tests. Those who survive them, expect the next step – super heavy learning. In this mode recruits, live a whole year. At the final stage soldier, must pass the 90-mile march. If he passes it, he will be finally able to get favored Specks beret.

The emblem of the team is also interesting. This is shfifon, also known as "Palestinian viper" with wings.

Friends, I am confident that under Israeli model Ukrainians also have to love and honor their army. Because people, who serve there today are heroes. The task for the future, of course, is understandable. Different units of the Ukrainian army should be the same elite as "Tsanahim." So every young Ukrainian will rave to serve there, and to defend their country.

Friends!

At this day, back in 1722 was born the great Ukrainian activist Gregory Skovoroda. He was recognized as outstanding philosopher, poet, educator and humanist when he was alive, and it is not surprising that even now each Ukrainian knows everything about him and his significant contribution to the history of Ukraine. But according to this prominent day I would like to recall some interesting facts and legends about him.

One of the most famous legends is that Gregory Savich could foresee the destiny. People tell two stories. The first one is about his feasting in Kiev. Once he came to visit a friend Justin. He went out for a walk to Podil - and suddenly felt a cadaverous odor. He came home, collected things and went out of the city, and a few weeks after plague appeared in Kiev, and the city was closed.

According to another legend, Gregory Savich knew the date of his death. According to legend, on the 9th of November, 1794 in the afternoon poet took a shovel, made his own grave, then went into the room, put on clean clothes, put a bag with his own belongings under his head and slept, but never woke up.

By the way, according to the stories, Gregory was a vegetarian. He really believed in the reality of dreams, once in a dream he saw how people ate each other. Then he refused to eat meat.

There is also the story of an acquaintance of Georgy Skovoroda to Catherine II. Once she decided to get acquainted with the famous philosopher and invited him to her palace. Skovoroda was brought to the reception hall. Later came the queen and everyone worshiped her. Only Gregory Savich was flat. Catherine II protested and asked why he did not worship to the queen? To which the philosopher replied: "No, I didn’t want to see you, it is you, who wanted to see me. So how can you see me, when I'm bent double? "

As a master of words, he was well-known by the students of Kharkiv College, where he was a teacher. Gregory Savich had his own system of evaluation. Instead of points, he wrote the original sentences, such as "very dumb", "real nonsense", "very sharp" or "zvyerok vostroye." Nevertheless, he still was a legendary teacher, who gained love of everyone.

Friends, maybe all these stories about Skovoroda are fiction of ages. And I just wanted you to smile, while reading them. Legends are also an extremely important part of Ukrainian history. Especially when they concern such prominent person as Gregory Skovoroda. The only thing you cannot argue is a wisdom of this man. Finally, I want to share with you a quote that will make everyone wonder: "We dream about the future and despise modern: we are committed to what does not exist, and neglect that exists, as if the past will turn back, or perhaps all we hope about will come true."

Friends!

Today it could be the 39th birthday of the extremely original Ukrainian artist Sasha Putria. Unfortunately, she died when she was only 11 years old. But through all her life she managed to create 2,000 unique works of art. I would like to tell you her story.

Alexander Putria was born in Poltava, her father was a painter and her mother was a music teacher. She began to draw when she was only three years old. She didn’t go to the kindergarten, but she spent all her time making art, she had her own table for that, near her father’s, where she created her own artistic masterpieces.

Sasha was a very smart girl, she never asked for anyone’s help, even her father’s. Sometimes when she needed a father's advice, she put a note on his table with the words: "Father, come!". But she flatly refused to study in the art school. She never copied no one and all ideas for pictures she took from her own imagination.

When she was 5 years old doctors told made her a terrible diagnosis - leukemia. But it did not stop creating art. Parents understood that Sasha felt good when she drew a few pictures in one day. She was interested in astrology, believed in the existence of other worlds, this themes are very well reflected in her art. When she was 9, she watched the movie "Disco Dancer" and fell in love with India. And even more - the actor Mithun Chakraborty. Like any child, she fantasized that one day she would marry him and would live happily ever after. She often painted her self-portraits in the image of an Indian woman. Also, she wore a portrait of a loved actor near her heart.

When Sasha was at the hospital, she asked her father to put his hand on the paper, then she outlined it, and did the same task with her own hand. On the top of the paint she put the Sirius star. It was the last picture of Sasha Putria.

After the daughter’s death, father learned that in the Hindi "Putri" means "daughter." This unspeakable symbolism hit his heart. Unfortunately, Sasha did not see none of her exhibitions, although there were hundreds of them around the world after her death.

I'm sure we'll have to remember these stories, because Ukraine is full of talented people, whose contribution to the art fund of the country cannot be overstated.

Friends!

Today all Ukrainians celebrate one important date. Exactly 25 years ago, was held a national referendum on the independence of Ukraine. Then, the people of Ukraine confirmed the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, which was passed by Verkhovna Rada on the 24th of August, 1991.

On this day a quarter of the century ago for the whole world watched upon Ukraine, and they actually knew that Ukrainians put an end to the Soviet Union. Lina Kostenko then applied to all by the extremely important words: "People! On Sunday you will go to polling stations, but do not think it's your steps. This is the march of history! ". And people heard it - 90.92 percent of voters answered "Yes" to the question "Do you support the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?". And if you think that the independence of Ukraine was supported only by the central and western regions, it was not so! In Crimea 54.19 percent of citizens voted for independence, in Sevastopol - 57.07 percent, Donetsk, Luhansk, Odesa and Kharkiv State's there were 80 percent of citizens. It was a conscious choice of the people, the result of the ages of the struggle for independence.

This date is not less important for Ukrainians than Independence Day. We must remember what a tremendous force is the Ukrainian people.They can change everything, influence the course of history, the fate of the country. Unfortunately, the fight is an ongoing process that is not over for our people so far. Just always know that the main driving force is us, and nobody ever will change that.