My husband and I in May 1958 after the parade on 7 November, the October Revolution Day i Kiev.
In 1963 I married Vitaliy Polisskiy, a Jew. We met when we were students at the Institute. He had graduated from the Polytechnic Institute few years before me.
My husband was born to the religious family of David and Revekka Polisskiy. My husband's father was professor of political sciences in Kiev Conservatoire. He had graduated from the Institute of red professors in Moscow. He perished during the Great patriotic War. That is all I know about him.
Vitaliy was born in Kiev in 1933. He finished a secondary school in Kiev and then Kiev Polytechnic Institute. When we met he was working as a mechanical engineer at one of design institutes in Kiev. He was fond of photographing. He had his photographs displayed at exhibitions. When we got married and he moved into our apartment in Artyom street he brought his books, his photo accessories and photographs. We couldn't afford a wedding party. We invited few of our friends and had a small party with them talking about books and music. My husband is a very interesting and intelligent man.
We read a lot, including underground publications of Bulgakov and Solzhenitsyn that were forbidden by the Soviet censorship. We were interested in all world news. We listened to Western radios to hear the truth about Israel. We often had gatherings with friends at home. We celebrated birthdays and Soviet holidays. We were discussing the latest news and shared our impressions about the books we read. We liked New Year celebrations. On the Soviet holidays we got together with friends to go out of town or just stayed at home.
My husband and I worked as engineers at the institute. In 1990 I retired and my husband retired in 1994. We lead a very active life. We go to theaters and concerts. We celebrate our birthdays with our Jewish and non-Jewish friends.
Many things have changed in our life. Jewish life has been restored. We are very interested in everything that has to do with the Jewish way of life. We have learned so much about Israel. We have many friends there. We keep in touch with them. We attend Jewish events and receive food packages and medication in the Hesed. We shall not move to Israel, because our son is staying here. We cannot leave them and we love our granddaughters. We often go to visit them in Moscow. I take care of my health: walk in the woods on Sunday and swim in the Dnieper in any weather. This helps me to remain in good condition and to be able to help other people.
