We still love our first teacher of Hebrew Efraim Abramovitch, the same as recollections about the first step and first love remain with us for all our life.

  He was born in 1919 in Bessarabia, and in 1940 when Soviet Army occupied Western Ukraine he got into a concentration camp for his Zionistic views. After 14 years in the camp, on July 28, 1954 Efraim was exiled to Petropavlovsk. This city became his new home for many years, and it was there that he was gradually coming back to life.

  For almost 40 years Efraim had been working as a plasterer at a factory, but there was something more in him that did not let his soul fade away. He loved his people since childhood. Brilliant knowledge of Hebrew, Tradition, and history of the Jews helped him in hard times. In spite of prohibitions Efraim Abramovitch spoke Hebrew and his people heard him and were inspired. And then Efraim realized what he could give to his people.

  "It is a real pleasure for me to teach members of the community Hebrew!" Efraim Abramovitch said once. "I am also glad that G-d gave me a chance to live till the time when I am sure I will not be arrested for it."

  In December 1995 Efraim together with his wife and son emigrated to Israel. Today he is a citizen of the country for the sake of which he spent 14 years in a camp. We wish our dear FIRST TEACHER sound health and good luck. Petropavlovsk remembers and loves you, Efraim!

Igor Zhigarlovsky