There is some special connection between Jews, no matter where they are, what country they live in, or what they do.

  A former Shymkent poet Oleg Chimkentsky (real name is Elstein), who lives in Israel has come to the Shymkent Hesed to meet with the Jewish community.

   When I knew about the meeting I expected to see an old man solemnly reciting poetry. But everything was different. The moment I came in I saw a friendly-smiling middle-aged man of strong built. I got into conversation with him. Oleg was a good company and a careful listener with a sense of humour. When he told me his life story I felt respect for him.

   Oleg Elstein was born in Shymkent. He played a guitar and worked as a fitter and mechanical engineer. In July 1993 it happened so that his left hand got into the cutting machine… That day separated his life into to parts - before the trauma and after it. He underwent the series of complicated operations in Moscow to have two of five cut fingers replaced. In the course of treatment his first poems appeared.

   The injury made Oleg unable to play the guitar, and his life seemed boring without it. Poetry was a relief for him. Suddenly Oleg had an idea - he replaced the strings and began playing with another hand. Now Oleg plays for the audience and takes part in music and poetical performances.

   Oleg Chimkentsky's poems leave nobody indifferent. They penetrate into one's soul and make one think. That is why during the meeting in the Hesed a complete silence alternated with loud laughter.

Timur Abdukarimov