Bartłomiej Śliwa:
The city of Cracow has some minorities that are recognized according to the Polish law and standards contained in the international treaties as national minorities. Among them are Jews which now constitute a small community rather than large minority but still it is visible and very creative. The Jews are now distinguished by separate religion, specificity of their culture and deep historical roots.
The most obvious feature of this community brings us to the history of the city for which it is an integral part. For centuries, there were moments of mutual cooperation between Poles and Jews but there were also many tensions and anti-Jewish riots. For example, the Jews were accused of causing a fire and after that fact forced to settle outside the walls of the city in Kazimierz. During the 1919-1939 period the Jewish minority was still growing and is estimated at 60,000. Although it was recognized as a minority, the Polish government implemented some restrictions on them: they were not allowed studying in certain faculties (law, medicine) and the number of them was limited in some of the offices because of politics aiming to bring the major posts to the Poles. After the World War II all previous world was annihilated. In 1968 another 20,000 to 25,000 Jews left Poland as a result of anti-Semitism purge conducted by the party.
The most obvious feature of this community brings us to the history of the city for which it is an integral part. For centuries, there were moments of mutual cooperation between Poles and Jews but there were also many tensions and anti-Jewish riots. For example, the Jews were accused of causing a fire and after that fact forced to settle outside the walls of the city in Kazimierz. During the 1919-1939 period the Jewish minority was still growing and is estimated at 60,000. Although it was recognized as a minority, the Polish government implemented some restrictions on them: they were not allowed studying in certain faculties (law, medicine) and the number of them was limited in some of the offices because of politics aiming to bring the major posts to the Poles. After the World War II all previous world was annihilated. In 1968 another 20,000 to 25,000 Jews left Poland as a result of anti-Semitism purge conducted by the party.
Adrii Gozhyi:
There is a big group of large national minorities in Zhitomir City. It consists of Polish, Russian, Germans, Czechs, Hungarians, Jews, etc.. In my opinion, these national minorities are not sufficiently active. Much of their activity is reduced to a "festivals". Otherwise they are quite passive. To say nothing about the struggle to use their native language
Kateryna Kundelska:
Now I am studying in Kyiv, but I am from small town Baranivka. In our town live Ukrainians, Russians, Jews and Armenians. Armenians live in Baranivka not for long time only 10-15 years, but they have owns traditions (food, holidays, language and others).
Members of this minority speak with us Ukrainian language, but between representatives of their groups only Armenian. So, they have many characteristics of minority group such as distinguishing physical or cultural traits, e.g. skin colour (Armenians have more dark skin colour than Europeans) or language, involuntary membership in the group (no personal choice) sometimes parents or relatives to decide many problems and moments of Armenian lives, awareness of subordination and strong sense of group solidarity. That is why, I call Armenians are minority groups.
They have specific traditions and stereotypes. For example, Armenian wives wear a long skirt with long blouses. They should sit in the house and wait for husband. Girls can marry only with one of the representatives of Armenians. Besides, husband for girl chooses father. But Armenians estimate the education. That is why, all children should have a high education.
Armenians have specific food. They eat lavash (Armenians bread), many lamb, eggplant, tomatoes, many spices and also drink own wine.
All Armenians are engaged in family business. They build new café in our town, hotel, shops etc.
Also Armenians are very generous. When a person did something nice, they would remember this action.
Katia Seriogina:
Members of this minority speak with us Ukrainian language, but between representatives of their groups only Armenian. So, they have many characteristics of minority group such as distinguishing physical or cultural traits, e.g. skin colour (Armenians have more dark skin colour than Europeans) or language, involuntary membership in the group (no personal choice) sometimes parents or relatives to decide many problems and moments of Armenian lives, awareness of subordination and strong sense of group solidarity. That is why, I call Armenians are minority groups.
They have specific traditions and stereotypes. For example, Armenian wives wear a long skirt with long blouses. They should sit in the house and wait for husband. Girls can marry only with one of the representatives of Armenians. Besides, husband for girl chooses father. But Armenians estimate the education. That is why, all children should have a high education.
Armenians have specific food. They eat lavash (Armenians bread), many lamb, eggplant, tomatoes, many spices and also drink own wine.
All Armenians are engaged in family business. They build new café in our town, hotel, shops etc.
Also Armenians are very generous. When a person did something nice, they would remember this action.
Katia Seriogina:
Berehove region Transcarpathian region - the area where the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, home to the majority. Hungarians living here for centuries, so they can be considered indigenous nation, indigenous to this region. The uniqueness of this minority can be considered compact residing deeper integration and the reluctance of the state. However, they all have Ukrainian citizenship. Compact promotes and facilitates the settlement of political mobilization and ethnic communities. Hungarians speak their native language. The district has kindergartens and schools. The important point is that the Ukrainian language in schools is being studied not as a foreign language, but as well as in all schools in Ukraine. So, children who know only from childhood Hungarian language can not learn the Ukrainian language perfectly. That's why the vast majority of graduates coming into higher education - abroad - namely in Hungary. Those who graduated from universities within the country back sn Transcarpathia, wanting to live in the Hungarian environment. Hungarians possessed the lowest level of integration processes among all the minorities of the country, contribute to this high level of the family as a talisman language and customs, living mainly in rural areas, the proximity of the historic homeland. In general, the Hungarian minority is one of the most consolidated ethnic groups. Family - one of the outstanding values in the lives of Hungarians. The family is responsible for the transmission of ethnic and cultural traditions to future generations. Marriages relatively stronger, and divorce less frequently. Important role in the life of Hungarians have always played a religion. Currently, the vast majority of Hungarian population of Transcarpathia consider themselves reformers. Cultural life is reduced to that they have Hungarian theater in Beregovo and frequent visits of cultural figures from Hungary. Another area is in the Hungarian newspaper "Herald Beregovo" and "Bereg info". Perhaps the integration of the Hungarian minority in Ukrainian society would be easier if their languages were similar. Hungarian language is not like any of the Slavic. Its hard to learn Ukrainian and vice versa. But apparently not as good as it sounds. Hungarians feel confident only being in its own territory, among the Hungarians. For that they felt in Ukraine, both at home must wait a long time.
Viktoria Vesolovska:
Berehove region Transcarpathian region - the area where the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, home to the majority. Hungarians living here for centuries, so they can be considered indigenous nation, indigenous to this region. The uniqueness of this minority can be considered compact residing deeper integration and the reluctance of the state. However, they all have Ukrainian citizenship. Compact promotes and facilitates the settlement of political mobilization and ethnic communities. Hungarians speak their native language. The district has kindergartens and schools. The important point is that the Ukrainian language in schools is being studied not as a foreign language, but as well as in all schools in Ukraine. So, children who know only from childhood Hungarian language can not learn the Ukrainian language perfectly. That's why the vast majority of graduates coming into higher education - abroad - namely in Hungary. Those who graduated from universities within the country back sn Transcarpathia, wanting to live in the Hungarian environment. Hungarians possessed the lowest level of integration processes among all the minorities of the country, contribute to this high level of the family as a talisman language and customs, living mainly in rural areas, the proximity of the historic homeland. In general, the Hungarian minority is one of the most consolidated ethnic groups. Family - one of the outstanding values in the lives of Hungarians. The family is responsible for the transmission of ethnic and cultural traditions to future generations. Marriages relatively stronger, and divorce less frequently. Important role in the life of Hungarians have always played a religion. Currently, the vast majority of Hungarian population of Transcarpathia consider themselves reformers. Cultural life is reduced to that they have Hungarian theatre in Beregovo and frequent visits of cultural figures from Hungary. Another area is in the Hungarian newspaper "Herald Beregovo" and "Bereg info". Perhaps the integration of the Hungarian minority in Ukrainian society would be easier if their languages were similar. Hungarian language is not like any of the Slavic. Its hard to learn Ukrainian and vice versa. But apparently not as good as it sounds. Hungarians feel confident only being in its own territory, among the Hungarians. For that they felt in Ukraine, both at home must wait a long time.
Dovile Kidykaite:
Russian minority is geographically spread throughout all Lithuania, and they are representing different language, different culture, and different religion group. Lithuanian's Russians are often discussed subject in Lithuania. Sometimes Lithuania is criticized as country promoting democracy and at the same time ignoring Russian minority. But their adaptation in social and political life is showing opposite. To review the Russian minority's situation, it should be noted the possibility to participate in political life, conditions to get education, freely use their language, foster the culture and traditions, to have access to essential tool of democracy media.
First of all, it is important to mention that many of Russians have Lithuanian nationality. the nationality law was accepted in the 1989, and according to it's rules all permanent residents of Lithuania had to decide before 1991 November if he/she will take Lithuanian citizenship. The law did not provide any restrictions relating to ethnic origin, language or religion, and there were no other additional conditions except steady employment and legal livelihood. 90% of people have used this opportunity. For this reason now it is difficult to say exact number of Russian minority because many of them have Lithuanian citizenship.
Lithuanian laws protecting minorities rights are very liberal. Under these laws, ethnic minorities can be perfectly represented by the political and social organizations; in recent years Lithuania has created a number of Russian non-governmental organizations to cultivate Russian culture. Also educational reforms were promoting Russian language at schools and Russian speaking schools were not totally removed. These schools still exist. Russians can find biggest daily newspapers, magazines, many books in Russian language. Media is announcing news in Russian language as well; there are many channels on television in Russian language. Speaking about religion it has to be said that there are many Orthodox Churches in Lithuania. All this has to ensure their normal and happy life.
But close to all positive things there is a big problem also. Lithuanians opinion about Russians is negative. It became like this because of historical backgrounds and has to pass long period that it would change basically.
First of all, it is important to mention that many of Russians have Lithuanian nationality. the nationality law was accepted in the 1989, and according to it's rules all permanent residents of Lithuania had to decide before 1991 November if he/she will take Lithuanian citizenship. The law did not provide any restrictions relating to ethnic origin, language or religion, and there were no other additional conditions except steady employment and legal livelihood. 90% of people have used this opportunity. For this reason now it is difficult to say exact number of Russian minority because many of them have Lithuanian citizenship.
Lithuanian laws protecting minorities rights are very liberal. Under these laws, ethnic minorities can be perfectly represented by the political and social organizations; in recent years Lithuania has created a number of Russian non-governmental organizations to cultivate Russian culture. Also educational reforms were promoting Russian language at schools and Russian speaking schools were not totally removed. These schools still exist. Russians can find biggest daily newspapers, magazines, many books in Russian language. Media is announcing news in Russian language as well; there are many channels on television in Russian language. Speaking about religion it has to be said that there are many Orthodox Churches in Lithuania. All this has to ensure their normal and happy life.
But close to all positive things there is a big problem also. Lithuanians opinion about Russians is negative. It became like this because of historical backgrounds and has to pass long period that it would change basically.
Liana Ayrapetyan:
There is a national minority Crimea Tatars in our region. It is 12% of population of Autonomous Republic Crimea. This nation was historically formed on the territory of today's Crimea, and previously had the state system within Crimea. The national state formed by Crimean Tatars was called Crimean Khanate and was existing from 15 till 18 centuries and was very influential formation in Eastern Europe and in the Black Sea region. It the end of 20th century Crimean Tatars received the right to return to the historical motherland. They massively arrive to Crimea, but doesn't find a support from the side of authorities. Moreover, communist authorities affect a counteraction against returning, registration and self-establishment of Crimean Tatars. A situation changes, when an independent state Ukraine appears. Ukraine takes obligations to accept and establish Crimean Tatars. Ukraine accepts a legislation which simplifies the procedure, including the receiving of citizenship. Ukraine also signs a lot of international agreements, such as Bishkekskoe agreement (obligation to help the arrival of all the deported Crimean Tatars). Today there are few national Crimean tatars' schools in Crimea, where Crimean Tatars' children get education in native language. Crimean Tatars' newspapers are published here, there are also national radio and television.
But lots of Crimean Tatars' problems remain unsolved yet. Nobody has returned the property of Crimean Tatars, their houses and lands, which were confiscated by the communists in 1944. Returninng and life of Crimean Tatars in Crimea are very difficult - in many national villages of Crimean Tatars there is no water, gas or roads. Also only 15 schools operate there, although before the World War 2 there were 390 Crimean Tatars' schools in Crimea. Nobody has returned the real historical names of villages, cities and districts of Crimea, which were renamed in 1944. Crimean Tatars don't have enough representatives in bodies of power, because their amount is small, that is why they consider that this is a political discrimination.
But lots of Crimean Tatars' problems remain unsolved yet. Nobody has returned the property of Crimean Tatars, their houses and lands, which were confiscated by the communists in 1944. Returninng and life of Crimean Tatars in Crimea are very difficult - in many national villages of Crimean Tatars there is no water, gas or roads. Also only 15 schools operate there, although before the World War 2 there were 390 Crimean Tatars' schools in Crimea. Nobody has returned the real historical names of villages, cities and districts of Crimea, which were renamed in 1944. Crimean Tatars don't have enough representatives in bodies of power, because their amount is small, that is why they consider that this is a political discrimination.
Viktoria Zaytseva:
Staying true to your own culture is great. Ethnic Ukrainians comprise 73 percent of the population of Ukraine. In Kyiv, Russians are the largest minority group at 22 percent, Jews (considered both an ethnic and a religious group in Ukraine) and Belorussians each account for about 1 percent of the total. I would like shortly to tell about Jews in Kyiv and regard to the history of this minority group and its nowadays. It is difficult to declare when Jews settled in Kiev. According to the Theophanus a numerous Jewish community existed in Kiev in the eight century. According to the World Jewish Congress (2004), there are 75 Jewish schools in the country in some 45 cities, among them 10 day school and 65 Sunday schools. The leading organizations for Jewish culture are the Associations of Jewish Organizations and Communities of Ukraine and the Jewish Council of Ukraine.
Under communism, the Jews were at first a privileged minority. In a country still consisting largely of illiterate peasants they were relatively urbanized and educated. The Jews of the Soviet Union were transformed from a destitute and persecuted minority into the country's most highly educated and urbanized ethnic group.
By 1930 Stalin had initiated a policy of homogenizing all politics and culture and harnessing them to the single aim of building socialism in one country. His campaigns against various deviations from the party line and the ensuing purges touched all national groups. They affected Jews disproportionately because they were so heavily involved in party affairs.
At the end of World War II when thousands of Jews began to turn to liberated Kiev, they often encountered a hostile attitude on the part of the Ukrainian population, many of whom had been given or taken the dwellings and jobs of the absent Jews.
Based on the work of Richard T. Schaefer I think Jews for its ethnic types of minority groups should be seen not only like culture minority but firstly like religious minorities.
Anastasiya Moskvychova:
I was born in Uzhhorod, Transcarpation. I can't imagine any other place with such a great number of different cultures in whole Ukraine. There are many ethnical groups living in Transcarpation: Hungarians, Slovakians, Chechens, Germans, Jews.
But I'll talk about one interesting, I think, minority. They call theirself "rusyny". They don't have their own history or something, but they have a culture (literature, music) and a language. Alexander Dukhnovych had written: ŤЯ русин був, єсьм і будуť (I was rusyn, I am rusyn, I'll be rusyn for ever), but he mean, I thought, that he is Ukrainian. But many people in Transcarpation are thinking that rusyns are separate ethnic group. They are rusyn's writers, such as Petrovci. But about "in-group" marriages I don't know many examples. I guess, one of the couple can identify himself like rusyn and other - not, or, for example, children have other opinion about their identity then their parents. Like "to be rusyn or not to be" is a choice, not a faith.
But I'll talk about one interesting, I think, minority. They call theirself "rusyny". They don't have their own history or something, but they have a culture (literature, music) and a language. Alexander Dukhnovych had written: ŤЯ русин був, єсьм і будуť (I was rusyn, I am rusyn, I'll be rusyn for ever), but he mean, I thought, that he is Ukrainian. But many people in Transcarpation are thinking that rusyns are separate ethnic group. They are rusyn's writers, such as Petrovci. But about "in-group" marriages I don't know many examples. I guess, one of the couple can identify himself like rusyn and other - not, or, for example, children have other opinion about their identity then their parents. Like "to be rusyn or not to be" is a choice, not a faith.
