Orphans during WWII
Not so long ago we’ve interviewed Lydia Nazarenko. She was an orphan since her early childhood.
She told us many unbelievable and shocking things about orphans’ life during the WWII.
When she was 6 she moved to Yman’s orphanage. When she asked where they are going, she got an answer: “We are going where it is necessary!” She said that she left alive only because she wasn’t Jewish. Jewish children were marked with yellow fabric on their shoulders and once all of them were shot. Lydia also said that Germans weren’t severe with Ukrainian children. But they always were hungry. Only partisans brought some bread every night.
Lydia said that after the WWII everything seemed to be alright. But the year 1947 brought an awful famine. “We had to eat grass and to fry rats. It was the only way to leave alive.”
When all horrors were ended Lydia got an Education degree and began to work on “Artem’s military plant” in Kiev. She was working there for about 40 years. But surprises weren’t ended. At the age of 70 she learned that her backbone is broken. “Doctors said that my backbone was broken almost all my life. But I had no feelings. Maybe I’m lucky.”
The most insulting thing is that Lydia left alone. And American church is the only place where she feels good and not alone.
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kristinagray said,
March 31, 2007 at 10:11 am
Good work on posting about Lydia. You know if you wanted to go interview her more and get photos from her if she has any left, ask Vika B. about it. Vika will be finding her own person to interview at 3:00 p.m. this Sunday down at Kretchatik where they meet for church.
Of course, next Sunday is Easter so Lydia for sure will be at the Am. church if you want to make contact. I think it is GREAT that you plan to do your research paper based on her life. She will not die lonely afterall if there are enough students like you who appreciate all her life problems she has encountered. Of all four that your classmates interviewed, Lydia has gone through the most, I believe.