ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this eleventh installment of Sammy’s story, we pick up as the family leaves Italy and arrives in Calgary in late 1979. Sammy, joined by his grandson Ramone, reflects on first impressions of the city—its emptiness, its sprawl, and the early days spent downtown near Prince’s Island Park. He recalls landing a drafting job within weeks, launching a 38-year career with the same company during Calgary’s oil boom. He and Dinna quickly adapted to English through work, newspapers, and community life. Ramone prompts stories about school strikes, cultural gaps at Hebrew school, and the excitement of getting their first color TV—a massive set that introduced young Elliot to cartoons, hockey, and Battlestar Galactica.
English
United States
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OTHER EPISODES IN THIS PODCAST
After a long break, the conversation with Sammy resumes as he explores the personal and historical significance of his name, sharing family stories and an unexpected discovery about its origins. He recounts efforts to trace the Negelev family name at Yad Vashem and reflects on Soviet-era naming con…
After returning from military service in 1968, Sammy faced the challenge of caring for his father’s wife, whose illness highlighted the severe shortcomings of the Soviet healthcare system. While managing these difficulties, he secured work as a draftsman but recognized the need for higher education…
In this episode, I interview my mother, Dinna, about her childhood in post-war Gomel, Belarus. She shares memories of growing up in a multi-generational home, the hardships of Soviet life, and the simple joys of childhood, including friendships and family traditions. She reflects on her love for bo…
Sammy continues his gripping story of emigration from the Soviet Union. He describes the pivotal moments that led to his family’s decision to leave, including financial challenges and the underground network of information that guided them through the process. As they prepared their exit, Sammy rec…
In this episode, my father, Sammy, continues sharing his life story, reflecting on his early years of marriage with my mother, Dinna, in 1970s Leningrad. He talks about their courtship, the challenges of planning a wedding under Soviet bureaucracy, and the realities of communal living. He also shar…
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