Two former Ukrainian political prisoners start new lives in New Jersey (12/30/79)

Two former Ukrainian political prisoners start new lives in New Jersey

The following article about Nadia Svitlychna and Valentyn Moroz appeared in the December 2 edition of The Sunday Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J. It was written by George Wirt.

After experiencing the full brunt of Soviet repression in their native land, two Ukrainian dissidents are trying to put together the pieces of their shattered lives in their new homes in New Jersey.

Like millions of Eastern European immigrants before them, both Valentyn Moroz and Nadia Svitlychna have found refuge and a freedom they never dreamed they would enjoy in the Garden State's strong Ukrainian American communities.

"When I began to look for a place to live after I arrived in this country, remaining close to a vibrant Ukrainian community became a paramount consideration for me," said Mr. Moroz, who was one of five dissidents sent to the United States last summer in the dramatic swap for two Soviet spies.

"I found that and much more here in the Passaic-Clifton area," Mr. Moroz explained. "It has helped make the always difficult transition to a new life and a new land much easier."

For Ms. Svitlychna, who spent four years in jails of Soviet labor camps for her work on an underground newspaper before to her arrival in the United States nearly a year ago, Newark's long-time Ukrainian American section in Vailsburg has been a major comfort.

"My nine-year-old son goes to the Ukrainian school here, St. John's, where the teachers and children can speak Ukrainian and help him adjust to his new home," Ms. Svitlychna said.

"And I feel much better knowing that there are people here to whom I can turn when I need help," she said. "There are so many good people here, and they are all willing to give a hand."

Adjustment to the fast-paced, consumer-oriented world of the West has become the biggest hurdle for Mr. Moroz and Ms. Svitlychna, and they both admit it's an obstacle they are very happy to tackle.

"One of the dissidents who arrived in the United States said he felt more imprisoned here than he did in the USSR," Mr. Moroz said. "I think I understand now what he meant.

"We have come from a country where everything is communal and run by the state," Mr. Moroz said. "There is little need for personal enterprise and it is discouraged.

"But here in America, the emphasis is on the individual and his rights and ability to make of himself whatever he wishes," he continued. "To the Soviet mind, that notion can be more terrifying than the power of the state itself, but to me it represents a personal challenge I look forward to very much."

Both former dissidents have attacked that challenge head-on.

They have begun the long and laborious task of learning English. "It's difficult, but not impossible," Mr. Moroz said in his best newly polished American accent.

"So few people have their own cars in the Soviet Union," Ms. Svitlychna said. "But in this country, it is almost a necessity if you are going to get around on your own."

More importantly, the pair is trying to resume their careers which were interrupted and nearly destroyed by Soviet trials and imprisonment.

Mr. Moroz, who was a teacher and a writer before he was sent off for nine years of Soviet jails and labor camps on an anti-government propaganda conviction, has conducted seminars at the Ukrainian Studies chair at Harvard University and has resumed writing.

Ms. Svitlychna, a literary editor and librarian before her arrest, is conducting scholarly research and is translating several Ukrainian literary works for Harvard.

The jobs require frequent trips to Boston, but the dissidents say they will retain their homes in New Jersey despite the travel.

"New Jersey makes for a very nice home base," Mr. Moroz said. "The residential areas are quiet and peaceful, but you are so close to the major urban centers like New York that it becomes a very convenient place to live."

The other factor they like about their new state are its many and varied Ukrainian churches, schools, community centers and civic organizations.

"They have made it easier for us, but our thoughts still go back to Ukraine and the people we left behind," Ms. Svitlychna said.

The 43-year-old mother of two is anxiously awaiting word on the fate of her husband's visa application. Soviet authorities have held up his exit visa and Ms. Svitlychna's long-awaited reunion with her husband may still be far off.

Mr. Moroz is still deeply committed to the cause he and his fellow dissidents fought for, and he continues to publicize their plight in talks throughout the country and Canada.

But, for the time being, they have adopted New Jersey as their home and are learning to live new lives.

"It will take some time," Ms. Svitlychna admitted, "but I'm sure we can make the change."

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