UNWLA branch hosts screening of "Between Hitler and Stalin" (03/26/06)

UNWLA branch hosts screening of "Between Hitler and Stalin"

by Irene Krawczuk

MANALAPAN, N.J. - Ukrainian National Women's League of America Branch 98 of Holmdel/Middletown, N.J., and the Monmouth County Library Headquarters co-sponsored a screening of the documentary film "Between Hitler and Stalin: Ukraine in World War II - the Untold Story" on February 4. This stunning film was produced and directed by Slawko Nowytski for the Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Center (UCRDC) and is narrated by Jack Palance.

Admission was free and refreshments were served. The program included a discussion period following the film, conducted by Dr. Taras Hunczak, professor emeritus of Rutgers University.

Branch 98 President Victoria Mischenko, welcomed Prof. Hunczak and Olha Hunczak, members of the branch, as well as the audience of more than 100 people.

The purpose of the screening was to inform the public about World War II in Ukraine where, according to Edgar Snow, a U.S. war correspondent, "the whole titanic struggle was first of all a Ukrainian war." Graphic archival footage of events of the war combined with compelling witness accounts and comments by well-known authorities are presented in the film.

These elements combine to reveal how greatly Ukraine suffered in the great conflict between the regimes of Hitler and Stalin. One chilling statistic, provided by Snow, is that "no fewer than 10 million people had been lost" to Ukraine since 1941.

Prof. Hunczak engaged the enthusiastic audience in a post-screening question and answer period. He spoke of his own wartime experience, as well as answered many questions posed by a very interested audience. Some questions revealed a lack of public awareness of the plight of Ukraine during the war.

The lively session ended with applause and appreciation from many who complimented Branch 98 members and asked if other similar events were scheduled. Branch members were delighted at the audience response, thanked Prof. Hunczak for his participation, and agreed to plan other events to further public awareness of Ukrainian history and culture.

Last year Branch 98 collaborated with the library on two special events: the screening of the film "Harvest of Despair," and a monthlong exhibit of Ukrainian arts and crafts provided by its members. Both screened films have been donated to the library.

UNWLA Branch 98 expressed gratitude to the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, and, in particular, Flora Higgins for co-sponsoring these events.

Irene Krawczuk is secretary of UNWLA Branch 98.

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