Philadelphia Ukrainians celebrate Ukraine's graduation from Jackson-Vanik provisions (05/21/06)

Philadelphia Ukrainians celebrate Ukraine's graduation from Jackson-Vanik provisions

by Andrea Porytko-Zharovsky

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - Philadelphia's Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center celebrated the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment's provisions as they pertain to Ukraine and the continuing positive relations between the governments of the United States and Ukraine with a mix of politics, good food and drink, and entertaining music, song and dance at the UECC on Sunday, April 30.

The evening was a true giving of thanks and a call to action to the leadership of the Philadelphia Ukrainian American community to continue to bring Ukraine to the attention of the international community.

A somber and moving photographic exhibit, "Chornobyl: the 20th Century Tragedy and Clean-Up Through the Eyes of Gen. Nikolai Tarakanov," commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, met all who entered the UECC. The 53 photographs were exhibited in the main lobby of the UECC.

The exhibit opening coincided with the cocktail reception that preceded the UECC banquet and will be on display until May 30.

At the cocktail reception, held in the festively decorated Alexander B. Chernyk Gallery, everyone gathered and mingled with the banquet's honored guests, which included: U. S. Sen. Rick Santorum; Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the U. S. Dr. Oleh Shamshur; Olena Kitsiuk, first secretary and consul, Embassy of Ukraine; Nataliia Holub, second secretary, Embassy of Ukraine; Olexandr Aleksandrovych, minister-counselor, Embassy of Ukraine; Andrii Olefirov, consul of the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York; and Rep. Charles Dougherty. Master of ceremonies Ihor Shust introduced Pennsylvania State Rep. Josh Shapiro and Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick, and both addressed the gathering.

Mr. Shust also introduced Dr. Harry C. Silcox and thanked him for loaning the Tarakanov photographic collection to the UECC for use in the Chornobyl exhibit, explaining that the collection has never before been published or exhibited in the United States.

Also recognized at the cocktail reception on the fifth anniversary of the UECC website (www.ukrainiancenterphila.org) were webmaster Kenneth Hladun and board member Natalia Firko for their hours of devoted and creative work.

The evening's main program and dinner were held in the tastefully decorated UECC banquet hall. The tables were dressed in elegant, traditional white with beautiful long-stemmed roses. Proudly draped above the main banquet table were the flags of the United States and Ukraine.

Mr. Shust introduced Borys Zacharczuk, resident of the UECC, who welcomed Sen. Rick Santorum, Ambassador Shamshur, representatives of various Ukrainian organizations and the many local Philadelphia Ukrainians in attendance.

Bohdan Chaplynsky, the well-known and accomplished Philadelphia tenor, sang the American and Ukrainian national anthems, with piano accompaniment by Irene Pelech-Zwarych. The Rev. Yaroslav Kurpel of Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church led the invocation, praying for the leaders of two great nations, the U.S. and Ukraine, to find the wisdom, strength and courage to continue working together in such a positive manner.

Mr. Shust proceeded to offer background information on the speakers, featured performers and the history of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Mr. Shust recognized the Ukrainian Federation of America (UFA) and its role in Ukraine's graduation from the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Mr. Shust thanked all responsible for their tireless efforts and for their active involvement in the American political process, promoting the truth about Ukraine and keeping American politicians well-informed.

Jokingly, Mr. Shust introduced Sen. Santorum as "a son of Ukrainian immigrants" to loud applause. Sen. Santorum thanked the Philadelphia Ukrainian community for inviting him to the UECC. Recalling the moment when President Viktor Yushchenko came to the U.S. and spoke to the Congress calling for the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, Sen. Santorum said, "... in fact the whole hall stood. I think that was a very important moment for us to try to lend some impetus to getting Jackson-Vanik graduated.

Sen. Santorum continued, "I want to stress the importance of the community stepping forward and letting their voices be heard on this issue. It is important for people of a democracy to participate in the process. You are a special interest, but that's not a bad thing. We are all special interests ... it was wonderful to have the Ukrainian community here in Pennsylvania come forward and express their views of how strongly they support it and would like to see Jackson-Vanik repealed. It was certainly a motivator for me."

He also spoke briefly about the vital role that immigration plays in renewing America and how immigration adds to the richness and the fabric of America as a society. Sen. Santorum explained that current controversy over immigration is mainly about security issues with U.S. borders. He added that immigration is the constant renewal of the American dream. While thanking those present for their tremendous contribution to America, Sen. Santorum concluded, "I am very proud, for tonight, to be the son of Ukrainian parents, and I truly look forward to working with all of you in the years ahead."

Mr. Shust introduced Ambassador Shamshur to the guests at the banquet, noting his willingness to meet and address the needs and wishes of the Ukrainian American community, and his knowledge and thorough explanations of Ukrainian policy. This was Dr. Shamshur's second visit to the UECC in the last four months.

As keynote speaker, the ambassador spoke at length about relations between the United States and Ukraine, emphasizing recent developments. He spoke about the new Ukraine, its foreign policy, how the Ukrainian government has begun speaking to its people openly and frankly, and about the role of the press. Dr. Shamshur discussed how the Ukrainian government is fighting corruption and working on transforming the economy.

He stated, "the Jackson-Vanik graduation wouldn't be possible, in a sense, without the changes taking place in Ukraine for some time and especially after the victory of the democratic forces in the last year and a half." Ambassador Shamshur applauded the formation and the efforts of a new Ukrainian American committee, the Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition. He stated that Ukraine is thankful to its American friends who were active in this process, and friends in various Jewish organizations that also were helpful. Ambassador Shamshur also spoke briefly about the Chornobyl disaster.

In conclusion, quoting Archimedes, Dr. Shamshur said, "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth. Nowadays, Ukraine is a place to stand, if you want to move things in Europe. Ukraine is more than a nation nowadays. It's a symbol of hope and change."

The appreciative Philadelphia audience thanked Ambassador Shamshur for his remarks with a standing ovation.

Sharing the stage during the concert program of the banquet were violinist Adrian Bryttan, with piano accompaniment by Ms. Pelech-Zwarych; the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, led by Taras Lewyckyj, artistic director; and the Ukraina Choir, under the direction of Mr. Bryttan, with piano accompaniment by Ms. Pelech-Zwarych.

Mr. Bryttan has enjoyed an international career as a violinist as well as a conductor. He performed three pieces: Meditation from "Thais," "Summertime" and "The Hot Canary."

The Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is renowned for its colorful, bold, powerful and athletic performances. The performance featured three dances: "Tsyfrovanyi," "Eve of Ivan Kupalo" and "Lopnuv Obruch."

Ukraina, a recently formed mixed choir, performed three selections: "God Bless America," "Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi" and "Voskeresla." Ms. Pelech-Zwarych, the choir's accompanist, performs as a soloist and accompanist, works as a music teacher and is the conductor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir.

Mr. Shust took time out of the program to recognize the first decade of the UECC Radio Program, gave a brief description of its history and work, and thanked the current radio program staff under the direction of Mr. Zacharczuk, which includes Orysia Hewka, Ivan Prasko and Natalia Griga.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement by Adrian Hawryli, of 1st Security Federal Savings Bank of Philadelphia of a surprise donation of $10,000 made by the Ukrainian Heritage Foundation to the UECC.

The Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, founded in 1980, is a non-profit organization whose objective is to preserve and promote awareness of the Ukrainian heritage throughout the Philadelphia community. The UECC is located at 700 Cedar Road in Jenkintown, PA 19046 and can be reached at 215-663-1166 or via e-mail at [email protected]. The UECC's website www.ukrainiancenterphila.org includes photographs and video of the banquet, plus other information about its activities.

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