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The Charlotte Jewish News - August 2010 - Page 5 GommunlOf Hews Refugees Reunited By Karen Brodsky People are fearful all over the world — for their lives, their chil dren, and their futures. We look at the past — at the horrible injus tices done to our people. We know that similar injustices continue across the globe. It seems that very little has changed. The Holocaust, as evil as it was, produced small miracles: a concentration camp survivor who was told she could never have children had three; husband and wife reconnecting after the war, each thinking the other was dead; families never expecting to see one another reuniting; the stories are many. Each refugee settled by HIAS NC has a story: a dramatic rescue; fleeing with military police on their heels; days spent in the jun gle with no food or water; impris onment; years in refugee camps; and a husband and wife reuniting in Charlotte, against all odds. Ruled by a military junta for almost 50 years, Burma (also known as Myanmar) is widely recognized as having one of the world’s most repressive and abu sive regimes. It is against this backdrop that a love story began. Tha Nei Kung, a young musician living in Chin State in Burma, was called by the military government to do forced labor. A member of a small Christian ethnic minority, Kung refused. The local bible college took up a collection to help him escape. He left with the clothes on his back and traveled with the help of “agents,” who charged him ridiculous fees. He rode in the trunk of a car to Rangoon. From there Kung fled to the Thai- Burma border and made his way through the jungle into Malaysia. Once in Kuala Lumpur, he stopped running. However, it was just as danger ous being an undocumented Chin refugee in Malaysia. There was no legal employment; lodging was scarce. The Malay police often raided places that harbored Chin refugees. There were still good times, though, especially when Kung met Rebecca at a Christmas cele bration in a church. Rebecca has a harrowing story, too. When Rebecca studied in bible college and taught Sunday school, a Burmese Buddhist fami ly moved to her village. The fam ily’s young daughter and Rebecca developed a friendship, but the father accused Rebecca of trying to convert the child. He reported Rebecca to the police, and they hunted her. She, too, had to pay astronomi cal fees to a string of “agents” who arranged for her flight in car trunks to Kuala Lumpur Often she shared the long, hot ride with two other people she didn’t know. Once in Malaysia, Rebecca was industrious, finding different jobs to stay alive. She spoke some English, so she waitressed at places tourists frequented. Most fortuitous was the job she landed as a translator for the United Nations High Command for Refugees (UNHCR). She went to a Christmas cele bration in a church, where she met Kung. After two years, they mar ried. In the interim, Rebecca’s younger brothers arrived in Malaysia. She now had family to take care of also. Kung was lucky to be recruited to record back up guitar for a band. Rebecca worked in the day time; Kung in the evening. Rebecca miscarried. There was no time to mourn; less than five months after they wed, Rebecca and her brothers were approved to resettle in the US — without her husband. He encouraged her to go- She came to Charlotte and was Shalom Lake Norman Festival Shalom Lake Norman returns for a second year, Sunday, August 29, from noon-5 PM, at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. The crowd of last year has been anx iously awaiting a repeat of the fes tival sponsored by the Jewish Council of Lake Norman. Much more has been added to this years festival. More entertainment for both adults and children, which will require that you come early and stay till the end. More venders and more food. Featured entertainers are: Steven Weintraub who has taught Jewish dancing and is rec ognized for his traditional version of the Bottle Dance. A trained Alvin Ailey dancer, he has been a Yiddish dance instructor at KlexKamp since 1997. Steven will be entertaining as well as teaching Jewish ethnic dancing. Freylach Time, a Klezmer Dance Band, will get your feet stomping and your hands clap ping. They are North Carolina’s most popular Klezmer band. Their recordings of traditional Klezmer Happier times; Kung and Rebecca wed. settled by HIAS NC. She often worked two jobs to support her brothers. She learned to roll sushi and joined Dean & Deluca. With no car, she relied on the buses. Many times, she had to walk from her apartment on Idlewild and Monroe Roads to Phillips Place to work. She worked also as an inter preter. Three years after applying for Kung to join her, she heard that he would arrive sometime in 2010. Now a case aide for HIAS NC, Rebecca prepared to renew their vows in Charlotte and have the wedding she never had in Malaysia. It was as if they had never been apart, they said. Kung said Rebecca has not changed; she was just as independent and self-suffi- cient as she was when he met her She says, with a big smile, “I for get to need him.” HIAS NC helps to create small miracles. In addition to volunteer ing to help or to adopt a refugee family, HIAS asks that you con sider a cash donation to support its work. HIAS NC is always in need of furniture and housewares donations. Phone 704-535-8803 or e-mail Ellen.dubin@hias.org to schedule a pick up for larger items or to make a donation. ^ Support Local Business CAROLINA MARKING DEVICES, INC. Over 50 Years Serving Charlotte 3405 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28232 Tel: 704-525-7600 Fax: 704-525-7187 PERMA STAMPS, RUBBER STAMPS, NOTARY & CORPORATE SEALS, SIGNS, BANNERS, MAGNETIC SIGNS, and more... Adt! Shapiro Jeffrey Shapiro eonrwMon dm ewi^k ^ontmuruiy^,, www.mattimovescharlottexom Whether cross town or across the country, let ine be the Real Estate, ^ent to help you move into the home of your dreams. I have a proven record of results since 1985 in assisting people buy and sell their hoines. Callfor a personal relocation package! Ordan Reider Specializing In Service Since 19S5! 704M9.6m 0^ 704.904.7250 music are sold and enjoyed nationwide. Klezmer music has been described as having a laugh in it and a tear in it. The sound of the wailing clarinet and the acoustics of the accordion, are sta ple instruments for good Klezmer. Add to this combo other instru ments and a singer, too, and you have a fantastic concert that you must attend. In addition to music and dance there will be activities for children to enjoy, such as a bounce house and a giant slide. For the shopper, you must stroll through the shuk area. Vendors will be selling Judaica from specialty food to art. Come hungry, because the food will be mouth watering! The caterer promises a Jewish gasfro- nomical experience. If you can’t park at the park, off sight parking is available with bus fransportation provided. Follow the signs and hosts will be there to guide you. Sunday, August 29, 2010 Noon to 5 PM Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius ARE YOU PREPARED FOR LONG TERM CARE? Find Out ► ♦ What long term care is and why you and your loved ones are at high risk for needing care at home or in a facility. ♦ Why the limited benefits from Government (Medicare or Medicaid) are not a good choice for your long term care needs. ♦ At what age should you consider buying long term care insurance. You will be surprised to know why and how buying at a younger age is better for you. If you don’t want to put the burden of long term care on your family then contact me for alternative solutions. Milton Goldstein, CLTC Certified Long Term Care Specialist Charlotte, NC: (704) 442-5618 Birmingham, AL: (205) 907-0670 E-mail: miltgold@bellsouth.net Visit my Web Site: www.goldsteinitc.com ib
The Charlotte Jewish News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Aug. 1, 2010, edition 1
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