Kprokop
28 May 2026 #121
When we go back to the 1800s immigration from Galacia (Poland, Ukraine) - our ancestors did what they had to in order to fit the demographic that North America was looking for. Even in that time period, Canada and USA did not want Jewish immigrants. Many posed as Greek Catholic to fit in. My family claimed to be Greek Catholic, yet never practiced any Catholic religion. That church was right across the road from where we lived.And we never attended, nor did my grand parents. I always felt a connection and had a great interest in understanding the Jewish faith. Our family many generations later, still have Azkenazi physical features. My grandmother who grew up with immigrant parents, always told us she could not speak Ukrainian. We found out we were polish through naturalization records. My grandmother couldn't speak polish either. Sounds untrue to me. I'm wondering if it's possible that they spoke Yiddish? Just a theory. I have spoken to family cousins and they also felt a pull to the Jewish faith. We have brought this up with my dad's siblings that are still alive. They seem to be in denial of this. Last summer when cousins came from Portland Oregon for a visit, my aunties didn't tell me they were coming to see family. That same spring I asked them to let me know when my great uncles two daughters were coming for a visit. I feel that they are afraid of this. My grandmother spent the better part of her life being sad and depressed. They celebrated Christmas as gift giving only. There never was any religious affiliation. Seems kind of weird for family that came from the old country.