Euroasian Jewish News

Simona Propischyan. Photo from the ''Mitzvah" website.

Karaganda Jews Win City Literary Competition

The city of Karaganda (Kazakhstan) held a literary competition titled “No Rest for the Heart.” A book was published with works of those who won, including poetry, verses, free verse, hokku, tanka, fables, humoristic and satirical sketches, and parodies.

The presentation of the book was held in a homely atmosphere, and the authors were presented with the book and certificates.

We note with pleasure that three members of the Karaganda Jewish community were among the victors. Two of them are well-known and respected both in the community and the city: the poet Esther Pichugina-Belitskaya, and Dr. Iosif Vulfovich, Chairman of the Chesed “Breido” Board.

The third winner was Simona Propischan, who attends the younger group of students at the “Shemesh” community center. The last is truly an unexpected joy! It was Simona’s first attempt to enter the competition, and her work was immediately evaluated highly.

Irina Kozhanovskaya, the Director of the “Shemesh” Center noted that books written by the older winners are available at the Chesed library, and their poems are often read at community events. She also promised to present “No Rest for the Heart” at the community center as well, where members of the community will be glad to hear both their old-time favorite authors and the new young talent.