The Journey Over

In February 21st, 1996, my mom, her parents, and her paternal grandmother embarked on a remarkable journey from Kharkiv, Ukraine to Boston, Massachusetts, facing challenges and unexpected turns along the way. "We feared that public transport like trains and busses would not be safe for us because of how common immigrants were getting robbed at the time" reflected Julia, as she explained why her family opted for car rides from Kharkiv to Belgorod, Russia. Following their arrival to Belgorod, they would immediately get on a plane headed for Moscow, Russia, with the help of their cousin. At the International Airport in Moscow, the family faced extensive delays, spending many hours waiting for their next connection. A snowstorm altered their plans, resulting in an early landing in Syracuse, New York instead of New York City. The language barrier added another layer of complexity, leaving them puzzled about their situation. Upon arrival to the New York airport, the family met with a specialized agency that aided Jewish immigrants with settling in America. Complications arose due to the risk of losing crucial documents, underscoring the precarious nature of their journey. Finally, the trek continued to Boston from New York, where they endured a lengthy 5-hour wait aboard the plane, braving adverse weather conditions on February 23rd, 1996. This narrative encapsulates the resilience and determination woven into my mom's venture to begin a new chapter in Boston.