In the Soviet Union my parents weren't able to fully practice Judaism and often were discriminated against for their religion.  They immigrated to the United States to escape the hatred and antisemitism around them. What surprises me is that even though Jews were constantly mistreated, my parents never tried to hide their Jewishness. They wore stars of David on their necks, their family tried to keep certain traditions alive, and they never converted. Even though my family isn't religious and are more cultural jews, it was important to them that I have an opportunity to know my religion. This tefillin was passed down to my father from his grandfather who in turn received it from his father. During my bar-mitzvah in Israel my dad passed it down to me. I'm not the "ideal" Jew, I don't keep kosher, I only celebrate the major holidays, but in my heart I am a Jew and will make sure my children carry on the faith and culture passed down to me through many generations.

– Kevin Kemelmakher

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant