After suffering religious persecution under an oppressive Russian regime in the early 80's, Maria's family decided it was time to pursue the journey to freedom and move to America. 

 

On the day of her departure, she also found out a long held family secret. Maria was jewish.  In Russia, being jewish meant that you were subjected 

to various forms of oppression that included being silent about their faith, not practicing rituals or celebrating holidays, and at its worst being kidnapped and disappearing without a trace. 

 

For Maria, her family is one of the fortunate ones. 

 

This is her story.