Photojournalist to Discuss Elderly Jews in ex-Soviet Union

Photojournalist Sharon Faulkner will illustrate the plight of elderly Jews living in the former Soviet Union in a slide presentation Sunday in Costa Mesa and Leisure World.

“They are the Jews of the former Soviet Union who have been harmed physically, repeatedly, and many of them live with memories of their parents, children and siblings being slaughtered right in front of their eyes,” Faulkner said. “They live on next to nothing, they are desperately in need of medical care, but they have dignity and spirit that is unlike anything I have ever seen.”

To document the terrible conditions, Faulkner spent two summers roaming the back roads and alleyways of the struggling area.

In Costa Mesa, Faulkner will speak at 10 a.m. at the Jewish Federation Campus, at 250 E. Baker St. An $18 admission at the door includes brunch.

Later, at 2 p.m., participants also may attend her free presentation at The Towers in Leisure World, 24055 Paseo del Lago West. Reservations, which are required, may be made at (714) 755-5555.