Successful Immigrant Experience in Vancouver

"My dream is to bring my parents here," says Ukrainian-born Karmin (Kostya) Belkin.

Longing for a closer connection with his mishpocha, Karmin is planting his family roots in Vancouver.  The success is evident.  "We have a good profession, good friends and have a lot of support from the staff at the JFSA", says his wife, Avital.

Interviewed in their Richmond townhouse, Karmin and Avital are models of success in integration.  In 2004 the couple arrived with their two children - Daniel 121/2 years old and Eden 41/2 years old.  They also came with a profession - both are nurses.  Karmin found employment as an emergency room nurse at St. Paul's hospital and Avital, a dialysis nurse at Richmond Dialysis Centre.

Avital brings with her another talent, moonlighting as a clown and delighting both young and old in the Vancouver Jewish Community.  She was the main attraction at the last summer newcomers' picnic.  The event was a part of the Jewish Integration Council of Greater Vancouver social/cultural programming.

Its been a long journey to success, sowed with patience and due diligence.

                                                                           Avital in Costume