This is me on the left. I was photographed with my army friend, first sergeant of our platoon Anatoliy Yevdokimov. I sent this picture to my future wife, Dora Lifshiz in Minsk, where she was studying, as a memory. This photo was taken in Termez in 1955.

After finishing school, I entered the Finance and Economics College in Minsk. After my first year there I was drafted into the army. I was entitled to continue my studies after my mandatory service in the army. I served in Termez in Uzbekistan, at the Soviet-Afghan border.

My supervisors favored me. There were no complaints or demonstrations of antisemitism during my service. I joined the party in 1955 and went to study at the evening school of the party. I was elected a member of the regiment party committee.

In 1956 I was granted a month’s leave and went to Slutsk. I got married during this leave, and I returned to my unit as a married man.