From The Peopling of New York City

Marina Leshchinsky

Marina Leshchinsky was born in Baku, Azerbaijan on December 24, 1964. Her father was an engineer, and her mother a schoolteacher. They lived in the new and industrialized part of the city. Her life there was at times difficult. Food shortages due to the failures of collective farming were prevalent. Long lines for small rations were typical.

Her family, along with all the other Jewish families experienced additional difficulties. It became exceedingly difficult for Jews to be accepted to universities. Jobs also became hard to come by. Eventually, the restrictions could no longer be tolerated, and at the age of 12, she along with her family moved to New York.

Before they came to America, their entire family had to spend the summer in Italy. America required that all immigrants from the Soviet Union receive medical screening prior to their arrival. Although, this seemed to be perfectly precautionary, it was a precursor to the prejudice of Soviet immigrants soon to come.

In accordance with Soviet policy, they did not bring any money, and came to America penniless. Her family lived in a two-bedroom apartment with another family. Language barriers made finding a job especially difficult. However, after years of schooling they somewhat adapted. However, as usually the case, her parents assimilated less than she did, primarily because of the stage of life they left in. Her father opened up a liquor store in Sheepshead Bay, but it couldn't compete with rival stores. Her father was stuck in the ways of the old country and had little idea of the behavior of American clientele. Her mother couldn't get a job at American public schools, so she and a friend started a day care for mostly immigrant children. Whether, or not that was the intention, one way or another it's what ended up happening.

Marina attended Lincoln High School. The school was large enough and afforded her a choice of friends. However, her parent's struggle in America taught her that a formal American education is the key to success. So, she spent most of her free time doing schoolwork. After graduating she went to Long Island University to become a pharmacist.