Lev Gunin - Humanitarian & Compassionate Cases
IMM Second Additional Document [refers to the
form 5283 (02-98) E]
Exceptional contribution, which Gunins could bring to Canadian cultural
heritage
REFERS TO
REASONS
ADJUSTMENT TO SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION HUMANITARIAN & COMPASSIONATE
CASES
Grounds for Exemption - Adjustment to Paragraphs A and B
Three members of Applicants' family can bring an exceptional contribution
into Canadian cultural heritage.
1. Mr. L. Gunin is a productive musical composer, journalist, historian,
poet, writer, and amateur photographer. He is also an advance computer
designer and HTML programmer.
Mr. Lev GUNIN is an editor of two non-commercial Montreal-based newspapers:
in Polish and in Russian languages. He is an owner and editor of 11 web
sited on Internet; 7 of them are E-Zines. His newspapers and E-Zines became
wide known among International Internet community. People submitted him
tenth of mails and thousands of E-mails. They expressed their interest
and approval. His creative works in Russian (poetry and prose) became known
on faculties of Russian Literature in a number of universities, for example,
in Gomel University (Belarus) or Moscow State University (Russia). A number
of famous personalities like a famous Russian writer Vladimir Batchev or
poet Andrei Voznesensky spoke with warmth about L.Gunin's poetry. Mr. Josef
Brodsky, Noble Prize-winner, has marked his poetry as unusual and sophisticated.
Mr. Gunin's essays were published in huge number in Belarus, Russia, Israel,
Germany, France, Poland, and Canada. Interviews with him were published
by the leading Russian newspaper "Vesti" in Israel (1994) and by the Radio
"Russian Aliance" in Montreal, Canada (1998). World-famous writer and scenario
creator, author of the famous American movie "Hostages", Mr. Grigory Svirski,
citizen of Canada, gave the highest approval to L. Gunin's creative and
social activity. Gunin's prose and poetry were added to the most complete
and famous electronic Russian libraries (Alex Farber & Maxim Moshkov's
library, for example).
Mr. Gunin is an author of numerous contemporary compositions for piano,
orchestra, choral, instrumental duets, trios, etc., and also electronic
music and songs in jazz, pop and rock styles. In Montreal he took part
in a number of music festivals, concerts, and other types of musical activity.
During his Montreal's life period he released several musical albums with
other musicians and poets - both immigrants and Canadian citizens. He created
several songs with relatively well-known Montreal poet Miguel Lamiel. His
music was placed on Internet. He participated in so many musical events
that they hardly could be listed. Mr. Gunin is a member of Montreal-based
Saint-Lawrence choral (the leading in Quebec) and Union Des Artist.
Mr. Gunin is a known human rights activist, recognised by many informal
human rights groups all over the world. He maintains contacts with the
leading human rights organisations.
Mr. Gunin's works about the history of Belarus were approved by all
leading professional historians in Belarus, including A. Gritzkievich,
A. Tarasov, O.Dadiomova, V. Posse, etc. His work "BOBRUYSK" is a unique
monograph of that kind among the books about Belorusian cities.
He is also an author of works in music history, musicology, theory of
music, counterpoint, art, and culture. He is an author of a number of philosophical
essays and works in political science.
As an amateur photographer he has a fresh, colourful and original style.
Mr Gunin is an advanced amateur computer technician, designer and HTML
programmer.
He is also an amateur architect.
All about mentioned information is supported by documents, referrals,
photos, diplomas, certificates, etc. This supplementary information evaluates
each sphere of Mr. Gunin's activity separately, and could be divided on
next parts:
1) Music plus works in musicology
2) Poetry
3) Prose
4) Journalism
5) Works in history
6) Computer skills + HTML programming
This 6 groups of documents will be submitted 1-2 days later or could
be presented on your request.
One can ask: Why - if he is so talented - we never heard about him?
This is because in the former USSR Lev was seriously persecuted (read
over folder Applicants, document 2), his creative works were not compatible
with the communist ideology - and therefore could not be officially presented
for publications or awards. All doors were closed before him, and his carrier
was broken in advance.
Could he make his carrier in Israel - country, where he never wished
to go and where he was taken by force; country, which he criticised long
before he was taken there? (See: Applicants, Documents 1, 2, etc.). Of
course, not!
In Israel he was also widely persecuted. He was not permitted to work
in his profession; even an employment authorisation was refused him: formally
an Israeli citizen! Newspapers in Israel called him "an enemy"; Israeli
State radio called him "an enemy"! (See other documents). He could not
advance in his attempts to be treated like other people (see attached documents)...
Now, in Canada... In spite of the pressure of his tragic immigration
situation, uncertain status, time and money-consuming fight for not to
be removed from Canada, time-consuming self-training to polish his French
and English, French course, low social status related to his immigration
situation, hardness of accommodation period, and myriad of other obstacles,
Canada became the first country in his life, where he is little by little
- but advancing. For almost 4 years in Montreal (taking in consideration
his unstable immigration situation) his achievements are just great! You
can learn more about them in supplementary information (see the bottom
of the previous page).
There is another part of Mr. Gunin's activity, which is hidden and not
so evidently impressive among his achievements, but - in the same time
- is very important and means a breakthrough for him. This activity could
play a role of his achievements or substitute them in some cases, or explain
why more impressive results can be predicted because of next reasons:
a) He was and is still restoring some of his manuscripts, confiscated
by the former Soviet or by the Israeli authorities.
b) Before showing his musical or literacy works to potential publishers,
managers or sponsors he had to make them readable, retype, print and fold
them, make musical records in professional recording studios, what he did
during 3 years. This process is almost finished by now.
c) It took time also to meet important people and find other musicians
with whom he could record his music.
d) To do that all and to avoid ignorance in creative people' environment,
to keep himself technically updated, he had to buy (or get as an offer)
expensive equipment, which he could not get just instantly. By now the
most important part of such equipment has been purchased or obtained.
e) Typing, retyping, scanning, printing hundreds of pages, making professional
recordings, translating if necessary, and creating musical arrangements
was a long, money- and time-consuming process, but it was absolutely necessary
for preparation of a potential future success.
f) Editing and preparing his works for presentations, Lev Gunin did
a huge, monumental job in relatively unfavourable situation.
In spite of his hard attempts and his present achievements he can not
complete and persuade his goals without any stable status in Canada.
By these 6 above-placed paragraphs ("a" - "f") we wanted to show that
he is not just a talented person but also a hard worker; and he did maximum
of the possible in his situation to gain success, and deserves to be given
a chance to make society benefiting from his talents.
It would be absolutely unfair if such a person will be removed from
Canada as if he was an ordinary person without any creativity and without
monumental creative goals...
The former Soviet Union was a classical totalitarian power. This power
took away Lev Gunin's future, prevented the society from benefiting from
his talents, and made his life tragic and unbearable. An evil force sent
him to another country: where he did not want to go and where the verdict
against him, taken once by the Soviet authorities, was confirmed. It is
not in the best interests of Canada to maintain the consequences of what
one of the most brutal regimes in History did to this man. It would be
a tragic mistake if Canada will manifest support to a former brutal regime's
decision and will regenerate in time the destructive effect to Lev Gunin's
life, which was originally generated by the former totalitarian regime.
Will Lev Gunin become a famous musical composer or a poet, will he
concentrate on literature or on history, will his creativity been targeting
just his closely friendship environment; will he get a professional job
in music or will work as a volunteer on the amateur scale (as a member
of a choral or an instrumental group), the society will benefit from his
creativity anyway.
We were not committed here to discuss social mechanisms, which put up
one talented person to the top of success, and another one, may be, more
talented, don't. We are not here to analyse why J. S. Bach, V. A. Mozart,
F. Schubert, Van Gogh, and other genius, died in poverty and obscurity.
But we know that the society benefited from their talents even without
recognising their creative superiority. In the same way it might benefit
from Lev Gunin's creativity if he would be left alone, out of the threat
of deportation.
We strongly believe that the rejection of his refugee claim came as
the result of extreme generalisation, partiality and was generated by the
influence of the state of Israel. It is in the interests of justice to
let him stay in Canada.
2. Alla Gunin is a creative and hard-working person, reliable and honest.
During all years of persecution, instability, sometimes financial
difficulties, and threat of deportation - during the last 4 years, she
always was with her family, with her husband and children. In spite of
her deep depression, caused of the immigrations situation, she gave all
her love, her creativity, and her support to her husband and children.
I don't know any other example, when in similar situation, which
could be compared for that poor family with the war-time, another woman
did so much for her love ones! Gunins children's excellent performance
in that tragic, drastic situation could be explained not only by their
father's participation in their education, but by their mother's creativity
and love.
3. Ina Gunin is a perspective talented musician, music and storywriter.
From her very young age Ina Gunin was a gifted and promising musician,
good in both instrumental and theoretical spheres. She is an advanced for
her age piano player (certificates and other documents are enclosed), a
flute player, a member of F.A.C.E. Junior Tremble choir, conducted by well-known
Erica Phar, and another choir, conducted by Mr. Yvon Edwards. Ina is also
a young musical composer, and a good theoretician.
When she was just 4 years old, Ina started to create tales and stories.
Now she is an advanced storywriter. She has written tenth of them in French
and in English.
All necessary documents are enclosed.
(Some of them might be submitted in an additional envelops).
4. M. G. is a talented ballerina, recognised by all ballet teachers
as an exceptionally talented young ballerina, may be just one of 2-3 in
Canada. She was chosen by the National Ballet of Canada among many other
children as the one of the most talented.
M. is a gifted ballerina. She is dancing from 4 years old. She has
good skills and abilities, good physical form, esthetical and rhythmical
feeling - and she is very nice in movements and in everything she is doing.
The director of the National Ballet educational department M-me Bishop
recognised M. as an extremely talented person.
All M's ballet teachers predict her a great future. She already
participated in several big performances in several theatres, including
Jean-Mance theatre, Clark Theatre, and she must participate in the big
"Nutcracker" (ballet) Christmas performance.
M. is also a storywriter, a musician and an amateur young musical
composer.
All necessary documents are enclosed.
(Some of them might be submitted in an additional envelops).
Gunins are a peaceful, harmonically-established, honest family. The
both adults are working. What will gain Canada by deporting such nice people?
As far as I see it is impossible for them to apply for immigration from
outside Canada, and it must be obvious for everybody. They suffered so
much... much more then any other family on Earth. Maybe, it is enough to
torment them? Try to imagine yourself, your children, your love ones on
their places! If Humanity and Compassion is not for them, for whom then?!
Sincerely,
Anna-Maria Augestat,
Canadian Citizen
Tel. (450) 923-2967
( ! ) Brochures, prospects, photos, diplomas, memos, referral letters,
albums, and material evidences of GUNINS' participation in Montreal's cultural
life are so numerous, that most of them might be presented during the time
of an interview
LIST OF PHOTOS
(BOBRUISK, 1974 - 1991)
1. Lev GUNIN with rock-group "Karasi".
This rock-group performed in various places. They played their own
compositions, including L. Gunin's. They worked sometimes for Moscow and
Kostroma philarmonies, but mostly performed in Myshkovichi, an entertainment
center near Bobruisk (1982 - 1987). They had the most advanced by that
time musical instruments (keyboards, guitars, drums) and equipment. A disc
was released.
2. Lev GUNIN in Myshkovichi (see the previous paragraph).
3. Lev GUNIN with rock-group "Duration"
(he's sitting in front of that group's singer, 1988).
.
4. Lev GUNIN in Lenin plant club, with the club's rock-group. 1977.
.
5. Lev GUNIN with his group "Waterfall"
He performed with that group in 1976 - 1987, parallel with other groups.
It was his main group. They played popular songs as well as Gunin's compositions.
.
6. The group of students of the Music College in Brest (Belarus), theoretical
faculty, with their teacher, Irina Morikh. Among them - Lev GUNIN. 1974.
.
7. Rock-group "Iles" from Hungary, once very popular in Eastern Europe.
Lev Gunin happened to substitute their keybordist.
.
8. With that group Lev GUNIN played on marriages, parties, birthday
parties, restaurants, etc.
.
9. L. GUNIN is the teacher, composer, artistic director for 3 rock-groups
of young musicians. One of these groups.
.
10. Touring over Belorusian villages with an amateur rock-group.
.
11. The same tour as "10".
12. Members of "Raduga" rock-group, who played for the Management
of the restaurants of Bobruisk-city. L.Gunin among them. 1991.
13. The same as "8".
14, 15. L. GUNIN is the teacher, composer, artistic director for 3 rock-groups
of young musicians. Two of these groups.
16. Playing with the group "Raduga" (see paragraph 12).
DOCUMENTS' CHECKLIST - 2
MAIN ENVELOPE (ENVELOPE NUMBER 1)
1. Request For Exemption From Immigrant Visa Requirement (application
form IMM 5001)
2. 3 copies of above mentioned form
3. Additional Sheet Of Paper With Jobs Listed (refers to IMM 5001 form,
p.3, section "G")
4. 3 copies of above mentioned sheet
5. Explanations (refers to Additional Sheet Of Paper With Jobs Listed:
see point 3)
6. Supplementary Information (IMM 5283) form
7. 3 copies of above mentioned form (see point 6)
8. A copy of the Federal Court's decision ("Ordonnance")
9. Authorization by applicant (his spouse) for release of police certificates/clearances
10. Identity documents, issued for the members of family GUNIN by Immigration
Canada and Quebec's Immigration: 11 documents
11. Copies of the last salary checks for Lev and Alla Gunin as evidences
of their employment
12. Official Immigration Canada DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
13. REASONS (Adjustments to Supplementary Information (refers to IMM5283
form). 12 pages.
14. Exceptional Contribution GUNINS Can Bring to Canadian Cultural
Heritage
15. Copies of 3 letters to UN High Commissioner of Refugees Mrs. Kim
Mancini (14 pages)
16. Motion of extension of time (5 pages): refers to REASONS: see point
10
17. My final word
18. Folder "PASSPORTS, BIRTHDAY CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS":
10 DOCUMENTS
SUPPLEMENTARY ENVELOPE (ENVELOPE NUMBER 2)
1. Control copy of IMM 5001 and 5283 application forms (to show what
applicant they belong to)
2. Folder "APPLICANTS": 7 main documents, 11 total, which must show
that the applicants can not go outside Canada, that they were exposed by
IRB to an additional danger, and faced deep psychological traumas because
of the way they were treated by IRB, and their health or even lives might
be completely destroyed
3. Folder "SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS-2"
a) folder "Administrative Pressure" (67 documents, which show that
before coming to Canada applicants were under excessive administrative
pressure: they were refused full employment authorization and welfare in
the same time; tax exemption, diplomas equivalent and professional courses,
which were obvious for all new comers, registration with the state labor
exchange; the departure authorization - permit to leave the country - was
given only after 3,5 years, and so on. This pressure will never give them
any possibility to apply for immigrant visa from outside Canada)
b) sub-folder "Medical" (24 documents, 31 pages show that even the
threat of the removal from Canada itself already slowly damaging their
health, and the eventual real removal will finish their lives tragically)
4. Folder "REFERENCES"
sub-folders:
a) Lev GUNIN (46 + 22 documents)
b) I. G. (16 documents)
c) M. G. (9 documents)
All documents refer to "Exceptional contribution GUNINS can bring..."
EXPLAINATION
DEAR HUMANITARIAN & COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS DIVISION OFFICER!
I had two affidavits from refugee claimants families who (one of them)
was removed from Canada, and another one left after they were refused.
Both of them were linked with the movement for Russian speaking people
rights in Israel. In the first family the International ("foreign" as Russian
speaking people call it) passport was confiscated from their single son
(27 years old) when they came to extend their expired passports. The confiscation
was related to their refugee claim in Canada. Passports were confiscated
from the members of another family right in the airport.
Because the member of IRB, assigned to our file, Mrs. Malka, contacted
Israeli embassy and denounced our refugee claim, I don't feel secure to
any information, submitted to Immigration Canada. This is why I have no
rights to put security of people, who submitted me their affidavits, in
danger. And this is why I decided finally not to reveal them to you. I
live it for your consciousness to believe or not to believe me. I am an
idealist, probably, a naive man. I still believe in goodness and in consciousness,
and hope that in spite of a potential pressure from the state of Israel,
or, rather, from the public opinion in your working environment or/and
from your supervisors, you could act according to your consciousness.
You can also go to next web sites for find out more about administrative
terror in Israel against Russian speaking people:
