After WWII, Vladimir Boyarin, then a school teacher, made sure his students learned of Lenin's Jewish heritage, and the tragedy that befell most Jews and many gentiles. Although not himself Jewish, Boyarin spearheaded efforts to safeguard Lenin's 16th century Jewish cemetery and memorials to Holocaust victims.

Boyarin is 84. He is nearly deaf and his vision is dimmed, but his mind remains sharp. His wife Anna, a retired midwife, is 80.