FSU Jewish Pupils Compete in Darkeinu “Olympics”
An exciting extra-curricular academic challenge was launched in Jewish schools across the FSU – the first round of Darkeinu “Olympics” 2017, an annual contest determining the champions of Jewish studies in the region. The contest, which includes three rounds and participation prizes, aims to stimulate interest in the subject and raise its prestige in countries […]
Russian Prime Minister Visits Jewish Museum
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited FJC’s Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow last week, ahead of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. During the visit Mr. Medvedev toured the museum’s exposition, accompanied by chief rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and FJC Russia president Alexander Boroda, and then held an official press-conference. “Anti-semitism has to […]
FSU’s Jewish Communities Remember Holocaust Victims
Last Friday FJC communities across the FSU came together to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with memorial events taking place in almost every one of the Federation’s 100 larger communities. The region’s youth programs also actively participated in the commemorations. One of the central events in Russia is the candle lighting ceremony in Moscow’s […]
The Gift of New Clothes for FSU’s Neediest Children
This Chanukah, 5,000 needy Jewish children across Russia and Ukraine were once again the recipients of clothing gift certificates, a joint initiative of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS (FJC), the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein and the Gloria Jeans clothing franchise. The gift-card certificates are […]
Two New Synagogues open in Ukrainian Prisons
The FJC of Ukraine opened two new synagogues in Ukrainian penitentiaries last month, one in Kharkov and one in Vinnitsa. The facilities will also serve as Jewish centers allowing inmates to come in contact with their heritage and learn more. Over 200 Jews are estimated to be currently held in Ukrainian prisons, while about seven […]
EnerJew Grand Seminar in Kiev Inspires Enthusiasm
EnerJew – FSU’s Jewish youth movement, hosted the “Grand Shabbaton South” seminar in Kiev, Ukraine last week. Over 115 teenagers from 12 cities in four countries – Estonia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine – participated. For some cities this was their first major event since joining the movement in September, and they left infused with enthusiasm, […]
Israeli Knesset Speaker Visits Estonia Jewish Community
The Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Mr. Yuli Edelstein, visited the Jewish community in Tallinn, Estonia last Thursday as part of his official country visit. Edelstein visited Tallinn’s Grand synagogue and was welcomed by the members of the local community and dignitaries – a meeting that developed into an intimate conversation. “Edelstein’s visit was a huge […]
Jewish Students in Russia Find Miracles in Their Past
It’s a miracle that 70 years of Communist rule did not wipe out completely the roots of Jewish life and identity in a region where today a young generation of proud Jews is growing up. So thought the coordinators of FJC’s YAHAD programs platform, when they launched the project “Miracle Jews” over Chanukah. The project, […]
Israeli President Visits FJC Jewish Community of Tbilisi
The President of Israel Mr. Reuven Rivlin visited FJC’s community in Tbilisi, Georgia yesterday, as part of a two-day official visit to the country. He met with FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ school and kindergarten children, danced with them in Tbilisi’s ancient synagogue and addressed community members. In the meeting, President Rivlin remarked on the long history […]
7th Annual Great Winter Shabbaton in Ulyanovsk
Ulyanovsk’s Jewish community, hosted last week their annual communal Shabbaton, inviting over 80 locals to participate in two intense days of learning, bonding and celebrating. The event took place in a hotel in nearby town of Dimitrovgrad, where additional participants joined the group after Shabbat for a Chanukah party. This year was the seventh year the community […]