The Jewish community in Moldova is reawakening: "An event that happens once in a lifetime"
The Chief Rabbi of Israel met in Chisinau with the chairman of the Jewish community, Alex Blitski, on the occasion of the inauguration of the new Chief Rabbi of Moldova, Menachem Mendel Axelrod. The two discussed the flourishing of Jewish life, the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust, and the establishment of the first Jewish museum in the country.
In an emotional meeting held on Wednesday, Alex Blitski, chairman of the Jewish community in Moldova, hosted the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Ber, who arrived for the inauguration of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod, the new Chief Rabbi of Moldova.
The meeting, described by participants as a historic event "that happens once in a lifetime," provided an in-depth look at the renewed flourishing of the local Jewish community, alongside the challenges of the past and the future.
At the beginning of the conversation, Blitski recalled the early days of his tenure:
"When I became chairman of the community, only one synagogue operated here — the Hovevei synagogue. Today there are four synagogues in Chisinau, and spiritual life is in constant ascent."
Blitski emphasized his vision to ensure that every Jew living in Moldova finds their way to the community and tradition. According to him, the community currently numbers about 15,000 people and operates in ten different urban centers across the country. This extensive activity is made possible thanks to close cooperation with local Chabad rabbis and dedicated emissaries.
The community infrastructure today includes a Jewish library, a community center, two schools, two kindergartens, and four active synagogues, which provide residents with a sense of security and belonging.
Preserving historical memory
Alongside community development, the discussion touched on one of the most painful issues for local Jews — the destruction of the community during World War II. Blitski noted that over 300,000 Jews were murdered in the Holocaust in Moldova, emphasizing that massacres took place in almost every city in the country.
"This is a deep scar in the memory of a small community that was almost completely erased," he said.
As part of efforts to preserve historical memory, over 30 monuments and memorial sites have been established across the country in the last 30 years. Now, one of the main goals of the community leadership is the establishment of the first official Jewish museum in Moldova, which will commemorate both the glory of the past and the memory of the victims.
During the meeting, the importance of unity and joint work between the various community institutions was emphasized. Participants praised the fruitful cooperation that characterizes the community in Chisinau, which serves as a model for many Jewish communities worldwide.
The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Ber, expressed his deep appreciation for the extensive activity, the strengthening of ties with the State of Israel, and the dedication of the community leadership. The visit concluded with a shared hope for the continued development of educational, cultural, and religious institutions in Moldova.
