Local

Political changes in the USSR at the end of 1980s coincided with a revival of ethnic minorities' activities. At that time Jewish Cultural Societies were organized in the main cities of Moldova. In 1991, a Decree regarding the development of Jewish culture and needs of the Jewish population (first and unique in the FSU) was signed by the President of Moldova. Now there are several organizations that embrace all the country by its activities.

The Moldova Jewish Congress. In June 2003, under the initiative of a group of Jewish business people, the Moldova Jewish Congress was formed. The Congress proclaimed its primary tasks: development of the local Jewish community, representing its political, economic, social and other interests, support of welfare and cultural projects, Jewish tradition. In May 2006 Alexander Bilinkis was elected MJC President.

The Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities of Moldova founded in 1989 and led by Alexander Bilinkis and Alexander Pinchevsky consolidates Republican Societies of Ghetto and Concentration Camp Survivors, War Veterans, Jewish Women, Refugees, etc., and also local urban Jewish Communities. In 2003, Moldovan Jewish Congress entered the Association as a collective member.

"Dor le Dor". At the end of 2002, another group of Jewish business people created a charity fund "Dor le Dor" (http://www.dorledor.info). The goal of the organization is taking care of the Jewish cemeteries in Moldova. "Dor le Dor" is the founder of Evreiskoe Mestechko (‘Jewish Shtetl') newspaper that has a circulation of more than 900 copies. Daniel Gittenstein is the chairperson of the fund.

Buhara and Caucasian Jews Community "Juhur" established in 2002, unites about 100 people and expresses the interests of this group of Jews. The Community takes part in all-republican events and Jewish holidays. The head of the Community is S. Hanukaev.

Since January, 2004, the Center of Training and Professional Development and the "NES" Jewish Family Service operate in Moldova.

The Center of Training and Professional Development (CTPD) functioned as, first, AJJDC's training department (founded in 1996) and, then, the Jewish Communal and Welfare Workers’ Institute. Now the Center works as a community organization that provides high-qualified training for the various community structures. The Center develops and runs training programs for professionals and volunteers of welfare and community structures. Participants discuss strategy and planning issues, share their experiences and respond to challenges. Some of the seminars are organized with the assistance of specialists from the United States and Israel. Galina Kageris is Director of CTPD.

The Jewish Family Service "NES". The goal of the Jewish Family Service is to become a link between the needs of the Jewish families and the organizations capable of satisfying them. It is trying to develop a more holistic approach and help them "see the bigger picture" with the assistance of the caseworkers network. Galina Foka is the Director of the JFS.

Foreign

In Moldova there are also representations of some foreign Jewish organizations functioning: the Israeli Consulate, Israeli Cultural Center, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Office, Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT.

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Office in Moldova is a subdivision of AJJDC http://www.jdc.org. The main goal of JDC's activities is rendering help to the local Jewish communities and organizations throughout the world. In FSU JDC's top-priorities are:
• Welfare programs for the needy, disabled, Nazi victims, and Righteous citizens
• Renewal programs (Community centers, Hillel Youth Club, Family programs, etc.)
• Jewish community development (training, strategic planning, establishing Jewish Campuses)

Having received a green light from the Moldovan authorities to develop a whole range of programs, the JDC opened an office in Kishinev in 1993. Beginning with 1993 the JDC created and facilitated the development of a number of social, educational and cultural programs, such as: JCCs and Jewish Welfare Centers in five towns, "Hava" Jewish women's organization, Jewish schools, veterans' and survivors' organizations, Judaic department in the Academy of Sciences, etc. Thanks to the JDC support more than 6,000 needy people receive welfare services and around 12,000 have the possibility to get Jewish education, read and learn about Jewish history and tradition, participate in sport, art and other cultural activities. Several dozens of people received professional and leadership training in Moldova, Israel, the FSU, and the USA. Mickey Katsif is AJJDC Branch in Moldova Director. Contact information: Phone (+373-22) 496716 e-mail office @ jdc. org. md

The Israeli Consulate represents the State of Israel in Moldova and executes diplomatic and consular functions. It is subordinate to the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine and Moldova located in Kiev. Bella Goldenberg is the 1st Secretary of the Embassy working in Moldova.

The Israeli Cultural Center provides information about Israel and its culture. It supports some programs (youth club, Hebrew classes, musical programs, computer classes, etc). Alex Goldenberg is the Director of the Center.

The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) http://www.sohnut.md assists people who make aliah as well as supports some cultural and youth programs (Hebrew ulpan, Open University, youth club, summer camps, Jewish schools, etc.) Paula Lam-Haim heads the Representative Office of JAFI in Moldova.

World ORT (http://www.ort.org), Department of Education and Council of Israel in Moldova signed a three-party agreement and according to this agreement ORT created a Technological Center (TC) in Kishinev based in school #22.
The ORT TC Kishinev (http://www.ort.md), headed by Vitaly Kirilov, consists of two IT laboratories, a technology lab, a resource center, a network center and a mediateca. More than 50 modern computers provide students and teachers with an access to information resources both of school network and Internet resources. Contact information: Phone (+373-22) 245307 e-mail