Museum of history of Jews opens in Grodno

GRODNO, 25 May (BelTA) – The museum of the history of Jews opened in Belarus’ oldest synagogue in Grodno, BelTA has learnt. The museum of the history of Jews in Grodno was created by a group of Grodno entrepreneurs “Museum at Troitskaya”. It contains exhibits of the Jewish history and culture. The museum visitors will be able to learn how the Jews lived in Grodno, what trades they were engaged in, starting from the 12th century to the present day. Part of the exhibits is CDs with movies, photos of the old Grodno, biographies of famous Jewish - natives of Grodno, and many more. The museum also has a collection of materials on Grodno residents who risked their lives to save Jews. The founders of the museum have addressed the natives of Grodno, who live in Belarus and abroad to contribute to collections of exhibits. People were offered to bring old photos, letters, documents, memorabilia, prayer books, and works of art. It is possible that someone will want to tell the story of their family. Particularly valuable is the information about the history of the Grodno ghetto and its prisoners. As reported by the Director of the Museum Beniamin Eruzalim, people have actively responded to the request. Information is coming from various countries. The museum was inaugurated prior to the opening of the 9th nationwide festival of national cultures, which guests will be able to familiarize themselves with the museum exhibits. Business community of Grodno is also raising funds for the restoration of the synagogue which was significantly damaged and in need of renovations. It is expected to house the community center for the Jews of the city and the region. The center will also include a soup kitchen, kindergarten, library, computer room, and also a canteen with kosher menu, Mikvah, offices, classrooms and a conference room. The Grodno synagogue is the oldest functioning synagogue in the CIS and one of the most unusual and most beautiful synagogues in Europe. This temple was built by Italian architect Santi Gucci in 1578. The building was burned down twice and restored back. The existing building of the synagogue was built by Ilya Frunkin in 1902 -1905 in the Mauritanian style and retained the features of Italian architecture. During the German occupation of Grodno the synagogue located in the heart of the Jewish ghetto was used by the Nazis as a place to gather Jews before sending them to death camps and execution. The rich interior decor of the building was severely damaged during the Great Patriotic War. During the Soviet period (1944-1991), the building was used as a warehouse. In 1991, the synagogue was returned to the Jewish religious community.

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