Historic Sukkah Erected in Central Chisinau Highlighting Jewish Revival
For the first time in history, a central public sukkah has been erected in Chisinau, Moldova, marking a major milestone in Jewish-local authority relations and community revival.
The autumn holidays in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, mark an unprecedented breakthrough in relations between the Jewish community and local authorities. Initiated by the "770 Chisinau" community and led by Rabbi Eliyahu Freydkin with the support of the Conference of European Rabbis, a large public sukkah was erected for the first time in the heart of the capital at the central "Zero Kilometer" landmark.
Dialogue and Tolerance in the Capital
This initiative was made possible following extensive and productive dialogue with the Chisinau Municipality and the government Agency for Interethnic Relations, headed by Veaceslav Reabcinschi. The authorities welcomed the expansion of Jewish cultural visibility in the public sphere as part of promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and combating antisemitism.
The sukkah in this symbolic location quickly became a major gathering point for passersby. Along with local community members who celebrated the holiday safely and with visible pride, visitors included numerous Israelis on roots trips and Jewish refugees from Ukraine who have found a warm home in Moldova.
"The sukkah by its very nature is not perfect, and it reminds us that even when reality around us is complex, we continue to unite, believe, and hope," noted Alex Schmidt, director of the JDC in Chisinau.
Cultural Exchange and Community Growth
Permission to set up the sukkah followed the Jewish community's success at the 25th ethno-cultural festival held under the slogan "Unity in Diversity." At the "770 Chisinau" booth, visitors included not only locals and traditional minority communities but also residents of Iranian and Syrian descent living in Moldova, who tasted holiday foods and conversed with community representatives.
Alongside holiday events, the "770 Chisinau" community continues to expand youth initiatives like "Young & Jew," engaging participants aged 12 to 37. This combination of official support, government cooperation, and continuous care positions Chisinau as a unique model of Jewish revival and tolerance in Eastern Europe.
