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The week of the Jewish culture in the framework of "We
Are Kazakhstanis" action began in Almaty October 6. This day the
directors of National Cultural Centers of Almaty city (there are 29 of
them) visited the celebration of the "Volunteer's Day". Though
this holiday is only in the calendar so far, the festival has already
become a good tradition. Every year in autumn Hesed arranges celebration
to honor free-will assistants and admit new volunteers. The guests were
impressed by the mass character of volunteering in the Jewish community.
They said they had never seen so many unselfish people ready to help others.
Azat Shaueyev, the head of akimat department on the work with the Kazakhstani
Peoples Small Assembley wished volunteers long life and sound health -
it is so important in their work. Those words uttered by the local government
representative will remain in people's memory for a long time, and a true
respect for volunteers' work was the best present for the holiday.
In the second half of the day the representatives of the
Cultural Centers gathered on a press conference in the Jewish community
center "Rimon". The president of "Mitsva" Association
Alexander Baron thanked the guests for their concern in the days
of the Jewish culture and reminded about the lasting connection between
Jews and Kazakhstani land:
"Many people do not believe that Jews appeared in Kazakhstan
in the beginning of WWII. Scientists have found documentary evidences
of the fact that in XI century there was a synagogue in Turkestan city.
So, our discussion about the history of Jews in Kazakhstan is quite reasonable."
The active work of Jewish communities proves their desire
to keep on living here in peace and friendship with other peoples. Jewish
culture takes root deeper and deeper in Kazakhstani fertile field. The
OFEK has been held here for more than six years, branches of the Jewish
library are opened in all parts; Jewish theatre, music bands, and literature
clubs are organized everywhere.
Galina Roytberg, the head of the "Association of
Jewish Communities in Kazakhstan" told the guests about the contribution
of Jewish organizations to the creation of the complete community in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstani Jews could hardly ever become so solid if there were no "Mitsva"
Association, Jewish Congress of Kazakhstan, Hesed "Polina",
the "Association of Jewish Communities in Kazakhstan", Jewish
community centers, Cultural centers,… These organizations care for every
member of the community. Their motto is "All Jews Are Responsible
for One Another".
The week of the Jewish culture in Kazakhstan is a good chance
to show the unity of the community, its intellectual and creative potential,
its readiness for self-perfection. We will be pleased if Kazakhstanis
become interested in the history, literature, Tradition of the Jews. Our
doors are always open!
Galina Goldberg
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