New Synagogue Opened in Zaporizhia

On January 11, a new synagogue was opened in the eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia. It was given a name Hiimat-Roza in honor of the mother sponsors who financed the construction.

Religion.in.ua reported with reference to Reporter that the opening event was attended by Chief Rabbi of Israel Shlomo Amar, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar, Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Reuven Dinel, and outstanding residents of Zaporizhia, such as its former resident, Yan Tabachnyk and a member of KVN, Ruslan Tupylko.

According to the Director of the charitable foundation Jewish Community of Zaporizhia Region, Illia Herhel, who directed the construction of the synagogue, in accordance with the main design of the architectural project, the building was to imitate as much as possible the exterior of the Jerusalem Temple which was the center of the religious life of the Jewish people from the 10th century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. The synagogue was designed by an Israeli architect, Aron Ostreicher who, designed and built about 180 synagogues all over the world. He also reconstructed a large number of them all over Ukraine.

The first cornerstone of the foundation was laid on January 26, 2005, and the first prayer was conducted there on January 12, 2012.

In addition to the synagogue, the building of the Jewish National Educational Center will also house a youth club and a club for elderly people.