This week in the city of Volzhsky, Jewish leaders met with city’s Mayor Igor Voronin. The Jewish community was represented by Rabbi Ariel Triger, a Chabad Shliach serving in the region, and Chairman Garry Tarlovskiy. This was the very first meeting to have taken place between the Mayor and Rabbi Triger.

The conversation covered several different themes, including the development and daily life of the local Jewish community, and the possibilities for collaboration between the Jewish community and the City Administration. Other important issues discussed were the possibility for the Jewish community to obtain a plot of land and a whole series of activities initiated by the community in aims of strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations in the region.

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor pledged his support for these and other initiatives being undertaken by the Jewish community of Volzhsky and stated that he would assist in whatever way possible to ensure the community’s continued progress.

Located in Russia’s Volga Region, it was not long ago that this city of 311,000 welcomed its new rabbi. With significant support from the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, the Ohr Avner Foundation and the Rohr Foundation, this community is now undergoing a genuine revitalization.

(Source: FJC)