President Shimon Peres, who is on an official visit to Russia, inaugurated the Jewish Museum of Tolerance on Thursday in the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The festive ceremony began with speeches by Minister Lavrov, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and Rabbi Alexander Boroda, who runs the local Chabad House and was one of the project’s initiators.
President Peres’ address was long and emotionally moving.
“At this emotional moment I can see generations of my people before my very eyes and I carry them with me,” the president said. “My parents were born in Russia. In my home we spoke Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian.”
From Genesis to USSR downfall
The cost of the museum is estimated at $60 million, and its sponsors include the World Zionist Congress and American businessman Ronald Lauder.
The idea to establish a museum of tolerance in Russia was supported by President Vladimir Putin, who even suggested donating his monthly salary for the project.
The museum includes an interactive center with a variety of changing exhibitions, a scientific center, a children’s center, and a modern arts center.
The area dedicated to the history of the Jewish people covers 4,500 square meters (48,450 square feet), with the historical axis starting with the Genesis creation narrative through the movement of Jews and Jewish communities across the world, to the two world wars and the downfall of the Soviet Union.
In his speech, Peres thanked Russia for supporting the establishment of the State of Israel, adding that “the diplomatic, economic and scientific ties have been strengthened with unique cultural relations between us. Russian culture flows through Israel’s veins and Jewish culture is intertwined in Russia’s culture.”
The president concluded by saying that “there is no other museum in the world which reflects history unlike any other.”
Where were the photos of Odessa,my mom’s family was wiped out of existance after the 1st WW?
Is there no record of all those mention?
I don’t know when I will ever get to see the museum… although it is an amazing sight to behold and wish I too could take the tour.
I do have a suggestion, in my humble opinion, there should be English explanations for every exhibit. People from around the world will want to view the museum, and most everyone knows English, but i don’t know how many will be able to tour the museum without a guide of some sort to explain everything.
Gr8 work!!
Mazal Tov!!
To rabbi lazar
From his sister!!
I remeber your days in Crown Heights at the F.R.E.E.
Shabbos Club
You are a true inspiration!
Shimon Peres, comes to a Jewish event, and does not even put on a yarmulka. He stands before a Torah and does not even put on a Yarmulka as a sign of respect. Our non-Jewish mayor put on a yarmulka when he came to our community.
This is not nice.
great music dude
wow!!!!!!!!
looks sooooooo cool
Absolutely amazing, and so creative! Much Success!
What about the litigation surrounding the return of the Lubavitch libary by the russian federation. I would be more impressed if the russians returned schneerson’s library than this show that was put on? Any comments? Cookie
When the Rebbe said he makes leaders and not followers this is EXACTLY what he meant!! Like a boss!
Amazing, What a beautiful testament to Judaism. Rabbi Lazar has accomplished miracles.
Mr Putin was sick and canceled last minute!
It was a very beautiful event though!
really nice but you should write some explanation under the pictures then we will know who is who. thank you
where was mr Putin??? Lets show the world we will not surrender, and hopefully the russians wont hate us. Berl you are a chevra man