Press releases

GRODNO, 20 October (BelTA) – An international fund will finance the renovation of a 17^th century synagogue in Slonim. It has become known during the visit of the foreign delegation, BelTA learned from the department of ideological work, culture, and youth affairs at the Slonim District Executive Committee.

Senior officials of the executive committee discussed the renovation project with Chief Executive of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage Michael Mail, member of the British Royal Society of Arts and director of the international charity organization The Together Plan Debra Brunner, president of the public charity organization Dialogue Artur Livshits. This was not the first meeting of the kind. Joint steps in this field were discussed in July 2017 when the British side collected funds for the beginning of the first state of renovation.

The synagogue is located in the heart of Slonim. It was built in the mid-17^th century. The roof of the building has been renovated before. Original interior decorations have been preserved. A museum will be opened there in the future.

“Jews accounted for more than 80% of the Slonim population in the past. Their descendants arrive in the native town of their parents, grand parents and great grandparents from other countries. Many of them visit the former synagogue. The museum of Jewish culture can become a good attraction for tourists,” the representatives of the executive committee remarked. They stressed that the design works are currently in progress.

The Slonim Jews Association in Israel also plans to take part in the financing of the project.