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World Jewish News
Unique Odessa Synagogue In Need of Saving
23.12.2008
As the head of the State Archive of Odessa Oblast Ivan Nitochka said in an interview to the "Komsomolskaya Pravda" newspaper: "The main body of texts of the regional archive is located in the building of what was once the Brodsky Synagogue. It was built by Jews who arrived in Odessa from the Brody town. But only the rich could visit it. So in 1924 the poor Jews wrote a document in which they complained of not having a place to pray. The authorities decided to create a Jewish club. After the war, the building was given to the State Archive. But now, according to Presidential decree, all buildings must be returned to their owners. The Jews must receive their synagogue back. At the same time, however, new premises need to be equipped for the archive - the cadet mess hall of the former Institute of Land Forces. There is quite enough room, and all of the subsidiaries will finally be under one roof. Nonetheless, the decision is still not quite final yet. When it will be finally made, money will be provided for reconstruction. Certain conditions are required for the preservation of documents: special shelves, a certain temperature, humidity, proper ventilation, a restoration department, fire safety, guards. The reconstruction will take no less than two years. Right now, 517 thousand hrivnas have been allocated for the renovation of the State Archive, but not a kopek has actually arrived. And the building is in dire need of saving. Not only because it is a synagogue - but it must be saved for the good of all of Odessa, because it is our unique landmark."
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