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World Jewish News
Moldova: Who is Untouched by the Crisis?
10.04.2009
The weekly "Jewish settlement" conducted a survey in the Moldovan Jewish community. The question was how the Moldovan Jews are surviving the economic crisis, and it turned out that the ways are many and varied.
Most Jewish retirees responded to the question of the crisis rather bravely: "It has been worse during the war," said the WWII veterans. "We will survive this, as well."
The pensioners patronized by "Hesed" habitually hoped for "the better". The middle - employed - generation complained of staff reduction and downsizing the already meager salaries, which refers to most areas of production, education and services. The printing business is also experiencing problems - no sponsors, no orders.
There are legitimate concerns about many major research projects relating to the history of the community, which had began in more "successful years."
However, Irina Shihova, doctor of philology, the head of Jewish ethnology group of the Institute of Ethnology of Inter-Ethnic Studies of Moldova Academy of Sciences, admitted that at the Academy of Sciences the salary has not yet been reduced, and the group continues to work in the same team.
"Although recently we have 'consolidated' - it is difficult for 10 people to work in the room of 11 square meters, we are still engaged in the planned topic - preparing the Encyclopedic Dictionary The Jews of Moldova," she explained. "Work on it will be completed in the coming year - as originally intended, if no unexpected circumstances interfere."
Meanwhile, the scientists have the opportunity to publish the ready dictionary entries under the heading "Materials to Encyclopedic Dictionary 'The Jews of Moldova'" in the almanac of the institute.
There are also evidently encouraging facts: the Jewish business in Moldova is not going to surrender positions. For example, the ex-chairman of the community, businessman Yaakov Tihman started a new ambitious project: he
is building the tourist complex "SkyLand" in a picturesque recreational area, between the villages of Goyany and Hrushevo.
In June, the first stage development will be ready. 3.5 hectares of forest have been rented for 50 years, and it is planned to build 11 log houses with hand-made furniture and paintings, adding a sculpture park, parking, swimming pool, and restaurant.
Investments in the camping will total to around 1 million euro.
The tourists will be offered a comprehensive program with visits to monasteries and wine cellars.
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