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 Beltsy was founded in 1580. At present it is the biggest industrial and cultural center in the Northern part of Moldova. Beltsy is situated 131 kms northwards from Kishinev. Its total population is 160,000 people.
According to some sources, the first Jews appeared in this region of Moldova at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1580, the locality later named Beltsy was formed around a small Jewish tavern - korchma. During the second part of the 19th century, Jews made up more than 50% of the population in Beltsy and small surrounding settlements. Starting with 1989, the Beltsy Jewish community is the second biggest community after Kishinev as well as the regional center for 49 small towns and villages in the North of Moldova. Jewish population is 2,000 (plus about 600 from Beltsy periphery). Since 2000, the Beltsy community has a twinning program with the Jewish Federation of Greensboro, NC that supports the main projects of the local Jewry.
The Association of the Jewish Organizations of Beltsy, the "Hesed Yakov" Welfare Center, JCC and regional offices of some all-republican organizations serve the local community.  On August, 14 the Beltsy Jewish Campus dedication ceremony took place. The event gathered together 100 people, among the guests: Her Excellency Ms. Heather Hodges, the Ambassador of the USA in Moldova; Mr. Stuart Saffer, JDC Byelorussia and Moldova Country Director; Ms. Vera Krizhak, the director of JDC branch in Moldova; Major Robert Carver, Chief, Bilateral Affairs Office Greensboro – Moldova; Mr. Vasily Panchuk, Beltsy Mayor; VIP mission from Greensboro and retreat group, North Carolina, USA; Beltsy Jewish Community leaders.
Through the generous support of the Greensboro Jewish Federation the dream of Beltsy Jewish Community to have a “home” that will shelter main Jewish organizations came true. Members of the community showed their recognition and said a warm “thank you” to the representatives of Greensboro Jewish Federation, also to JDC representatives. It was a very special ceremony because the atmosphere was charged with positive emotions and happiness. Rabbi Susie Tendler attached the mezuzah to each door in the Campus and together with the group made a tour of the place where each Jew will find peace, comfort and support. The tree of sponsors, where leaves are named after persons who contributed to the realization of this project, will always remind to the members of the Jewish Community that somewhere in the world there are people who care.
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Jewish Moldova
