Kishinev Pogrom 1903 became one of the most tragic and meaningful event in the Jewish history of the last century. 105 years ago this three-day inhuman massacre where 49 Jews were killed, hundreds wounded echoed in the hearts of progressive people, made thousands of Jews move from Tsarist Russia to USA, Canada, Argentina, Australia and other countries, and even, according to some opinions, became a prologue of Holocaust.
Moldova Jewish community together with other ethnic groups and officials marked this date during all the three days – during April 6-8.
A two-day educational seminar for youth was organized by Hillel students’ initiative and united youth clubs of the JAFI and Israeli Cultural Center. Scientists from Moldova Academy of Sciences were invited for a series of discussions on the historical, philosophical and ethic significance of the Pogrom for the young generations.

On the meeting near the Monument mounted five years ago during 100th anniversary of the event there gathered dozens of people including leaders of the Jewish organizations, elderly, and schoolchildren who came to express their indignation and sorrow that can not pass even after over a century. Victor Stepaniuk, vice-prime minister, Arthur Cozma, minister of culture, representatives of the Parliament of Moldova supported in their speeches Jewish population of the country and will to do everything to preserve the memory of the tragedy and not to repeat any manifestations of Anti-Semitism and xenophobia in the society.

On the 7th of April a concert of classic music by famous Jewish musicians and singers dedicated to the memory of Kishinev Pogrom took place in the Organ Hall of the city.

The program finished on the 8th of April with a memorial event at the KJJC. Kadish by Rav Israel Livshits from local Yeshiva Agudath Israel, speeches by Shabs Roif, head of Holocaust Survivors Association, Svetlana Midrigan, KJJC SuperBoard vice-chair, Galina Gavrilita, chief consultant of the Ministry of Education of Moldova, songs and music by young students of musical college and KJJC musical groups, video presentation of the documents and photos, poetry by Haim-Nahman Byalik and Michael Finckel created a solemn and tragic atmosphere.

“We mourn and remember” said Zoya Apostol, KJJC PR-manager in her interview to Radio-1 Broadcast station. “We think that this program will become another step to interethnic peace and collaboration and appeal to understand and prevent the evil of hatred between people.”
The event was widely covered by local mass-media – on TV, radio and newspapers