An annual three-day festival bringing together Jewish youth from the former Soviet Union is being held in the Moldovan capital of Kishinev.
The Hilleliad, which began Sunday, is a way of attracting Jewish students and showing off their athletic talents, said Hillel regional director Iosif Akselrud. It also includes intellectual competitions and a Jewish tour of Moldova.
“It’s not just a competition but also a festival,” Akselrud said.
Approximately 100 students from Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are participating, as well as what Akselrud referred to as a “guest team” from Russia.
Funding was provided by Hillel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, as well as the Moldovan Jewish Congress.
