A permanent exhibition on Jewish history and culture opened at the St. Petersburg Museum of Ethnography.
The exhibit, which opened Wednesday, is titled “The History and Culture of Jews in Russia.” It arises from a 2003 agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israel’s then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
According to Interfax, a Russian news agency, over 2,500 items on permanent display will cover the breadth of Jewish history, from its beginnings through life in the Pale of Settlement, home to more than a third of the world’s Jews at the beginning of the 20th century.
“It is symbolic that the exhibition opens on the last day of Hannukah,” said Berel Lazar, a chief rabbi of Russia. “Today’s event affirms that it is important for all nations to treasure their heritage, traditions and culture. It is only with respect, understanding and tolerance that we can develop this country.”
