Every year, squares and central places in thousands of cities in Israel and around the world are illuminated with Hanukkah light, using central menorahs that are lit by Chabad representatives. This year, the city of Transnistria also joins those places, which is undoubtedly a particularly interesting city.
Transnistria is considered a separatist province in eastern Moldova, which has been claiming independence for 30 years, wants to unite with Russia and is considered the “poorest province in Europe”. About 2,000 Jews live in Transnistria, and the Jewish community in Moldova, which is run by Chabad emissaries in the country, works with them regularly, and twice a week, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gotzel is sent there, who travels around the main cities of Transnistria, giving Torah lessons and assisting with humanitarian aid.
This time, following the intervention of the head of the Jewish community in Transnistria, Mark Finkelzon, who spoke with the provincial prime minister, Mr. Vadim Krasnoselsky, the Chabad people received permission to place and light a central Hanukkah in the central square of the city of Bandari, one of the two largest cities in the province, for the entire Hanukkah days. Because never before have such approvals been granted, due to the capable nature of the district.
The chairman of the Jewish community in Moldova, Rabbi Zosha Abelsky, noted that in addition to the historical candle lighting, three more events will be held throughout Transnistria, in the cities of Tiraspol, Rivnica, and Soroka. In addition, 15 more events will be held for all Moldovan Jews, with the aim of bringing the light of Hanukkah to as many Jewish hearts and homes as possible..