Kishinev The entire region of the CIS, the former Soviet Union, is in the throes of an economic nightmare. Food is scarce and expensive, and hospitals are without even the most basic supplies. The Jews of Moldova are also victims of this crushing poverty. To compound this problem, a disproportionate number of Jews in Kishinev are elderly. After witnessing the some of the worst horrors of the 20th century, they have to rely on shrunken pensions which do not even begin to cover their most rudimentary living expenses.
Malnutrition is a very real threat to the community, particularly the very young and old.
Our soup kitchen provides needy Jews with a hot meal every day. Those who attend our schools and camps receive two nourishing meals a day, often the only nutritious food they get. The need is tremendous and constantly increasing. Many of the community's younger members have emigrated during the current upheavel, leaving a large population of elderly folk to fend for themselves at the most vulnerable time of their lives. The Jewish Community arranges regular visits to the aged, ill, and hospitalized, raising spirits amongst this most neglected segment of society.