FJC President Lev Leviev Visits Volgograd

Volgograd, Russia –- The Jewish community of Volgograd hosted a visit by renowned businessman, philanthropist and FJC President Lev Leviev, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter Tsviya. They were in Volgograd as part of a business delegation for the signing of an agreement on collaboration in investment activity between Governor Nikolai Maksyuta for the Volgograd Regional Administration and Alexander Khaldey, Director-General of the Company ‘Stroyinkom-K’.

It was thanks to the efforts and financial support of Lev Leviev that the establishment of Jewish educational institutions was made possible in Volgograd and throughout the entire Former Soviet Union. Among these were the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School and the ‘Gan Geula’ Kindergarten of Volgograd, which are particularly well appreciated by local residents.
As part of the delegation’s official visit, the Leviev family enjoyed an excursion along the Volga River, during which time Chief Rabbi of Volgograd Zalman Yoffe and Jewish Community Center Chairman Yael Yoffe presented Lev Leviev a gift on behalf of the entire Jewish community. At that time, Chief Rabbi Yoffe took the opportunity to invite both Governor Maksyuta and Lev Leviev to the grand opening of the new Jewish Community Center, which is scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2007.

Not surprisingly, Lev Leviev took an enthusiastic interest in the state of affairs for the Volgograd Jewish community and local Jewish educational institutions. Following their brief river cruise, the delegation then visited the construction site of the Volgograd Synagogue, which is close to being finished, and learned about Jewish life in this major Russian city.

The Jewish community of Volgograd is a full member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia .