Moscow Jewish Museum to Feature Chabad Boxer

Israel’s President Shimon Peres will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday to open the Russian Jewish Tolerance Museum, the world’s largest Jewish museum.

The Russian Jewish Museum of Tolerance is designed to bring together different cultural traditions through the prism of Jewish culture, to develop ideas of tolerance and harmony.

Dmitriy Salita and his family immigrated to Brooklyn, NY from Odessa, in the former Soviet Union (USSR) during a historic period called “Perestroika.” After relocating to Brooklyn, Dmitriy found Starret City boxing club and shortly thereafter a Chabad House Synagogue.

While competing at the US Nationals at the age of 18, Dmitriy chose not to compete on Shabbos in accordance with Jewish law. Facing disqualification, Dmitriy stayed true to his convictions and eventually went on to win the championship becoming US Under 19 Champion. Shortly there after he turned pro becoming the first Orthodox Jewish boxer in the history of the sport.

Dmitriy’s story of winning the US Championship will be a permanent feature in the “PERESTROIKA” section of Moscow’s Jewish Museum of Tolerance.

“Sport is an international language of tolerance and understanding. It can be used to bridge gaps, represent an idea and social justice. I am grateful and honored that my story is part of the museum and this timeless project,” said Salita.

The center also includes state-of-the art technology that teaches the story of creation, the giving of the ten commandments on Mount Sinai, the holy temples, life in the Diaspora and Jewish suffering throughout the generations. It will be the biggest Jewish museum in the world, with an area of 17,000 square meters or approximately 170,000 square feet, while the area of exposition dedicated to history of the Jewish people is 4,500 square meters or approximately 45,000 square feet. It will house several museum expositions, a library, a scientific center, conference halls and exhibition galleries.