Changing Jewish Life in Moldova One Volunteer at a Time

Nikolai is confident that volunteering holds the key to a better Moldova.

His country is plagued by economic turmoil and a culture that still associates volunteering with draconian Soviet mandates. But with funding and meeting space provided in part by Federation partner JDC, Nikolai organizes about 300 young Jewish Moldovans to work with children with special needs, plan community celebrations, visit the elderly and more.

“It’s always important when JDC helps identify and solve what was a real need for a local Jewish community,” he says. “The Soviet Union left its mark on the older generations. But in Moldova, we’re changing the story. We’re building the next generation of leaders and securing a Jewish future.”