The Republic of Moldova is participating in the “European Days of Jewish Culture” festival at the national level for the first time this year, under the auspices of its Ministry of Culture. It has organized a festival with several compelling events.
On Sunday, September 3, the program begins with a guided tour of Rașcov and Vadul Rașcov, two former Jewish shtetls on opposite banks of the Dniester River that both retain a rich Jewish history and heritage. The tour group will stop en route at Dubăsari, another Jewish shtetl where more than 18,000 Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Their mass grave is like a Moldovan “Babin Yar.” In Rașcov, the group will visit a synagogue — ruined but still impressive — and two Jewish cemeteries. They will then cross the river to Vadul Rașcov, for a kosher lunch, provided by Agudath Israel, followed by a tour continuation. The tour is guided by Irina Șihova, the Director of Jewish History Museum of the Republic Of Moldova.