REVIVING JEWISH LIFE
IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
Vaad l’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel, a public not for profit organization, was founded in
the late seventies for the purpose of restoring traditional Jewish life and culture in
the countries formerly part of the Soviet Union.Originally, the Vaad conducted
clandestine missions all over the communist empire, which brought about the
refusnik movement.
Today, the Vaad is committed to the establishment of an infrastructure in the Jewish
communities of these lands, to revive Jewish life by operating schools, from
kindergartens to advance learning, a kollel, synagogues,mikvaot, kosher food, senior
citizen centers, recreational centers and summer camps.To this end, the Vaad also
conducts series of seminars and lectures on Jewish topics, delivered by international
educators.
THE VAAD IN AZERBAIJAN
25 YEARS OF ACTIVITY
In 1991, The Vaad became involved in Baku through a great act of Hashgocho Protis.
While, Rabbi Mordechai Neustadt Zt”l and Ariel Levine were passing through Baku
in route to Kuba. They were approached by a few old men who were concerned
that after they die their children wouldn’t know how to say Kadish for them. Although
there were many Jews in Baku, nobody knew anything about being a Jew. They wanted
the Vaad to send them a teacher to learn with them.
Today, in unique multicultural Azerbaijan the Vaad boasts a boys and girl’s full day
“day school”, a Bais Yaakov girl’s program. A mikvah built by the Vaad has just been
rebuilt and refurbished. The community men and women also participate in learning groups.
Rabbi Zamir Isayev directs the Vaad’s activities in Baku. Being native of Azerbaijan makes
him uniquely qualified for this position. He is bringing renewed energy and even higher
standards of learning to the Yeshiva.