Notebook

In Brief

A synagogue for the fallen

The World War Two memorial complex at Poklonnaya Gora in the west of Moscow is to be the site of Moscow’s first new synagogue since 1917. It will be finished in time for the celebrations of the 850th anniversary of the city. Work began on construction with Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin laying the foundation stone. The project was initiated and financed by the Jewish National Congress, headed by prominent businessman Vladimir Gusinsky. During the Stalin era, it was claimed that Jews fought poorly in the war, and it has only now become possible to erect a monument to Jewish soldiers. Russia currently has between 1.5 and 2 mn known Jewish inhabitants, though more are now returning to their religion and roots.