ORT students took part in the international project "Masa Shorashim"

From March 27^th to April 2^nd 2017 our students took part in the international project "Masa Shorashim" ("Roots"). This year, the route passed through the cities and towns of the former Jewish cities in Belarus: Minsk, Rakov, Volozhin, Iwye, Novogrudok, Mir, Nesvizh. The project brought together 400 teenagers from different cities and countries of former Soviet Union.

On the first day the students visited the memorial complex "Khatyn" that left a lasting impression to all the participants. The next 3 days, students traveled round Jewish towns. Jewish communities were destroyed there during the Holocaust, but traces of their past life, building of synagogues, houses, etc. still exist.

At the city Novogrudok project participants attended a very interesting museum of Jewish resistance, and in the city Mir held commemorating ceremonyat the site of the shooting of Jews.

Tour of the former Minsk ghetto, familiarity with the history of the city’s Jewish community were also very interesting. On Friday there was a  Holocaust Remembranceceremony, organized by teachers for all participants of Masa Shorashim.

Boys and girls showed their talents at the evening "Shtetl", where they played diverse scenic numbers, and perfectly performed Israeli songs at the closing ceremony devoted to Israel.

The project "Masa Shorashim" could be rightly called unique. This is where students from different cities and countries can feel themselves a part of a large Jewish community, to witness much of what they were told by schoolteachers. This project brings up the younger generation interested in the history of its family, the community, and "roots".