Jewish community intends to reconstruct ancient synagogue in Balta

The Jewish community intends to reconstruct the ancient synagogue located in the district center, the town of Balta, Odesa region, according to the news website Trasa-E-95.

The building reconstruction will cost USD 2.4 million.

Further it will be not solely a place for worship, but a museum, where the exhibition will include archival materials and exhibits dating back to the period of Balta Province (19th - early 20th century).

The Jewish community is going to implement this project in memory of the Holocaust victims and for the sake of preservation of the national heritage.

Background: construction of a synagogue in Balta was launched in 1903. It was carried on proceeds from internal taxation of the city’s Jewish community - 2500 rubles. During the war, the synagogue was not operating. Further the local government used it for various household needs.

For a long time the house belonged to Ukrtelecom. Jewish community failed to win it by court proceedings. In 2015 it was bought out.