The European Days of Jewish Culture festival will take place in Chisinau during September 8-10. The event is an important step in strengthening intercultural dialogue, understanding and mutual respect, the president of the Jewish Community of Moldova Alexander Bilinkis said at a news conference held together with Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, IPN reports.

Alexander Bilinkis noted that the festival is part of a broad cultural program staged in Europe and offers the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people through exhibitions of Moldovan painters of Jewish origin, musical and theatrical events, seminars. For the Jewish community, the festival is an opportunity to highlight its contribution to the development of Moldovan society, to reflect on the past and present and to share dreams for the future. The festival is expected to become an annual event of major importance for all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, to unite people of different cultures and nationalities in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.

Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan said that the role of the Jewish community in the cultural life of the Republic of Moldova for many years has been an important one, starting from great Moldovan artists, actors, musicians, artists of Jewish ethnicity, who have made a significant contribution to the culture and art of the Republic of Moldova. The festival will include film screenings, including of an Israeli film titled “Seven Blessings”. This film was presented by the State of Israel for the Oscar award. There will also be held performances of music and theater. The troupe of the Jewish Theater of Bucharest will stage a free show at “Mihai Eminescu” National Theatre on Monday. A series of events related to Moldovan artists of Jewish ethnicity and artists from Israel who are from the Republic of Moldova will be staged.

The festival is organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and the Jewish Community of Moldova.