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Almaty 11.07.2005
 Alexandr Baron, the President of "Mitsva" Association and Igor Tsatsin, the head of Hesed on Wheels program have returned from their business trip to the Almaty region. During the trip they met with representatives of Jewish communities of Taldykorgan, Ushtobe, Tekeli, Baltyk Bi, and also visited "Aviv" Jewish Cultural and Welfare Center.
The first meeting was held in the Taldykorgan House of Friendship assembly hall. Entire families, from grandparents to grandchildren came to the meeting. Middle generation also expressed interest in the community life and activities of "Aviv" center.
"In last years we found that the parents of those kids and teenagers that visit us on Shabbat, and the children of those elderly and disabled people that receive Hesed aid, and those that visit our library and "Aviv" clubs have become more than our friends. They are ready to assist the center and the community as much as they can" said Diana Matushkina, the director of Taldykorgan Cultural and Welfare Center.
 "For example, the room provided by the Small Assembly of Kazakhstani Nations to "Aviv" center is presently repaired by means of volunteers from the community."
After listening to the detailed report of "Aviv" center activities during the last year, the President of "Mitsva" Association Alexandr Baron took the floor. He spoke about the growing interest of the global Jewish community to Kazakhstani Diaspora which is unique, being Jewish in an Asian country.
"The history proved that Kazakhstanis are genetically international" Alexandr Baron said. "They deny any kind of ethnocentrism and depreciatory attitude to other nations. That is why our people have never felt alien in Kazakhstan.
"We are proud with the first Kazakhstani composer Evgeny Brusilovsky, who was a Jew, and one of the authors of Kazakhstani anthem."
 The leaders of the Small Assembly of Kazakhstani Nations and regional TV and sound broadcasting thanked "Aviv" center for participation in local cultural and educational activities. Alexandr Baron gifted a book "From the History of Jews in Kazakhstan" to the Assembly library.
Then the head of Hesed on Wheels program Igor Tsatsin told the audience about Hesed programs meant to help those in need. He reminded that Hesed assistance became possible due to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
"We shouldn't forget that the food sets and medications for Kazkahstani Hesed clients are often purchased for the money donated by American Jews. They put the money into Tzedakah, just as we do. Because there is always somebody in need, and because all Jews are responsible for each other."
The Jews of Taldykorgan thanked Joint and "Mitsva" Association for their five-year long support. The coal, warm clothes, and medication the Hesed provides help them to survive through the winter.
The visitors discussed some topical issues related to welfare budget reduction, attraction of local sponsors, search for Jewish families in the Almaty region, development of cultural activities. The need for children and youth activities and attraction of young generation to the community was considered one of the most urgent issues.
"I come to Kabbalat Shabbat almost every week" twelve-year old Olga Vorkova said. She and her parents came to the Hesed in spring. "I learn Hebrew, try to take part in holidays… and that's all. I feel like seeing more of my age mates.
"Maybe it's only my fantasy, but I wish we could get together, make plans, spend holidays together, travel somewhere, meet guys from other cities and countries."
The meeting concluded with a great present - 12 books for the Jewish library and a COMPUTER, the first one in "Aviv" center! All the above was provided by Joint and "Mitsva" Association.
 "I guess the youngsters will now stay in the center for the whole night!" Diana Matushkina said.
The next morning the representatives of "Mitsva" Association set out to Tekeli to meet with the community elders in the house of Mark and Esfir Milstein
"There are few young people in the community" Nina Rabinovitch explained. "Perhaps we just don't know them - well, you know, it wasn't natural to speak of nationality before. That's why we try to help the Hesed to find Jews in our town and neighboring villages.
 "Many of them have left. But there are still young Jewish families that have children. We need to take care of their future, to give them an opportunity to study Jewish history and Tradition."
Several Hesed programs run in Tekeli - Homecare started in 2005 with 2 clients, Library on Wheels comes here once a month, Hesed on Wheels and "Aviv" staff brings food and household sets.
Every visit of Hesed representatives is a happy occasion for Tekeli Jewish community. People get together to hear the news and share their problems. They have no regular place of meeting, but most often they gather at Milstein's.
 "When I came in I felt that was a really warm home" Igor Tsatsin told. "It was easy and calm in there. The people were ready to listen and help. The Jews of Tekeli are unconsciously creating what we call a Warm Home".
The development of Jewish communities in small locations is a logical, but uneasy process. It is promoted by the Association's concern in the provincial problems. This trip is "Mitsva's" contribution to the future of Kazkahstani Jewish community and also a desire of the community leaders to understand the needs of those who their work is meant for.
Galina Goldberg
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