" Even for that short time, which I have spent in Kazakhstan, I could understand and feel, that this country confidently looks forward ", - told the member of Chamber of the representatives of Congress of USA Shellie Berkley, in middle of July visited Almaty.

During visit Mrs. Berkley visited Kazakhstan representation of American Jewish Distribution Committee "Joint". Guest was met by the chairman of Board of Hesed Alexandr Baron and director of Hesed Sima Branovitch. During conversation Alexandr Baron expressed gratitude to fellow citizens of Mrs. Berkley - to committee "Joint" - for support, due to which in Kazakhstan the Jewish communities in 162 settlements successfully develop.

"I am impressed with that, how many peoples live on this ground. I am Jew. Roots of my family are in Russia and Greece. I know, how it is important to assimilate on large environment and, nevertheless, to keep own identity ", - Mrs. Berkley is sure.

After conversation with the chiefs of the Jewish organizations Shelley Berkley with interest examined Almaty Hesed, got acquainted with work of the welfare programs, with the employees, volunteers and clients. Then she visited in Republican Jewish library becoming for years of successful work center of cultural life of a community. Having found out that the branches of library are opened already in 15 cities of Kazakhstan, congressman wished to a community of republic to develop and further so dynamically and happily.

After conversation in library the guest visited an exhibition hall of Association "Mitsva". Here she was pleasantly surprised - exhibition of illustrations from the ancient Jewish books. At an admired sight of congressman appeared ancient ornaments and plots from Torah.

Mrs. Berkley emphasized the importance of the contribution of the Jewish organizations of Kazakhstan working at the support of "Joint" Committee, in process of strengthening of a community and revival of the Jewish Traditions.

"Your country as a whole, and life of the Jewish community in particular, is best certificate that tolerance, patience in relation to other peoples, to their feelings is basis for successful development of the country ", - told the representative of Congress of USA Shelley Berkley, saying good bye to " Mitsva " Association.

Galina Goldberg