ABROAD
As part of a visit to Stockholm by a delegation of religious figures and members of the Council for Confessional Affairs under the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, at the invitation of the Swedish Parliament, headed by the Mufti of Uzbekistan, Hazrat Nuriddin Kholiknazar (See The Bukharian Times №1259), the Chairman of the Tashkent Jewish Religious Community, Arkady Isakharov, was invited by local Jewish community leaders to visit an active synagogue.
“After participating in the seminar ‘Uzbekistan’s Experience in Combating Religious Extremism, Promoting Interreligious Dialogue, and the Reintegration of Former Members of International Terrorist Organizations,’ Ambassador Mr. Christian Kamill kindly volunteered to act as an interpreter and accompany me to the Central Choral Reform Synagogue of Stockholm, where we were warmly welcomed by the head rabbi and the congregants,” said Arkady Isakharov. “I spoke to them about the history of the Bukharian Jews, the circumstances of our arrival in Central Asia, our ancient and unique traditions, rituals, cuisine, and the specifics of our national dress.”
He continued: «I was shown the memorial section of the synagogue, where the names of Swedish Jews who perished during the Holocaust are inscribed on the walls of the building’s facade. In their honor, I recited the Kaddish into the microphone, struggling to hide my emotion. The acoustics under the 30-meter (98-foot) synagogue dome were stunning. The Rebbetzin mentioned that it was the first time in her life she had heard such a resonant rendition of that great prayer. They were especially moved by the solemnity and majesty with which I recited: ‘Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad!’ — ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our G-d, the Lord is one!'»
The interaction with the Swedish Jews was a joyful experience for Mr. Isakharov, who extended an invitation for them to visit Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara to become more closely acquainted with the life of the community in Uzbekistan. Upon parting, he presented them with gifts and wished them a Happy Passover.
“I would like to thank the leadership of the Committee for Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Sweden, Mr. Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov. Thanks to them, I had the opportunity to participate in this important conference, share my own experiences regarding the socio-political life of our country, and establish friendships with representatives of the Stockholm Jewish community.”
This was translated
from Russian into English.
By Rafael Nektalov Editor-in-Chief of The Bukharian Times
BACKGROUND
The Jewish community in Sweden is estimated at 20,000 people out of a total national population of 9 million. Jewish populations are mainly located in Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Borås, Helsingborg, Lund, and Uppsala.
• Approximately 2,700 Israelis reside in Sweden.
• There are 3 synagogues in Stockholm, 2 in Gothenburg, and 1 in Malmö.
• Infrastructure includes Jewish schools, kindergartens, two summer camps for children, youth and student clubs, a Jewish theater, and a Jewish museum.
• The community publishes several periodicals, including the magazine Judisk Krönika, edited by Jackie Jakubowski.
• The Institute of Jewish Culture is located in Lund.