During the days of Chanukah, last week, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia hosted its 16th annual awards ceremony “Fiddler on the Roof”. The awards recognize individuals, who have made a lasting impact on the social and cultural life of the country.

“It is a good tradition that during Chanukah we come together not only to celebrate but to thank our best people – those who made the world a better place,” said chief rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar at the ceremony opening.

Among the laureates this year, were the leader of the Krasnoyarsk community Yuri Lifshitz and Smolensky district governor Alexei Ostrovsky for their roles in community development and multi-cultural proliferation. Also awarded were Viacheslav Kantor for his support of the “March of Living” project and Yan Vizinberg for the new “Jewish life in the post-war Soviet Union” exhibition at the Jewish Museum.

The “Fiddler on the Roof” awards, were established in 2002, since then the awards laureates have included many well-known social activists, public personalities, and governmental officials

courtesy= fjc-fsu.org