|
|
|
Beltsy, founded in 1580, is the largest industrial and cultural center in the Northern part of Moldova. Beltsy is situated 131 kilometers north from Kishinev. Its total population is 160,000 people.
According to some sources, the first Jews appeared in this region of
Moldova at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1580, the locality
later named Beltsy was formed around a small Jewish tavern - korchma.
During the second part of the 19th century, Jews made up more than 50%
of the population in Beltsy and small surrounding settlements. Starting
with 1989, the Beltsy Jewish community is the second biggest community
after Kishinev as well as the regional center for 49 small towns and
villages in the North of Moldova.
The current Jewish population is /2,000/ (plus about /600 /from the
Beltsy periphery).
|
|
|
