Moscow Times - 02.11.2004

 

 

 

 

The Moscow Times

Jewish School Closes

MINSK, Belarus (AP) -- Hopes of preventing the demise of the only school in Belarus that taught Jewish studies has disappeared as the disbandment of the International Humanitarian Institute began, its rector Zelik Pinkhasik said. 

"A unique system of education has been destroyed," Pinkhasik said.

He said he had never received an explanation from Belarussian authorities for the closure of the institute, which had appeared imminent for months. 

The institute opened in 1999 and was affiliated with Belarus State University, but has been entirely self-sufficient, receiving funding from international Jewish organizations. 

After the Education Ministry issued an order to suspend the institute's activities last September, the state university approved a potential compromise plan to create a faculty of arts and humanities in its place.