| Belarus has survived
the destruction of the Holocaust, followed by Communist oppression,
and the recent mass exodus of Belarussian Jews to Israel. Notwithstanding,
there are approximately 90,000 Jews currently live in Belarus. The
Ronald S. Lauder Foundation applauds the efforts of those who have
not only remained in Minsk and other Belarussian cities, but who are
also eagerly working in historic Jewish places to rebuild Jewish life.
 The
Lauder Minsk Kindergarten
Since 1996, it has been our pleasure to co-sponsor, with the
American Joint Distribution Committee, The Lauder Kindergarten.
More than 60 children are taking their first steps into Jewish life.
They are learning about Jewish culture and traditions as well as
participating in Jewish holidays.
The Lauder
Schneor Elementary and High School, Minsk
In 1996, The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation proudly inaugurated
The Lauder Schneor After-School-Program, as a precursor to starting
our own Jewish day school. The program was so popular that the students
voted to keep it operating even during school holidays and summer
breaks.
On the strength
of that enthusiasm, The Lauder Schneor Elementary and High School
opened in 1997, and steadily continues to grow and attracts an energetic
student body. Currently 154 students are enrolled in eight classes.
The Lauder
Lech Lecha Youth Center, Minsk
The Foundation underwrites and supports the program of YUSSR
(Yeshiva and University Students for the Spiritual Revival of Soviet
Jewry) which operates The Lauder Lech Lecha Youth Center.
The Center resides in an old synagogue which, having been renovated,
now includes a kosher kitchen, dining room, and dormitory facilities.
Twelve madrichim (counselors), who serve as peer leaders, have created
a series of Jewish cultural and educational programs that turned
the Youth Center into a magnet for high school and university-age
youth eager to reconnect with their Jewish roots and religion.
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