The Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy Inc.

Overview

The Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy Inc. is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization established in 2006. Its primary mission is to preserve the memory of Jewish residents of Dokshitsy, Parafianov, and nearby villages in Belarus.

Mission and Activities

The organization was founded in response to a request from the Dokshitsy District in Belarus to assist in preserving the Jewish cemetery in Dokshitsy, which was destroyed in 1965 and subsequently used as a park. In May 2008, the organization successfully facilitated the re-dedication of the restored cemetery in collaboration with the Dokshitsy District.

Future projects include preserving the remnants of a second cemetery, much of which is currently occupied by an electric transmission station, and ensuring that Holocaust massacre sites in Parafianov and Begoml are appropriately preserved. The organization also aims to erect monuments in memory of the Holocaust victims at the sites where they were killed and buried.

Leadership

The organization is led by a board of directors, including individuals with ancestral ties to Dokshitsy. Key figures include Aaron Ginsburg, who serves as President and Treasurer, Richard Fein as Clerk, Rochelle Ruthchild, Rabbi Marc Mandel, and Robert Benjamin. Each member brings unique professional backgrounds and personal connections to Dokshitsy, contributing to the success of the organization's mission.

Objectives and Impact

By engaging in restoration and memorial projects, The Friends of Jewish Dokshitsy Inc. seeks to honor the history and legacy of Jewish communities in the region. The organization's work reflects a broader commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting remembrance of historical events such as the Holocaust.