Head of Estonia's Jewish Community Awarded Highest Distinction in Estonian Republic

Mrs. Cilja Laud, the head of the Jewish Community of Estonia was recently awarded the Order of the White Star, the highest distinction of the Estonian Republic, for her contribution to Jewish Community Renewal in Estonia and for her work on behalf of the integration of minorities. Mrs. Laud also serves as a member of the Estonian Council of National Minorities. In Latvia and Lithuania, Mr. A. Suhorenko and Mr. S. Alpervitsus were also awarded with high honors as the leaders of their Jewish communities.

Cilja Laud has been the head of Jewish Community of Estonia for ten years. Before the fall of the Soviet Union, Mrs. Laud worked at a factory that produced semiconductor devices. She was Chief of the Collaboration Department. She then worked in the National Library of Estonia as the Chief of the Conference Department, as the organizer of conferences and assemblies.

Mrs. Laud noted how important the JDC has been to her work with the Estonian Jewish community. The building where the Jewish Community Center is now housed was purchased and renovated with help from JDC. Today they have a youth center, Media Club, and many other active clubs as well as Jewish holiday celebrations through support received from JDC. Mrs. Laud is hopeful that more people will become aware of Estonia and her community's needs.

Cilja Laud wishes to express her thanks to the JDC Paris office staff and representatives with whom she works on a regular basis to improve the lives of Estonia's Jewish community.