FSU Teens Go Head-to-Head in 1st Hilleliada

Recently 150 youngsters from Hillels throughout Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and Azerbaijan gathered to compete in various sporting events at "Hilleliada 2004." Inspired by the "Maccabia" international Jewish sports competition, three years ago the Kishinev Hillel Youth Organization organized this annual contest for the first time, bringing Jewish young adults together to demonstrate their athleticism and wit as they unite in their common culture.

Again this year, participants faced off in numerous events, including soccer, table tennis, chess, checkers, darts, and "intellectual games."

Sponsored by the International and Regional Hillels, JDC in Moldova, and local businessmen, competitors enjoyed festive opening ceremonies followed by rounds of sports and table-game matches. The youth, representatives from many communities across the continent, were eager to connect and form friendships with their Jewish peers in other areas of the vast former Soviet Union. "Of course we all wanted to win," remarked one of the participants, "but even while we were playing, our Jewishness certainly overcame our feeling of competitiveness. We left feeling both our uniqueness and our unity."

During their stay in Kishinev, visitors from outside the region also had the opportunity for sightseeing, and were introduced to Jewish community life in Moldova.