The Committee on the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage in the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus is greatly concerned by the state of religious architectural monuments on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.  In the recent years, due to different reasons, numerous buildings of catholic cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, which reflect beliefs, talent and creative genius of the representatives of different confessions of the multinational people of Belarus, faced the common fate of negligence and destruction.

The process of  the  return of our society to its spiritual sources brought to life the positive trend of revival of religious buildings and centers of spiritual education.  But sometimes non-qualified restoration work seriously damages the architectural value of the monuments.  That is why state organizations responsible for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage have strengthened control over restoration work to prevent scientifically ungrounded changes of the buildings registered as historical and cultural monuments.  Preservation of outstanding spiritual, artistic and cultural values of every monument under restoration is almost the only way to preserve and  strengthen the spiritual bond of generations which, unfortunately, has been weakened in the recent years.  This is the reason why we so carefully select both those who order restoration work and those who do it, and pay great attention to the quality of the technical documentation.

By this document we certify that the Union of Religious Jewish Congregations in the Republic of Belarus and the Jewish Revival Charitable Mission (affiliated to the East-European Jewish Heritage Project) provide on the territory of the Republic of Belarus activities aimed at the revival  of the objects of Jewish material and spiritual culture and commemoration of the victims of genocide of the period of World War II in full accord with the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the  Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage".  These activities include restoration of buildings, monuments and cemeteries.
We also certify the competency of Mr. Yuri Dorn, President of the Union of Religious Jewish Congregations in the Republic of Belarus, in coordination of all the activities mentioned above.  The experience of work with him proved his high organizational abilities.

In the Republic of Belarus the representatives of  different nationalities and faiths have always lived in peace and accord.  Being concerned with the preservation and further development of such relations in our community and considering them to be the only civilized type of relations, we certify that the activities of the Union of Religious Jewish Congregations  in the Republic of Belarus and the Jewish Revival Charitable Mission aimed at the preservation, restoration and revival of Jewish heritage in the Republic of Belarus will enjoy the full support of the State organizations responsible for the protection of historical and cultural heritage in the Republic of Belarus.

We appeal to all whom it may concern and, first of all, to the world Jewish community to give the Union of Religious Jewish Congregations and the Jewish Revival Charitable Mission support and assistance in this noble endeavour.

Dr. Dmitri S. Bubnouski
Chairman of the Committee