36-year-old appointed chief rabbi of Moldova: 'We will do everything for the Jewish community'

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod, 36, was officially installed as the chief rabbi of Moldova in a ceremony in Chișinău, attended by Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber and President Maia Sandu, who congratulated him. Axelrod, a native of Atlit, follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was the first chief rabbi after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Moldova is home to about 6,000 Jews, including some 500 refugees from Ukraine. He is considered the youngest chief rabbi in Europe.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod, 36, was officially appointed chief rabbi of Moldova in a ceremony held in the capital Chișinău. The ceremony was attended by Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber, Israel's Ambassador to Moldova Yoram Elron, chief rabbis from European countries, and senior members of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, along with hundreds of local Jews, led by community chairman Alexander Bilinkis. Axelrod, a native of Atlit, continues the legacy of his grandfather, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, who was the country's first chief rabbi after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He had been serving as acting chief rabbi in recent years, and about two months ago was elected to the position with a large majority in elections among community leaders, with the authorities recognizing the results. Moldova's President Maia Sandu sent him a congratulatory letter, emphasizing the historical connection between the country and the Jewish community and the importance of combating antisemitism. About 6,000 Jews live in Moldova, most in Chișinău, including some 500 Jewish refugees from Ukraine. Axelrod, considered the youngest chief rabbi in Europe, said in his inaugural speech: "I will do everything to be here, to help, and to provide a response to anyone who needs it."