Interim evacuation point (Chișinău, Moldova) (UJRI_070_KAZ)

 

[from Mohyliv-Podilskyi] we crossed the border on foot, over the bridge, and came to the town of Otaci. Here, again, “Christians for Israel” started helping, carrying our old people’s suitcases… The whole town was covered by volunteer points, there were all kinds of volunteers, Moldovans and others. I was even ashamed – there were so many of them, and they tried their best: pies, tea, coffee – whatever you want, toys for children. I’m immensely grateful to these people. And then we came to Chișinău. <…> In Chișinău we were first placed in a sports hall. A huge sports hall. And we were the first to stay there, because all things we got were brand new – sleeping accessories, matrasses, etc. The most important thing for them was to feed people well, so they brought food immediately. The first day it was cold, but then they fixed everything, and it became warm. I am extremely thankful to all those who worked there (UJRI_072_IK)

 

[In Chișinău] there was a huge hall, with a mountain of matrasses. It was not particularly cozy there, but there was everything that one needs for life. Lots of refrigerators, 3 or 4, and they were filled with food. Food was brought every day. You could warm it in a microwave and eat as much as you want, with no limitations. Sweet things were brought, too. Fruit and toys… I remember, as I was sitting on the bed, there were toys around me, and I took one, and there were Hebrew words on the label – I think, these were toys sent from Israel <…> There were physicians there: they hung curtains in this hall, and you could go behind them and get examined. We all had a cold then, and they checked our lungs, gave us pills… (UJRI_060_AL)

 

Int.: How did the local population in Chișinău treat you?

Inf.: They treated us wonderfully, and even gave us free phone cards. Also, there was a big tent near the synagogue, with all kinds of things in it, and you could take whatever you needed. Because, for example, I came there with one suitcase and a torn pair of boots (UJRI_045_MR)

 

In Chișinău they quickly opened old Soviet hotels, and we were taken to one of them. So, this first night in this hotel, we had a bed 1,2 m wide for both of us, one blanket and one pillow. <…> Kosher food was organized: women from the Jewish community were cooking in the synagogue and bringing food to our hotel and several other hotels around (UJRI_054_VAKh).