March 28, 2009
DUSHANBE -- The Jewish community in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, has a new synagogue in which to worship, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

Hasan Assadullozoda, an influential businessman and the owner of Orient-Bank, donated a house in the center of Dushanbe to the city's Jewish congregation.

The city's sole synagogue was demolished last summer as part of efforts to clear space for a new Presidential Palace.

Tajik authorities promised then that a new building would be given to the Jewish community.

Rabbi Mikhael Abdurahmonov told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that he and his parishioners believe the new synagogue is an improvement over the old one.

The official opening of the new synagogue is expected in the next few months.

Assadullozoda is the brother of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.