Today, the Jewish Autonomous Region (JAR) in Russia is marking the 70th anniversary of its existence. It was trumpeted as a new Jerusalem, a Jewish homeland to be built by zealous Communists in the swamps and forests of Russia's Far East. The tiny enclave, created by former Soviet dictator Stalin near Russia's eastern border with China, once flourished as a haven for Jews uprooted from their villages in western parts of Russia, and for others from around the world. But it only recently recovered from the sharp decline that took place after the end of the Communist regime in 1991. Taking part in the jubilee events in Birobidzhan, the JAR capital, will be Russia's Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar. "The Jewish Autonomous Region is the first Jewish state formation in modern history", a spokeswoman for Lazar pointed out. A new synagogue, including a cultural community center, will be opened. The program of the festivities also includes the unveiling of a monument honoring the Jewish writer Sholom Aleikhem, and a film festival.