Haerbin Kazy International Youth Hostel Up Close
It is seldom that I cover my hostel for more than one post. However, the the Haerbin Kazy International Youth Hostel is such a unique hostel that I decided to cover it in three posts. The hostel is a converted former Jewish synagogue back in the days of when Russian influence was still strong. The Russians came to Haerbin and started a frenzy of railroad building which naturally linked back to the Soviet Union. During this time large numbers of foreigners settled in Haerbin, including Jews. With the Jews also came their their culture, most notably their religion, thus the Jewish synagogue here was built.
Jewish Synagogue From Across the Street in Haerbin 哈尔滨
When the Russians left, so did the Jews, leaving behind their synagogues. Not much of the Jews stayed here though their impact on architecture will be more prominent. The synagogue is probably the only one I have ever entered, I guess this one doesn’t count since it is already inactive. Most of the exterior is still intact, the building is prominent with its brick red color and of course the unmistakable dome. Topping it all, is the requisite star of David. The Haerbin Kazy International Youth Hostel just moved in here to be one of the main tenants of the synagogue. There is a school sharing the building here and bizarrely, a pizza restaurant of all things at the ground floor.
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