The city government of Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, has earmarked over 20 million yuan, or about US$2.4 million to restore the original look of several Jewish buildings in the city. 

Renovation of two synagogues and a middle school formerly attended by Jewish children will begin soon and are expected to be completed within the year.

The facelift project will cover the interior and exterior decoration and restoration of some parts of the buildings which were damaged over the past century.

Sources say an average of 100 Jewish people come each year to Harbin to discover their family roots and learn more about the city's Jewish community. 

(CRI.com June 14, 2004)