Jewish Heritage Europe

Germany: Young volunteers are restoring the one-time synagogue in a flood-damaged, centuries-old building in Dernau

Participants of the 2023 flood relief camp in the former synagogue in Dernau Photo: Roland Rossner/German Foundation for Monument Protection

Young volunteers are restoring the one-time synagogue in a centuries-old building  in Dernau, on the Ahr River in western Germany, that suffered serious damage in devastating floods that swept the area in 2021. The next volunteer restoration camp is scheduled … continue reading →

Germany: City of Plauen has launched a crowd-funder to help preserve the surviving ruined wall of its pre-WW2 synagogue and create a memorial there

The Plauen synagogue, 1930s Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0

The city of Plauen, in eastern Germany near the Czech border, has launched a crowd-funding campaign to help support the preservation of the surviving ruined wall of its pre-WW2 synagogue and create a memorial there. The official launch took place … continue reading →

Ukraine: Grass fire sweeps part of the Jewish cemetery in Berdychiv; matzevot are reported to be largely undamaged

Screengrab of the fire at the Berdychiv Jewish cemetery

An out of control grass fire swept the Jewish cemetery in Berdychiv, blackening part of the sprawling area but, sources in Ukraine told JHE, apparently only dry grass burned and the granite matzevot were not seriously damaged. Firefighters called by … continue reading →

Belarus: The long-derelict 17th century synagogue in Slonim sells again at auction — for €12

The sad saga of the long-derelict 17th century Great Synagogue in Slonim continues…. The building, classed as a historic and cultural monument,  has been sold again at auction — for a mere 42 Belarus rubles, or about €12. The sale … continue reading →

Italy: The Synagogue in Siena is shortlisted for Europa Nostra’s “Seven Most Endangered” List

The 18th century synagogue in Siena, which suffered damage in an earthquake one year ago, has been placed among the 11 threatened heritage sites in Europe that have been shortlisted for Europa Nostra’s 7 Most Endangered program for 2024. Located … continue reading →