Jewish Heritage Europe

France: Death of Gilbert Weil, longtime activist and founder of the Jewish Alsatian Museum

We are saddened to learn of the death of Gilbert Weil, an architect and urbanist who was long a tireless activist for Jewish heritage in Alsace and the founder of the Jewish Alsatian Museum in Bouxwiller. He passed away March … continue reading →

New Have Your Say by Piotr Puchta — On the permanent preservation of synagogues in Poland: the need for synergies and strategic thinking.

Synagogue in Łęczna, Poland, August 2018

After a lengthy hiatus, we have a new Have Your Say personal essay — this one from Piotr Puchta the CEO of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland (FODZ). It’s titled On the permanent preservation of synagogues … continue reading →

Romania: A U.S. Embassy grant funds the Conservation and Restoration study camp this summer at Alba Iulia’s Jewish cemetery. Places are limited, so sign up now to volunteer

Alba Iulia Jewish cemetery, 2006

Conservation work on matzevot in the historic Jewish cemetery in Alba Iulia will continue this year thanks to a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, made through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  The $62,000 grant, whose period … continue reading →

Poland Update: Long-awaited restoration of the 17th century synagogue in Chęciny is getting under way. It will become a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture

The long-awaited renovation of the 17th-century synagogue in Chęciny is getting under way.  The synagogue will house a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture, whose aim will be to teach “tolerance and respect for other religions and cultures.” Total cost of … continue reading →

Germany: Substantial federal grant aids a project to create a centre for culture and remembrance in the “Old Synagogue” in Bad Laasphe

The project to restore the “Old Synagogue” in Bad Laasphe, Germany and create there a place of remembrance and encounter will be moving forward thanks to a recent grant from the Federal Government of just over €378,000. The grant of €378,419 was … continue reading →