Jewish Heritage Europe

Netherlands: At 17th century Beth Haim Portuguese Jewish Cemetery in Ouderkerk, opening of visitors center is final step in 6-year development project. Plus – 3D models are available of 100 elaborate gravestones

(JHE) — A small visitors’ center has been opened at the historic Beth Haim Portuguese Jewish cemetery in Ouderkerk, completing a development project for the cemetery launched in 2014 on the 400th anniversary of its foundation in 1614. Around 28,000 … continue reading →

UPDATE: Activists in Poznan work to erect informational signage at Lake Rusałka — a popular local resort that was built during WW2 by Jewish prisoners and Polish forced laborers

Activists in Poznan, Poland are seeking funds to erect information signage at the artificial Lake Rusałka — a popular local resort that was built during WW2 by Jewish prisoners and Polish forced laborers. As we wrote in November, the city … continue reading →

Netherlands: Vincent Van Gogh and an Amsterdam Jewish cemetery (or two)

The great Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh visited a Jewish cemetery in Amsterdam  in May, 1877 — and wrote to his brother, Theo, about the experience. The web site Van Gogh Routes, which enables users to follow in Vincent’s footsteps … continue reading →

Ukraine: Memorial concert for the author Joseph Roth is held at the hulking ruins of the synagogue in Brody, Ukraine — the town he was born in 125 years ago. Centerpiece is Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish”

The hulking, tragic ruins of the synagogue in Brody, Ukraine were the backdrop for a memorial symphonic concert honoring the great Jewish writer Joseph Roth, who was born in Brody 125 years ago (when it was at the eastern edge … continue reading →

CZ-PL: Just weeks after ambitious EU-funded revitalization of Jewish cemeteries in Osoblaha, CZ and Biała, PL, vandals cause minor damage to 6 gravestones in Osoblaha

We had planned to write about an ambitious, recently carried out EU-funded cross-border project focused on revitalizing the related — and historic — Jewish cemeteries in Osoblaha, Czech Republic and nearby Biała, Poland,  but unfortunately we also have to note … continue reading →