6 January 2009
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The Lo Tishkach Foundation has recently completed a comparative report on the legislation and practice relating to the protection and preservation of Jewish burial grounds located in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. |
The survey, based on preliminary research, finds that more than 5,200 Jewish burial grounds are located in these countries in the heart of Europe. However, this figure does not include numerous unrecorded cemeteries that are no longer visible and therefore at risk from future development.
Major differences between the countries examined can be found primarily in cemetery ownership and maintenance. While mixed Jewish and non-Jewish ownership prevails in most countries, rather uniform ownership patterns exist in Germany (almost exclusive Jewish ownership) and Lithuania (almost exclusive municipal ownership).
Further action is needed to secure comprehensive long-term maintenance, which lacks a sound legal basis in most countries except for Germany. The report recommends that cultural heritage status be awarded to more Jewish burial grounds as a first step to ensure their lasting preservation.
