Lo Tishkach has published its latest report into the state of the Jewish cemeteries and Holocaust-era mass graves in the western Latvian region of Kurzeme. This marks the third out of four regions surveyed by Lo Tishkach in collaboration with the Council of Jewish Communities of Latvia. Survey data from the fourth region of Latgale is currently being collated with a report on this region due out in the spring.
The Kurzeme report outlines the current situation and location of eleven Jewish cemeteries and 25 mass grave sites. The report found two cemeteries to be properly demarcated and maintained, a further six sites to be partially demarcated and protected, with a final three sites lacking any appropriate form of identification and demarcation. These three sites at Embute, Sabile and Saldus require urgent renovation work and fencing. If you would like to help please contact Lo Tishkach at info@lo-tishkach.org.
Regarding mass grave sites, only two of these lack identification, and three sites require memorial markers that make mention of the Jewish victims buried there. The remaining 20 sites are appropriately marked.
The report is the third to be published of Latvian regions by Lo Tishkach and follows extensive surveys, local interviews and additional research undertaken by local students.
Please contact us if you would like to obtain a copy of the report.
