A group of 40 Jewish educators from across Europe explored the possibilities of using a resource they might not have considered before — Jewish cemeteries.
The London-based Foundation for Jewish Heritage jointly ran the EU-backed programme which took place in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Michael Mail, chief executive of the foundation, said, “The vast majority of Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe are orphaned, so are not looked after by a local Jewish community and many are in serious disrepair or indeed unrecognisable due to utter neglect and past vandalism.”
The seminar’s objective, he said, was “not only to ensure these cemeteries are recognised and protected, but to understand that they can serve a vital educational purpose introducing local students to the Jewish history in their town which is often completely forgotten.
