Representatives of the Jewish community of Vitebsk and St. Petersburg initiated accomplishment of one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Belarus - cemetery in Beshenkovici. This was announced by the head of the Jewish community in Vitebsk, historian and journalist Arkady Shulman.

"The last burial conducted several decades ago. Since Beshenkovichy there is no Jewish community, and those elderly Jews who survive are his life, not strong enough to clear the cemetery is overgrown with woods and bushes, through the debris is sometimes difficult to get to the graves. two years ago, was held Saturday, but the cemetery fell into disrepair again. The initiative was supported by the improvement of the local authorities. in the accomplishment of the team will take part in Vitebsk and Minsk, St. Petersburg, whose ancestors lived in the beautiful town of Beshenkovichi. Took participate and young people from Novopolotsk youth public association. also promised to connect local forestry in whose territory the cemetery. And we invite all concerned to join this action, "- said Arkady Shulman.

According to the chief custodian of the funds of the district local history museum Leonenko Stanislaus Cemetery is one of the most well-preserved ancient Jewish graves in Belarus. It covers an area of 4 hectares (including obkopannuyu - more than 2 hectares) and has more than 200 tombs, which are visible on the surface. Under the ground, he was yet hundreds, maybe thousands. According to the inscriptions on the stones in Hebrew, the oldest burial is dated 1703 year.

Chairman of the Republican Fund "Holocaust", the director of "The Museum of Jewish History and Culture of Belarus" Vadim Hakobyan, who joined the initiative, said that throughout Belarus there are more than 200 abandoned Jewish cemeteries, and the forces of their communities is not enough for you to put in order all. In the year are improving one or two object.

Summer will begin work on clearing the cemetery in Beshenkovichy of debris. Planned for June and August labor camps. Enthusiasts will welcome everyone who wants to participate in the improvement of cemeteries or make a material contribution.

belta.by