Czech gravestones are returned
The fragments were found during work in a pedestrian zone at the foot of Wenceslas Square, one of the Czech capital’s most visited areas
Fragments of Jewish gravestones found during excavation work in the centre of Prague are to be returned to the 19th century Jewish cemetery where they were taken.
The fragments were found during work in a pedestrian zone at the foot of Wenceslas Square, one of the Czech capital’s most visited areas, and will be returned to the Old Jewish Cemetery in nearby Zizkov.
Up to 350,000 Jews lived in or near Prague before the Second World War, and the post-war Jewish community has called for the stones’ return ever since they were first used as cobbles in 1987, when the Jewish population was less than 8,000. The cobbles were made from gravestones that were cut into squares.
Today’s community is driving a project, Finding the Lost Face of Jewish Cemeteries, to identify the fragments, according to Radio Prague International.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
