Polish: “historical justice” motivated return of Jewish headstones

Polish authorities say “historical justice” motivated them to return Jewish headstones to a Jewish cemetery in Warsaw, after they were used to build a city park. 

After World War II the headstones in Brodno Jewish Cemetery were used to help build a gazebo, pergola and stairs in Praga Park.

Demolition of the pergola began last week after an announcement in April that the dilapidated cemetery would undergo a $1 million renovation to be overseen by the Jewish community.

Brodno dates back to 1780 and is one of the biggest Jewish cemeteries in Europe.

Local spokesman Jerzy Gierszewski said about $120,000 had been allocated for the return of the headstones, saying: “The project is important for the simplest reason: It will be a kind of act of historical justice.”