The Mala Dobron Jewish cemetery in Ukrainian Transcarpathia has been the focus of ESJF’s attention for one particular reason — its proximity to a Christian cemetery. For decades, these cemeteries existed only a short distance apart. However, after the Shoah, the Jewish cemetery was abandoned, to the point that it risked total disappearance.

The need for precise demarcation between the Jewish and Christian cemeteries necessitated particular caution on the part of the ESJF surveyor team. However, after a long, thorough examination, the Jewish cemetery was separated and fenced off with metal mesh and stone gabion.

In doing so, the team were able not only to create a clear distinction between the Jewish and Christian burial sites, but to do so while paying respect to the graves on both sides of the divide.