Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

The ESJF European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative education seminar for teachers and local activists from across Hungary started on August 14 at the Frankel Leó synagogue in Budapest, with an enthusiastic atmosphere.

The ESJF is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, which also supported this event. Participants included local activists, teachers, NGO representatives, and others interested or involved in the preservation and care of Jewish cemeteries.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

Dr. Verő Tamás rabbi and Winkler Miksa opened the event by reciting the Oseh Shalom. Afterward, dr. Verő Tamás, the event’s host, welcomed the participants at the synagogue.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities (Verő Tamás)

In her speech, Christiana Markert, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Budapest, emphasized the vital role Jewish cemeteries play in preserving the memory of the Holocaust, particularly as the number of living witnesses and survivors continues to decline. She noted that, especially in rural areas, these cemeteries are often the most significant remaining evidence of once-thriving Jewish communities. Markert also underscored Germany’s commitment to its historical responsibility by supporting the authentic preservation of Holocaust memory in the public consciousness.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities (Christiana Markert)

Szalay-Bobrovniczky Vince, Deputy State Secretary of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office, reiterated the government’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism and pledged to continue supporting cemetery preservation and restoration programs, as long as financial resources allow.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities (Szalay-Bobrovniczky Vince)

Philip Carmel, Chief Executive Officer of the ESJF, praised the collaboration with Hungarian organizations, particularly MAZSIHISZ, and pledged to continue their efforts in Hungary.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities (Philip Carmel)

On the first day of the education seminar, Róna László, President of the Jewish Community of Kaposvár, gave a lecture on the history and current state of Hungarian Jewry. Of particular interest was the presentation of people who became world-famous as Hungarians and not as Jews.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities (Róna László)

Gergely Anna, a historian, discussed the unique aspects of Jewish-Hungarian coexistence in Fejér County.

Lányi Pál, an amateur researcher, shared insights into his family’s role in Szeged’s intellectual life.

Alexandra Fishel provided tips on captivating young people’s interest in Jewish cemeteries, focusing on the gravestones’ features, inscriptions, and symbols.

Ábrahám Vera, a cemetery researcher, librarian, and member of the Szeged Jewish Community Archive, showcased her extensive knowledge of Jewish cemeteries in Hungary through a rich collection of images.

Hanula Ferenc, an architect and technical inspector, offered crucial advice on what to consider before “amateurs” begin cleaning a Jewish cemetery. He emphasized the need to understand the legal framework and establish clear boundaries.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

It’s remarkable how many volunteer organizations have been established to care for Jewish cemeteries. Volunteers have come from Szigetvár, Vác, Dunaföldvár, Szolnok, Kőszeg, and Szeged.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

In Szedres, a village of 2,500 people in Tolna County, even a five-year-old boy has joined in the efforts.

For two decades, Winkler Miksa has dedicated himself to visiting and organizing the preservation of Jewish cemeteries, motivating local governments and organizations to take action. He is also a regular participant in the annual Kibuci Bucik cemetery renovation camp, led by Merényi Szonja, where the team not only restores cemeteries but also builds a strong sense of community.

The exchange of experiences extended beyond the Frankel Leó synagogue, continuing over shared meals and even during a guided tour of the Jewish quarter and the Salgótarjáni Jewish cemetery.

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

By the end of the course, the participants had become a close-knit community, united by their shared interest in Jewish cemeteries – a seemingly endless source of knowledge and experience. They all agreed on one thing: “Once you step into a Jewish cemetery, it stays with you forever, you’re a lifelong prisoner to its history.”

Rural cemeteries are often the most important memorials to once-thriving Jewish communities

Author: Baranyi Mária
Photos: Erdős Dénes, Alexandra Fishel
Originally published in Szombat Online