The cost of renovation and subsequent maintenance of 270 Jewish cemeteries and other heritage sites exceeds our available financial resources. Your contribution will help care for heritage sites that are part of Jewish and national cultural heritage.

We strive to establish the necessary commemorative character of cemeteries and respectful renovation of all surviving tombstones. Bearing in mind that it is impossible to rescue all stones from erosion through repairs and restorations, we see their thorough documentation as a means of preserving memory. We have to take care of these sepulchral sites while continuing to share our research with descendants, researchers and the wider public.

The surviving cemeteries are, in many locations, the only reminder of the former Jewish community. We can perceive them as an intriguing historical site that deserves our attention and care, but above all, they are a sacred final resting place.

Sharing the view of Jewish tradition, we perceive the tombstone as a gift to the deceased, their eternal, inviolable possession.  

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Adoption of a cemetery or tombstone

Adoption is a form of a long-term contribution to the maintenance of a cemetery, grave, or tombstone. The possibility of adoption is not restricted to famous individuals or artistically valuable graves. According to the Jewish tradition, every tombstone is a gift to the deceased and must be cared for so that their name is never forgotten. 

Therefore, adoption does not include renting a grave site, as in other cemeteries. In a Jewish cemetery, once the grave site is paid for, it is forever guaranteed to the deceased person, that is, to the given family, and it is to never belong to another owner. If all relatives pass away, the Jewish community manages the grave.

Due to the tragic historical events of the past years, there are many cemeteries and tombstones without care. Their maintenance is the responsibility of the Jewish communities and the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic. However, the expenses associated with the renovation and maintenance of cemeteries greatly exceed the financial means of individual Jewish communities. Given such conditions, we cannot devote as much attention as each cemetery and tombstone deserves.

By adopting, you are participating in the maintenance of the cemeteries and tombstones, which no longer have someone to take care of them.