An agreement has been reached by the World Federation of Polish Jews and the Polish government for the restoration of Jewish cemeteries desecrated during World War II, it was announced by Stefan Grajek, the head of the organization. Many illustrious rabbinic scholars are interred in some of the cemeteries.
Exhaustive surveys of existing Jewish cemeteries revealed some 400 potential sites, Grajek said. Of these, some 140 can be adequately identified and rehabilitated.
Kalman Sultanik, president of the Federation of Polish Jews in the United States, announced that an appeal is being made through Landsmanschaft and societies, and through individuals of Polish-Jewish descent to take part in this task.
According to the agreement with the Polish government, they will cover half the expenses necessary for the restoration, providing that the other half of the money is raised by the Polish-Jewish communities both in the U.S. and the rest of the world. “This is therefore of the greatest importance that these funds be raised, otherwise a vital part of our heritage will be lost forever,” Sultanik said.
He stated that anyone seeking additional information should contact the Federation of Polish Jews, 136 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 or telephone (212) 689-4930.
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