A large part of the tombstones in the Moscow Jewish cemetery called Dragomilover, face destruction as a result of failure to have them registered between June 25 and July 25 as had been ordered by the Soviet government. Tombstones which were not registered during that month will be confiscated and the graves levelled.
Since only a brief announcement on the subject appeared in the Soviet press it is probable that a large part of the tombstones remain unregistered, particularly since many people who are interested in the tombstones have left Russia and are unaware of the order that endangers the tombstones of their dead.
The complete destruction of the tombstones is believed to be the aim of the Soviet government because it feels it can realize large sums of money from their sale. The Jewish community of Moscow has requested the authorities for a longer period in which to register the tombstones but the results of this plea are not yet known. It is feared that similar orders for confiscation will be extended to all parts of Russia.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
