Graves found at Czech building site

More Jewish graves were discovered at a site in the Czech Republic slated for a parking lot. Czech Television reported Thursday that the discovery of children’s graves on the site in Pilsen, where a medieval Jewish cemetery was found last year, will mean the project by the Israeli firm Plaza Centers will have to be modified for the fifth time. The original finding included a 15th century Jewish cemetery with about 8 graves. “This is quite a unique find, which should be declared a part of cultural heritage,” archaeologist Jiri Orna told the public broadcaster.The London-based Orthodox group, Committee for the Preservation of Jewish Cemeteries in Europe, is working closely with Plaza Centers to ensure that the graves will not be disturbed by any construction, in keeping with Jewish law. Czech Television reported that the Pilsen Jewish Community has long been critical of the approach of Plaza Center’s local Czech manager, causing him to be replaced.