Reconstruction of Oryol Jewish Cemetery

ORYOL, Russia [FJC] — The Jewish cemetery in Oryol, which located in the vicinity of gypsum mill, plans to undertake reconstructive works on the territory, which will include the establishment of a reliable high fence to deter the systematic acts of vandalism that have been occurring here over the past few years.

As explained by Semyon Livshitz, the Chairman of the local ‘Shalom Center’ Jewish community, this particular cemetery was used for Jewish burials for the period 1836 to 1960. This cemetery, which is now closed, has become a constant target for vandalism. These criminal acts have become rather serious, with anti-Semitic hooligans not only knocking over and damaging gravestones, but also digging up graves. “We won’t put up for such a desecration,” he noted.

The ‘Shalom Center’ Jewish community of Oryol was established on September 13, 1999. That same year, it became a member of the expanding Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia and remains a member of this comprehensive country-wide organization through to this day. Chairman Semyon Livshitz was elected as its Chairman and remains as its leader even today.
The funds allocated for the reconstruction works on the cemetery’s territory are to come from the Federation of Jewish Communities in Russia, for which local leaders and community members are grateful.