Jewish Cemetery in Brzeg Dolny

The Jewish cemetery in Brzeg Dolny was established in 1689, when Sabataj Bass obtained permission and bought land for it behind the palace game reserve. The local Chevra Kadisha, a burial brotherhood, was also founded at that time. Only fragments survive from the former necropolis.

History

Until 1762 the cemetery also served Jews living in Wrocław. In 1749 most of the victims of the explosion of the Powder Tower in Wrocław were buried here. The site was extended in 1805, and the last burial took place in 1936.

Destruction during Kristallnacht

During Kristallnacht the cemetery was devastated so thoroughly that not a single gravestone survived intact. To this day only fragments of gravestones and grave borders, along with the foundations of a building in the northern part of the site, have survived.

Present state

The disused cemetery covers 0.2 hectares and lies between Czarny Staw and Łabędzki Staw in Brzeg Dolny.

Practical information

• Location: Brzeg Dolny, Wołów County, between Czarny Staw and Łabędzki Staw.
• Nearby are the Synagogue in Brzeg Dolny and the St Hedwig's Chapel in Brzeg Dolny.
• This is a place of remembrance for the destruction of the local Jewish community - it is worth visiting with gravity, not as an ordinary point on the attractions map.