Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial image design. Image credit - Brad J. Goldberg
In the southern region of Belarus, where history has left its indelible mark, a stunning new memorial is poised to emerge from the annals of time. This memorial will stand as a poignant tribute to the harrowing destiny that befell the Jewish community of Brest-Litovsk during the tumultuous era of World War II. The Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery, stripped of all recognisable remnants indicating its once-hallowed status as a final resting ground, will once again serve as the sanctuary for the lives and narratives of a community long forgotten.
The Together Plan team in Brest warehouse with the headstones, photo credit: The Together Plan
The cemetery, like the Jewish people of Brest, fell victim to the ruthless advance of the German army in 1941. As the Jewish population was systematically targeted and murdered, their sacred burial ground suffered a similar fate. Gravestones were toppled, removed and repurposed. The Soviet Army’s recapture of Brest did not bring redemption for the cemetery either. In desperate need of materials for post-war reconstruction, they removed gravestones for use as paving and building materials. Slowly, over time, all traces of the cemetery’s existence were obliterated, leaving behind an agonising void in the historical landscape.
Headstones in storage in Brest. Photo credit The Together Plan
For the past two decades, the Jewish community in Brest has tirelessly gathered salvaged headstones that once stood in the cemetery that were found scattered throughout the region and in 2021, The Together Plan’s partner organisation in Belarus signed an official agreement with the Brest authorities. The objective was to honour the memory of those interred in the cemetery and work with the local community and international partners to create a lasting memorial that would tell the story of the Jewish community in Brest and the 20,000 plus souls who perished at the hands of the Nazis.
In 2015, through our work in Brest when we first brought the story of the desecrated cemetery to light, we made a connection to Stephen Grynberg, who lives in the USA. Stephen’s father as a young boy and his grandparents, were among the handful of Jews who managed to survive the Holocaust in Brest. It is thanks to the unwavering support of Stephen and the Illuminate Foundation that this incredible project is now a reality. In 2021 and 2022, The Together Plan’s dedicated team in Belarus undertook the monumental task of photographing and documenting every salvaged remnant, creating a comprehensive catalogue that is now available online. This digital archive represents an important step toward preserving the history and memory of those who were lost.
Stephen Grynberg and the Illuminate Foundation then extended an invitation to the immensely talented and visionary American designer and artist, Brad J. Goldberg, to contribute to the project. Goldberg has crafted a magnificent and breathtaking memorial that will reintegrate the salvaged headstones into the cemetery’s sacred grounds. The design consists of two embracing walls, within which a pregnant mound will cradle the remaining fragments of the headstones, positioned at various angles, as if engaged in an eternal conversation.
The story of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery is one that needs to be told, remembered, and honoured. As we look toward the future, it is essential that we recognise the past. The forthcoming memorial will be a powerful tribute to the Jewish community of Brest, a testament to their enduring legacy, and a reminder of the importance of preserving history, no matter how painful.
The Together Plan team in Brest warehouse photographing salvaged headstones, photo credit: The Together Plan
The Brest-Litovsk Jewish Cemetery memorial campaign holds immense significance for the Jewish community in Brest today. It stands as a beacon of remembrance, giving voice to the silenced, and providing a platform for their stories to be heard. This endeavour not only shines a light on their history but also offers a form of restoration, allowing the community to reclaim their heritage and identity. Through this memorial, the Jewish community in Brest can find solace, recognition, and healing, as their presence and experiences are acknowledged and honoured for generations to come.
This memorial project is a beacon of hope and a promise to future generations that the memory of those who perished will never fade away. By supporting this initiative, we ensure that the story of Brest-Litovsk is not forgotten, and that the voices of the past continue to resonate in our collective memory.
Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial image design. Image credit – Brad J. Goldberg
The fundraising campaign is now underway, and people from all corners of the globe are invited to contribute to this profoundly significant project. By doing so, they become part of a movement to ensure that the world never forgets the tragic events that unfolded in Brest-Litovsk. Moreover, this effort also initiates a crucial dialogue surrounding the narrative of Belarusian Jews, encompassing both their historical legacy and contemporary presence.
A third of the required funding has already been secured, marking the beginning of a historic endeavour to honour the memory of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish community.
To contribute your donation from anywhere in the world kindly click on the link provided and join us in our mission to realise this remarkable project to its fullest potential. Your support is greatly appreciated.
USA donors have the option to make their gift through our American partner organisation Jewish Tapestry Project 501(C)3.
DONATE HERE
To read the article published by CNN on Friday 22nd September, click here
To read the article published by the Jewish News, UK on Friday 22nd September, click here