Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial: progress update and final fundraising push

The construction of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial has continued through the winter months, thanks to an unusually mild season in Belarus. While some snowfall occurred, the light conditions have allowed the construction team to maintain steady progress.

A significant milestone has been reached with the near completion of the two 85-metre-long walls designed to symbolise an embrace around the mound where 1,250 salvaged gravestones will stand. As the memorial takes shape, its sheer scale is becoming strikingly evident. To capture this progress, The Together Plan received special permission from the Belarus Ministry of Defence to fly a drone over the site in February, providing a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the construction. Drones are not permitted to fly in Belarus so we were delighted and very grateful when the Ministry of Defence gave their support to enable us to do this. The drone footage also gave us a chance to see the memorial in proximity to the Lokomotiv Sports Stadium. All of this territory is land that was once the Jewish cemetery and which is still cemetery land as the bodies still remain buried there.

With work continuing at pace, the ambition remains to complete the memorial by summer 2025. However, to achieve this goal, a final fundraising push is essential. To that end, we are excited to announce our new campaign: Stepping Out Together: A Global Challenge, launching on March 1st.

a call to action: join us in completing this historic memorial

In 2024, we successfully launched a crowdfunding campaign to establish a memorial at the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery. However, global conflicts, economic sanctions, and financial instability have increased costs, necessitating additional funds for the final phase of construction.

Over 80 years ago, the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery was completely desecrated, erasing an integral piece of Jewish history. For over a decade, we have worked to uncover lost narratives and restore silenced voices across the former Soviet Union. This initiative extends beyond restoring stones—it is about revitalising Jewish heritage, fostering unity, and educating future generations. The memorial will stand as a testament to resilience and remembrance, ensuring Brest’s Jewish history is never forgotten. With your support, we can reclaim the past, empower the present, and inspire hope for the future.

Click here to watch the updated campaign film

how you can help: Stepping Out Together – A Global Challenge

Are you ready to take steps to make a difference? We are inviting people worldwide to take part in our walkathon challenge in their own place and at their own pace. It is super simple. You just need to set your own distance goal, plan your route, and fundraise as an individual or in a team. Whether walking with family, forming a kids’ team, or training with colleagues, this is an opportunity to get active while supporting the cause.

On June 8th, 2025, our CEO and Co-Founder, Debra Brunner, will power walk a marathon (26.2 miles/42.2 km) in London, UK and you are invited to join her in London or wherever you are in the world. Whether you choose to walk your chosen distance solo, with friends, or with your children or if you decide to walk (or run) a half or full marathon, every step brings us closer to our goal.

make an impact and sign up today 

Training schedules for half and full marathons will be provided upon registration, ensuring everyone can participate at their own pace. This is an event for all ages and abilities—what matters most is the shared commitment to remembering and rebuilding.

Wherever you are in the world, you can play your part so that collectively, together and apart, we can make history. Let’s take this final step, side by side!

To register to participate in the campaign – click here

If you are in the USA – you can register here

For more information about the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial project – click here

To watch the Zoom presentation on February 16th where we gave an update on the developments to date and introduced the new fundraising campaign – click here

For all the articles and media coverage on the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial to date – click here