rebuilding together, remembering forever

The Brest-Litovsk Jewish Cemetery Memorial Campaign

 

In the heart of Belarus lies a forgotten cemetery, a silent witness to the tumultuous history of the Jewish people in Eastern Europe. The Brest-Litovsk (Brisk) Jewish cemetery, once a sacred ground for generations of Jews, has faded into obscurity, its stories buried beneath layers of time and neglect – a site that is unmarked with not a gravestone in sight. But now, a beacon of remembrance is set to rise from the shadows, thanks to an ambitious crowdfunding campaign led by The Together Plan.

The history of the Jewish people in Russian lands is a tale of resilience amidst unspeakable suffering. From the brutal pogroms of the late 19th century to the horrors of the Holocaust, the Jewish community faced persecution on an unprecedented scale. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are stories of courage, solidarity, and hope that must never be forgotten.

 

 

 

At The Together Plan, our mission is clear: to shine a light on this forgotten history and to ensure that the voices of the past are heard. As antisemitism around the world rears its ugly head once more, it is imperative that we confront the shadows of the past in order to build a brighter future for all.

Our upcoming crowdfunding campaign aims to construct a memorial at the site of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery, reclaiming the lost stories of generations past. This memorial will serve as more than just a monument; it will be a gateway to understanding, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

The story of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery is one of tragedy and triumph. Over the past two decades, approximately 1250 gravestones have resurfaced throughout the region, each bearing witness to a lost community and a rich heritage. Now, with your support, we can transform these reclaimed stones into a symbol of remembrance and renewal.

By joining our campaign which will run for 36 hours from the 19th to the 20th May, you will be contributing to the realisation of several crucial objectives:

 

Commemoration for the Present and Future: The memorial park will provide the functioning Jewish community in Brest with a place to honour and remember their ancestors, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.

Connection Across Continents: For Jews with ancestral links to Brest living in the Diaspora, the memorial park will offer a physical space to connect with their roots and find solace in the knowledge that their heritage endures.

A Beacon of Cultural Heritage: Situated on the Belarus Jewish cultural heritage route, this memorial park will enrich the cultural tapestry of Belarus and contribute to a deeper understanding of its diverse history.

Restoring History, Fighting Antisemitism: By confronting the atrocities of the past, we can better understand the historical backdrop that gave rise to Zionism and the imperative for the establishment of the state of Israel. Moreover, it sheds light on the long-suppressed history of Jews murdered in the Soviet Union—a narrative that is increasingly relevant in a world grappling with rising antisemitism. Click here to find out more about antisemitism.

 

This campaign is not just about stones; it’s about resilience, remembrance, and resistance against oblivion. It’s about reclaiming our history and reaffirming our commitment to never forget. With your support, we can ensure that the Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery is no longer hidden, but proudly restored to its rightful place on the map of memory.

 

 

Join us in this noble endeavour to honour the past, empower the present, and inspire hope for the future. Together, let us build a memorial that stands as a beacon of remembrance and resilience for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that the voices of the past are never silenced. Join us today and be a part of something truly meaningful and transformative and together let’s make the world a better place.

 

 

To find out more about how the campaign will work – click here

To sign up to be part of the campaign – click here 

To contact us with any questions – click here

To access the press release by our sister USA charity Jewish Tapestry Project click here . Please get in touch if you would like to publish an article in your synagogue magazine or in a newspaper outlet.

The Together Plan offers an archive search service to help people find ancestral records in the Belarus archives. For more information, click here