Preservation of Jewish Heritage

At UCSJ, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rich historical and cultural legacy of Jewish communities in post-Soviet countries. By preserving historic sites, and cultural artifacts, and promoting intercultural dialogue, we strive to honor and celebrate Jewish heritage while fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities.

UKRAINE

UCSJ Lviv Bureau tirelessly fights with perpetually emerging commercial interests in seizing lands of Old Jewish cemeteries in city of Lviv in the Western Ukraine. Supported by members of the International Religious Freedom Round-table we’ve appealed to the U.S. Secretary of State to assist initiatives such as ours in preserving old grave-sites and withstand desecration of cultural heritage.

In reply to UCSJ Lviv Bureau inquiry, the Cultural Heritage Protection Department of Lviv Governor Office clearly stated that the Lviv City Hall violated the Rule of Law.  

Today we filed the last of the series of the 8 court cases to uncover the giant falsifications the current Lviv City Hall administration made since 2006 to disregard, merciless, neglect of one of the most famous grave-site known since the 14th century in Europe. The Old Jewish Cemetery of Lviv is the rest place for saint righteous Sages whose works contributed to the World civilization, the place which would be well protected and kept up if not for the Holocaust and Communism in the bloody 20th century.

We will keep you informed on how the courts handle the strong clear evidences of corruption of the Lviv City Hall administration.  Unfortunately, examples of neglecting the historical spiritual and cultural heritage became spread in Ukraine and put all the pleas of the Global community ignored.

LITHUANIA

The Old Cemetery of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, at Šnipiškės/Piramont is in danger of desecration by the Lithuanian government which wants to renovate an old building erected on the cemetery grounds in Soviet times and turn it into a secular conference center. The Old Cemetery of Vilnius was the burial place from 1487 to 1830 for over 50,000 of Jewish residents of Vilnius, including many of the great Jewish scholars of a city once known as Jerusalem of Lithuania.

Together with Savevilna.org and supported by members of the International Religious Freedom Round-table we raised the issue of long-term battle in saving old Jewish cemetery in Vilnius in front of the U.S. Secretary of State. UCSJ also sent our concern and demand to stop desecration of the sacred grave-site to the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda.

---

Celebrating Jewish Culture

• Cultural Events and Educational Programs: We organize cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs to celebrate and share the rich history of Jewish culture in the post-Soviet countries. These activities aim to educate and inspire, highlighting the contributions and resilience of Jewish communities.

Promoting Intercultural Understanding

• Collaboration with Diverse Groups: We collaborate with other ethnic and religious groups to promote intercultural understanding and dialogue. By fostering partnerships, we aim to build bridges between communities and create a more inclusive and respectful society.
• Books and Archival Materials: Preservation of books and archival materials is a key focus of our efforts. We work to protect and restore these invaluable resources, ensuring that the legacy of Jewish culture is preserved for future generations. Our board includes historians, and as we grow, we aim to bring on writers and journalists to further enrich our initiatives.

Future Goals

• Expanding Preservation Efforts: We seek to identify and support additional sites and projects that represent the diverse cultural heritage of the region. By expanding our preservation efforts, we aim to create a comprehensive network of protected sites that honor Jewish history.
• Strengthening Partnerships: We continue to garner support from individuals and organizations concerned about human rights and the fate of Jews in FSU countries. Engaging with non-Jewish advocacy groups, we aim to build a coalition dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting mutual respect.

---

Join Us

UCSJ envisions a world where the rich history and cultural heritage of Jewish communities are preserved and celebrated. Join us in our mission to protect these invaluable legacies, promote intercultural dialogue, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish heritage. Together, we can ensure that the stories and contributions of Jewish communities are remembered and honored for generations to come.