The Jewish Cemetery in Orhei

One of the old in Europe

About four centuries ago, Jews brought their deceased relatives here, and the cemetery is now among the oldest in Europe.

Before the war there were 8,000 Jews in the city and another six thousand in the villages of the region. The dead were brought in carts. Women were buried on one side, men on the other

—

Mr.Mundrean

The old cemetery proves that even decades ago there were differences. It has a "VIP Alley", where the graves of dozens of people who were part of the Jewish elite are lined up.

The cemetery is divided into sectors, and the names of the identified dead have been listed in a guide, in alphabetical order.

Anyone looking for their relatives buried here can find their graves.

The Jewish cemetery in Orhei is in the top three oldest active cemeteries in Eastern Europe, along with cemeteries in Prague and Mainz, Germany.

Not far from the cemetery gate is a wall inscribed with hundreds of names.

"Killed in the village of Bulaiesti",

"Killed in the village of Seliste", "Killed in the village of Slobodca" and the list of Jews who were shot during the war continues - only those identified: women, men, children.

A detail that can be observed at almost every grave that is often visited, is that the Jews use stones instead of flowers.

Even if it is a special cemetery, a large part of it is in ruins. A part has been renovated, but there is still a large part of the territory that needs help

Dozens and hundreds of Jewish graves throughout history have been desecrated, almost no one has been legally punished for it. But we can talk about the caring and respectful attitude of living Jews who take care of the graves of their ancestors wherever they are.

20 years ago, landslides started in this area and at the same time, citizens' measures to restore the cemetery began.

Thanks for your attention

● Moreover, we thank those who helped us with the collection of materials to create the brochure:

-The Public library „Alexandru Donici” Orhei

-Mr. Iziaslav Mundrean

-Mr. Vadim Macaru

● Brochure made by:

Rogoja Dumitru

Vartic Marius

Bo

Tatiana

Coordinating teacher: Macaru Vadim

Original photo material made by Rogoja Dumitru, the IXa classe.