The restored ceremonial hall of the Jewish cemetery in Břeclav is a reminder of the extinct Jewish history of Břeclav and the community that was annihilated by the Nazis. Israeli Ambassador Anna Azari attended the unveiling of its new striking look on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
After the war, this beautiful space was used as an upholstery and drugstore warehouse, its dismal condition forced at least a basic repair of the roof in the 1990s. Since then, however, money has been sought in vain for more extensive repairs. Until now.
"Something unique was achieved in Břeclav," said the ambassador. And she could well compare. She visited the building and the adjacent Jewish cemetery three years ago, so she knew what it looked like before the renovation.
“I vividly remember talking about how difficult it would be to find the funding to save the ceremonial hall. When I look around today, I can't help but be amazed. Today, this building is not only a beauty, but also a witness to the city's rich history and what the residents of Břeclav have achieved. Rescuing her was a big challenge. I am very happy that the city leaders was not intimidated by it," said the ambassador.
As she added, the building will once again become a place where people meet and where regional historical memory will come to life again. "This is very important today, when Jews in Europe are experiencing an alarming increase in anti-Semitic expressions," she noted.
Once again open to public
The charming ceremony hall at the Jewish cemetery opened to the public on Sunday, May 19. The historic building from 1892, made of open-faced bricks from the then famous Lichtenstein ceramic factory in Poštorná, once again boasts a pseudo-Gothic ribbed vault and historic wall paintings, including Old Testament inscriptions in Hebrew and German.