The Foundation for Jewish Heritage has been asked to provide its expertise for a PACE report on Jewish cultural heritage preservation.
With 2018 designated the European Year of Cultural Heritage, PACE, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, is undertaking research into the current state of Europe’s historic Jewish sites, with a view to drafting a report by early 2019.
Earlier this year the Foundation for Jewish Heritage launched an unprecedented study into the historic synagogues of Europe, providing an inventory of 3,318 buildings, mostly pre-dating World War Two, in 48 countries right across the continent.
The buildings were catalogued based on their artistic, urban and historical significance and their condition rated – the aim being to help focus preservation efforts on the most important sites at risk. Of the 3,318 synagogues identified, the Foundation highlighted 160 which it believes most urgently need attention if they are to be safe-guarded for future generations.
The PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media has been entrusted with the drafting of this report and Swiss MP Mr Raphael Comte, acting as Rapporteur, has invited the Foundation for Jewish Heritage to provide its expertise to assist this process and help in the preparation of the research report.
Michael Mail, the Foundation’s Chief Executive, commented: “The Foundation is really excited to be invited to assist in the preparation of this important piece of research, which will bring the current situation of Europe’s Jewish heritage sites to the attention of the Council of Europe member states. I am hoping that some useful observations and practical recommendations will emerge to support efforts to preserve these historic buildings.”
You can read the full motion for this resolution here: Jewish cultural heritage preservation