A group of volunteers from among the personnel of the Lithuanian Jewish Community gathered October 8 at the old Jewish cemetery in the Vilnius neighborhood of Užupis. Although not that many people turned out, those who did put their backs into it, hauling off brush and saplings. Volunteer director Juozas Labokas of the Regional Park’s Office of Inspector told volunteers of the history of the site and called for more volunteers and volunteer actions so the refurbishment of the cemetery could continue through the winter months. Strong individuals are sought especially, since many of the trees being removed require heavy lifting.

The site located along Olandų street next to the Soviet-era funeral home facility there was a Jewish cemetery where some 70,000 people were buried. The 11-hectare cemetery now falls under the care of the Pavilniai Regional Park. It has been completely overgrown by weeds, bushes and small trees. Now enough undergrowth has been cleared away to reveal some of the surviving Jewish headstones.

The cemetery was the main Jewish burial site in Vilnius from 1831 to 1946. The cemetery was destroyed beginning in 1965.

Currently the Municipal Works and Transportation Department of the Vilnius municipality is undertaking work to refurbish the graveyard. Trees are being removed to provide an aesthetic view of the grave monuments. Currently work is on-going in 4 hectares and volunteers are sorely needed.

The Pavilniai Regional Park webpage says:

The more people who step forward to contribute to putting the old Jewish cemetery in order, the more quickly the territory will be liberated from the brush. We hope for your reply and await your telephone call or email.

telephone: Vida at 8 614 92 522
email: parkas@botanika.lt