The synagogue in Velké Meziříčí is awaiting repairs costing several million

Velké Meziříčí - The old synagogue in Velké Meziříčí in the Žďár region needs repairs. The first phase, costing two to three million crowns, is expected to start next year. The project includes repairing the floors and restoring the outdoor staircase leading to the women's gallery. Architect Jaroslav Klenovský, who is responsible for the restoration and maintenance of Jewish monuments in Moravia, has prepared the project and is now looking for a contractor. According to him, the work may be jeopardized by a lack of funds and the crisis in the construction market, which is a consequence of high demand for construction work. "If we fail to secure the necessary amount, it will be hard to convince construction companies to take on a portion of the work for half a million," Klenovský said.

Both the old and new synagogues in Velké Meziříčí are owned by the Brno Jewish community. The old synagogue, built in 1695, was last repaired about 20 years ago, after which the Velké Meziříčí museum operated a gallery in it. However, its operation was discontinued a few years ago. Due to an archaeological survey, which revealed that the synagogue is built on the original town walls, the ground floor of the building is without flooring.

The new synagogue is rented out by the Jewish community and functions as a market. Klenovský admits that it is often the target of criticism. "But it's better that at least it functions in some way, that people go there, ventilate, and heat it," said Klenovský. According to him, a change is only possible once a meaningful alternative use for the building is found.

The estimated cost of necessary repairs to the new synagogue is about 20 million crowns. According to Klenovský, new furnishings would cost an additional approximately ten million crowns. The Jewish community has unsuccessfully applied several times for European grants. The building, from 1868, has a new roof, but its brickwork is crumbling. During reconstruction, it would also be necessary to demolish the floors added to the original hall in the 1950s.

The Caps66 foundation, founded by former hockey player Milan Nový, has expressed interest in helping to secure funds. According to him, the city should also get involved, acquiring the synagogue for a long-term lease of about 6,500 crowns per year. "I've found Israelis who would propose the reconstruction and help with it," Nový said. According to Mayor Josef Komínek (ČSSD), the city is interested in cooperating, but the newly elected council will need to express their stance on this matter.

Jews have lived in Velké Meziříčí since about the 15th century. By the mid-19th century, they made up about a quarter of the population of the five-thousand-strong town. Most Jews living in the town died in concentration camps by 1942. After the war, only about seven returned, according to the city website. In addition to synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, likely founded in the mid-17th century, has also been preserved in the town.