The synagogue in Velké Meziříčí, where the market is now, will be taken over by the city from the Jewish community

Velké Meziříčí - Velké Meziříčí will receive the New Synagogue free of charge from the Jewish Community of Brno. The neo-Gothic monument is currently a center for cheap shopping, which many people criticize. The city wants to host various cultural and charitable events there. The city council praised the takeover of the synagogue today after a brief debate.

Mayor Alexandros Kaminaras (independent for Together VM) stated at the outset that this matter has been discussed in the city for many years. The city's takeover of the synagogue marks the beginning of a multi-year journey that should lead to its restoration. "This certainly does not mean that we will take over the building and immediately invest 80 or 100 million into its repair," he said. According to him, it is not within the city's capabilities and does not make sense.

"We must first fill the building with something, we must breathe life into it, remind local people that it exists here and that it truly hides great potential," said the mayor. He anticipates any potential investments in the synagogue during the next electoral term.

The debate also touched upon the fact that with the takeover of the synagogue, the city commits to using it for cultural purposes in the spirit of Jewish traditions and according to principles that do not contradict Judaism and the original purpose of the building. "For over 20 years, the Jewish community has been renting it out as a shopping center," stated councilor Jiřina Jurdová (For Velké Meziříčí).

"If the current use does not contradict Jewish traditions and the principles of Judaism, then I believe we will not put anything less dignified there," responded the mayor.

The contract for the takeover of the synagogue will be signed by Kaminaras with the chairman of the Jewish Community of Brno, Jáchym Kanarek, on Wednesday. The land with the building has a total area of about 1000 square meters.

Jews have lived in Velké Meziříčí since the 15th century. In the mid-19th century, they made up roughly a quarter of the population of the five-thousand-strong town. The New Synagogue was built between 1868 and 1870. It last served its purpose in 1940. Later, it was used as a warehouse, which led to a mezzanine being built that obscures the view of the vault. Last June, a concert was held on this mezzanine, which, according to the city hall's statement at the time, was the first social event held there since the war.

Next to the New Synagogue, the Old Synagogue dating from the late 17th century has been preserved, which the Jewish community is currently renovating. Gardens from both buildings lead to the Oslava River, offering a view of the castle as well.