The leadership of Velké Meziříčí anticipates further debate on the takeover of the synagogue, where the market is located

Velké Meziříčí – The leadership of Velké Meziříčí is expecting further discussions about the possibility of taking over the New Synagogue. Currently, it houses a market, which many people criticize. The Jewish community has long offered the neo-Gothic heritage-listed building to the town hall for a symbolic price. For now, it is rented to a trader. The offer to transfer the synagogue to the town is still valid, Mayor Alexandros Kaminaras said today in response to journalists' questions.

Táňa Pelíšková from the Jewish community in Brno said at last year's debate in Velké Meziříčí that the money from the rent allowed for the synagogue to be saved until a better purpose is found for it.

"Despite all the investments we are facing, we should confront it directly," Kaminaras believes. According to him, the decision of the local government should be made within this electoral term. Given that the town is preparing a number of investments, such as the reconstruction of the library, the ice rink, and the square, it will not be able to invest significantly in the synagogue in the foreseeable future. According to the mayor, it would be possible to gradually revitalize the synagogue for the public.

"The idea of establishing some sort of community center or a generally adaptable space comes to mind, which could once be used for a concert, another time for a lecture, and another time for a charity event," he stated. According to a construction and technical survey that the town possesses, the synagogue building is stabilized. "Even if we do not invest in it in the foreseeable future, for which we will not have the funds, it will not collapse, and it will not pose a threat to anyone," Kaminaras said. He also pointed out that the synagogue is in a nice location in the center, next to the river, with a view of the castle.

According to Deputy Mayor Martin Kaman (independent for Together VM), it would be difficult, for example, to seek subsidies or operators for the synagogue when it is not owned by the town. Taking over the building would incur costs for its heating and maintenance, and it would probably only be used occasionally at first. "But it seems to us that it makes sense," he said.

The New Synagogue was built between 1868 and 1870. According to available data, it last served its purpose in 1940. Later, a floor was built inside for storage, obscuring the view of the vault. Next to the New Synagogue stands the Old Synagogue, which dates back to the late 17th century.