Jewish Cemeteries: Desecration and Cultural Genocide
When Jewish cemeteries are vandalised and destroyed, it is an attack at the very heart of Jewish communities.
When Jewish cemeteries are vandalised and destroyed, it is an attack at the very heart of Jewish communities.
Anna Świetlicka (née Łysakowska) was 12 years old when the Nazis occupied her home town, Piaski (Poland).
Piaski's old Jewish cemetery has been totally destroyed and killings took place in its grounds.
The Jewish cemetery in Wąwolnica became a killing site when men from the town were shot and buried there.
Desecrated by the Nazis and hidden under dense vegetation, Wąwolnica's Jewish cemetery still contains some reminders of pre-war Jewish life in the town.
When Jews from surrounding areas faced persecution many fled to Wąwolnica. However, this supposed safe haven witnessed cultural genocide and mass murder.
The Jewish population of this vibrant town faced anti-Semitism for centuries