Motion for a resolution | Doc. 14477 | 23 January 2018
Jewish cultural heritage preservation
The story of the 20th century in Europe has been one of transitions including massive, and often tragic, population loss and displacement with many historic buildings losing their communities of users.
An unprecedented project mapping historic synagogues right across Europe has recently been undertaken by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage. This work revealed that a number of these unique and architecturally significant buildings are vulnerable and, in places, close to collapse. Many of them represent the final testament to a rich cultural and historical legacy which, if they are allowed to disappear, will be lost forever.
Jewish cultural heritage is integral to wider European culture and should be saved. With the special focus on heritage in 2018 with the launch of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the Parliamentary Assembly should initiate an inquiry into the present situation regarding Jewish built heritage in Europe and to produce a report on its findings.
Such a report would be unprecedented and should provide up to date information and, where appropriate, make recommendations to member States and to the wider cultural heritage sector on what further steps could and should be taken to ensure that this heritage is preserved.