Abandoned synagogues in Greece set to be restored for modern use

·

Nearly 80 years after the holocaust, Jewish heritage sites in Greece that were abandoned or demolished are set to be reconstructed and reused as synagogues.  

Jewish communities were established in Greece in ancient times, in cities such as Ioannina and Halkis while Sephardic communities were established after 1492, in important Jewish centres such as Salonika (Thessaloniki), and throughout Greece.

In the Holocaust, 87% of the Jewish community in Greece perished and the destruction took a heavy toll in Jewish heritage as well.

THE STATE of the Beth El synagogue in Komotini. Photo credit: ELIAS MESSINAS

Synagogues, libraries, community buildings, Jewish schools, and Jewish clubs were either demolished or taken over by other organizations. 

Important synagogues in Salonika were demolished, while in November 1943, the ancient Jewish cemetery of the city, with valuable marble tombstones, were turned into construction material.

Some tombstones can still be found today in private courtyards.

In 2014 the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki decided to renovate its two remaining synagogues, Monastirioton, built in 1926, and Yad Lezikaron, built in 1984.

The renovation is aimed to restore the historic importance of the monuments and included restoration of the interiors and exteriors. 

In recent time, the Mayor of Komotini, Yiannis Garanis declared that he is determined to “rebuild the demolished synagogue Beth El in Komotini.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

Cretan Association hosts commemorative event for 1821 Revolution and Battle of Crete

Last night the Cretan Association held a successful lecture evening to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence and the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Greece makes top 10 for best country to retire in Europe

A report by Blacktower Financial Management International Limited revealed Greece was in the top 10 European countries to retire, based on crime rates, cost...

Uber rides into Santorini and other European islands ahead of the summer season

Uber has announced that UberX, Uber Black and Uber Comfort services will be launching across the Mediterranean and Balearic Islands.