What whispers do these ancient stones carry at Třebotov Jewish Cemetery? This cemetery is a poignant reminder of a community’s enduring legacy. The Třebotov Jewish Cemetery was founded in 1761. It served as a burial ground until World War II.
Located in the southeastern part of Třebotov, the Jewish cemetery sits peacefully in a forest near the road. Covering 5,844 square meters the cemetery is enclosed by a wall. Sadly the wall is crumbling in many places. In the southern part, remnants of an oval gate can be seen. In the northern part, only the foundation walls of the mortuary remain.
Several tombstones bear Hebrew Czech and German inscriptions. Many lie broken and scattered. Part of the cemetery is now a regularly mowed meadow. A path crosses through the grounds. The Třebotov Jewish Cemetery suffered devastation after World War II.
People from nearby Třebotov and surrounding villages were buried here. Jewish settlement in Třebotov dates back to the early 18th century. Rabbi Samuel Ballenberger who lived from 1772 to 1854 is also buried here.
The Třebotov Jewish Cemetery is near Prague. The oldest readable tombstone dates from 1795. Burial continued here until the 1970s. Many tombstones were stolen leaving only their bases. Black granite tombstones were reportedly sold by the Zbraslav Jewish community.
In 1930 only one Jew lived here. There was no Jewish community. The cemetery once belonged to the Třebotov Chevra Kadisha. Later the Jewish congregation in Zbraslav originated from three village Chevras. This isolated wooded hilltop lacks a sign. Access is open through a broken wall.
Vandalism occurred frequently between 1945 and 1991. A large number of tombstones were stolen during this time. The Třebotov Jewish Cemetery faces serious threats including uncontrolled access and pollution. The ravages of weather are also a factor.
The Třebotov Jewish Cemetery stands as a testament. It reflects resilience and remembrance amid the passage of time. It serves as a reminder of the lives and stories etched in stone.