Bucharest, May 31, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

VANDALIZED  MONUMENTS  AT  THE  JEWISH  CEMTERY AT

162  GIURGIULUI  ROAD  ARE  BEING  RESTORED

Through the generous support of:

U.S. COMMISSION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICA’S HERITAGE ABROAD

Restoration of 131 funerary monuments has begun, at the largest Jewish cemetery in Bucharest, located at 162 Giurgiului Road. The monuments and graves were desecrated or destroyed by vandals, in October 2008, on the Sacred Holyday of "Simchat Torah".

Restoration by the Federation of Communities of Romania (FEDROM), is being supported by the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. The U.S. Government agency is providing $46,000 of the cost estimated at $53,000. FEDROM will provide the rest of the funds.

The restoration work began in April and is expected to be completed in August.

The Federation of  Jewish Communities of  Romania wishes to  express  sincere thanks, and deep appreciation to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad–the donors, and particularly Member Larry Steinberg, who is providing $35,000 of the money –for such generous support.

We, Jews of Romania, do believe that the project demonstrates rejection of intolerance, and is also a gesture of human solidarity, promotion of understanding, tolerance, and respect for Jewish heritage, as valuable part of the national and world heritage of all mankind.

Dr. Aurel Vainer, MP
FEDROM President