Synagogue, in which there is a marketplace, could belong to the Great Mezříčí

Velké Meziříčí - Velké Meziříčí could take over the New Synagogue from the Jewish community of Brno. It must prepare the conditions under which the building could be transferred to the city’s ownership free of charge, said councilor Tomáš Rapušák (Meziříčské fórum) to ČTK. For the takeover of the synagogue, he wants to find support across the council by the end of June, with the transfer potentially agreed by autumn. The synagogue, which currently houses a marketplace, is to become a venue for cultural events. However, it will need major repairs, in the first phase costing eight to 12 million crowns. The Caps66 Foundation also intends to participate in this.

In a recently held public forum seeking a list of ten issues that would be good to resolve in the city, obtaining the synagogue placed fourth. "I take this as a very high placement among the problems in the city; it is not an issue that the public ignores," said Rapušák. According to him, people perceive negatively not only the deterioration but also the way one of the most significant buildings in the city, built in 1868, is used.

The council will address the future of the synagogue at the end of June. "In the meantime, we will also try to work on a concrete proposal. If possible, some version will already be presented at the council so that the negotiations can move forward," said Rapušák. With the mandate of the councilors, according to him, the transfer could be agreed by September.

Architect Jaroslav Klenovský, responsible for the restoration and maintenance of Jewish monuments in Moravia, previously estimated the necessary repairs of the New Synagogue, which has a brick façade, at about 20 million crowns. According to him, the Jewish community has unsuccessfully applied for European grants several times. He acknowledges the criticism of the current use of the synagogue, but believes it is better for the building to be ventilated and heated than to be completely unused.

The Caps66 Foundation of former hockey player Milan Nový has shown interest in helping to obtain funds for the synagogue’s repair. "We have already found a brick factory in Germany that would make us the bricks for the façade repair at cost," said Karel Jonák, who collaborates with Nový and his foundation. According to him, it will be important to open the synagogue to the public as soon as possible, with plans for exhibitions or concerts.

Jews lived in Velké Meziříčí since about the 15th century. In the mid-19th century, they made up approximately a quarter of the population of the five-thousand-strong town. Most of the Jews living in the city died in concentration camps by 1942. Only about seven returned after the war, according to the city’s website. In addition to the New Synagogue, the Old Synagogue and a Jewish cemetery, presumably founded in the mid-17th century, have been preserved in the city.