In the synagogue in Vel. Meziříčí, the market will end this summer, the monument is being taken over by the town

Velké Meziříčí - The center for cheap shopping in the New Synagogue in Velké Meziříčí will close by the end of August at the latest. The town, which is taking over the monument from the Jewish Community Brno, will then take care of the basic modifications needed for various cultural and charitable events to be held there, such as concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and film screenings. Larger investments will only be considered in the next electoral term, Mayor Alexandros Kaminaras (independent for Společně VM) said to journalists at the town hall during today's signing of the donation agreement.

The town hall is taking over the synagogue after years of debate about its possible use; the operation of the marketplace was criticized by many. The free transfer of the building was approved by the Velké Meziříčí council on Tuesday.

The city plans to gradually introduce social life into the synagogue. "I am convinced that after several years, once the general public understands the potential of this building for use of this nature, the investment of at least tens of millions of crowns will be justifiable," the mayor said. He stated that the neo-Gothic building is one of the iconic structures of the town, just like the castle, the historic center, and the Vysočina highway bridge.

"We are very glad that we found the right partner in the town of Velké Meziříčí," said Jáchym Kanarek, chairman of the Jewish Community Brno. He noted that the synagogue does not have the typical appearance for these buildings in the Czech Republic. Renting it to a trader was, according to him, one of the few options to preserve the larger of the two synagogues in Velké Meziříčí. The neighboring Old Synagogue is being repaired by the Jewish community, and the work could be completed in two to three years.

"We agreed that our cooperation does not end with the change of ownership. We would like to connect the Old and New Synagogue and the land between them into one living entity," the mayor stated.

Once the Asian trader, to whom the Jewish community sent a notice of termination on Tuesday, leaves the New Synagogue, the town plans to undertake the necessary repairs to facilitate various events in the building. The electrical installation will need to be replaced, and the social facilities for visitors will likely need adjustments.

Larger investments are not required at this time. "We are taking over a building that is currently technically stabilized," the mayor said. According