Work at the Żychlin cemetery begins!

Posted byMarysia GalbraithPosted inNewsTags:, , ,
It’s only been a year since the vegetation was cut, but it’s grown as tall as I am.

We were met by Filip Szczepański from the Rabbinical Commission who took a look around the cemetery with us. Jewish law prohibits digging in the cemetery because you can’t disturb the buried. That means we’re limited to weed whacking and cutting back shrubs with loppers.

Bożena Gajewska and Filip Szczepański discuss the work that needs to be done at the Żychlin cemetery

We settled on priorities: clear the weeds and grass around the existing monuments and along the front gate and fence. By the end of our first day, the fence is clear of debris so tomorrow we can brush off the rust and paint it.

Steven Reece preparing the weed wackers

Whew. Tiring but satisfying work!

Published by Marysia Galbraith

Marysia Galbraith is a cultural anthropologist and professor in the New College Program and the Department of Anthropology at The University of Alabama. Her current work focuses on Jewish heritage in Poland. See uncoveringjewishheritage.com and ADJCP.org.