Zwoleń

Friends of Jewish Heritage in Poland is working to raise funds for the restoration of the Jewish cemetery in Zwoleń.

The first record of the Zwoleń cemetery dates to 1661. In 1831, the cemetery and tombstones were physically devastated; by the 1920s the cemetery was back in a restored state. Starting in 1939, the cemetery was part of the Nazi plan to ruin Jewish cemeteries. Historical narratives state that gravestones were crushed during the 1942 liquidation of the Zwoleń ghetto. On April 26, 1964, the Polish communist government closed the cemetery to burials and the cemetery was turned into a park, which was subsequently unmaintained and abandoned. No tombstones exist on the land today; the Zwoleń Museum holds fragments of tombstones. 

How you can help

Zwolen descendants Ben Freedman and Bev Ehrich, from the US, are proud to lead this effort and express gratitude to those who wish to bring light to Jewish history in Zwolen through donations. FJHP provides US-based 501(c)(3) supervision of commissioned work. Our partner FODŻ provides in-country expertise. Without outside financial support, however, activities can’t be undertaken. There is no one "else" to fund this work beyond donors like you.

Fundraising status as of June 28, 2026:

Additional Resources:

• History of the Cemetery

• Zwoleń Regional Museum

• Zwoleń Yizkor Book

• Forum for Dialogue