In the places where the Great Synagogue in Brno once stood, Sabbath songs and prayers were heard

Brno - In the places where the Brno Great Synagogue once stood, Shabbat songs and prayers in memory of the deceased were heard for the first time in many decades. The synagogue was set on fire by the Nazis in 1939. The plot at the corner of Přízova and Spálená streets remained undeveloped, and in recent weeks, archaeologists have been working there. Interested parties can view the exposed foundations over the weekend on the occasion of the Open House Brno festival, and further events are being prepared.

"After decades of silence, we are trying to bring this place back into the city's memory," said Eva Yildizová from the Štetl association.

Archaeological research has shown that the monumental synagogue went through several construction phases, the oldest dating back to the mid-19th century. However, only the foundations remain. An interesting uncovered feature is the so-called counter-arch, which helped bear and distribute the weight of the balconies, noted archaeologist Jiří Zubalík.

Archaeologists also discovered various shards of tiles and stone elements, as well as fragments of stained glass featuring the motif of the Star of David. Notably, there is a fragment of a cup depicting an unknown synagogue. Work will continue for several more weeks.

The land currently belongs to a development company. "I will advocate for part of the land to remain undeveloped and be appropriately memorialized," said the mayor of the Brno-střed district, Vojtěch Mencl (ODS).

The chairman of the Jewish Community of Brno, Jáchym Kanarek, reminded that the synagogue was set on fire by Brno Germans at the very beginning of the occupation. About 10,000 Jews from Brno did not survive the Holocaust. "After the war, there was no one to restore it and no one for whom to restore it; gradually, the will and willingness faded away," stated Kanarek. Today, the community uses the smaller Agudas Achim synagogue in nearby Skořepka.

The prayer in memory of the deceased was recited in both Czech and Hebrew by Brno Rabbi Menaše Kliment. According to him, the same prayers and songs were also heard in the synagogue just before its burning in March 1939.