Bagnowka Cemetery in Bialystok, Poland was the final resting place for members of the largest Jewish community in Europe. In June 1943, Nazi soldiers destroyed, knocked over, and dismantled thousands of headstones and monuments. Monument bases, blocks, obelisks, and pediments were scattered about.

In 2015, volunteers began restoring the cemetery with the goal of “righting a wrong to make things whole again.” By the end of 2019, 170 headstones have been restored to their original condition and 1,408 have been lifted and reset.

Paula and Howie Flagler, Temple Beth Abraham members, are our speakers. They have been spending part of their summers participating in the restoration project. Please join us at Temple Beth Abraham on March 29 to learn about the project; the work that Paula, Howie, and other volunteers have done; and plans for future summers.

A light brunch, with the possibility of some bread like delicacies reminiscent of Bialystok, will be served.

For additional information about the restoration project, visit the website at http://bialystokcemeteryrestoration.org/