Jewish Heritage of Onitskani

While the world is facing challenging time the Jewish Heritage Moldova is continuing its memory-saving and extremely time-sensitive job. Recently in the frames of a field research implemented in collaboration with ESJF European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative and supported by the European Union we have discovered fragments of gravestones from the demolished Jewish cemetery in the middle of the rural Moldova, in Onitscani village (historical Orhei / Orgeyev district). The following research developed as a Hollywood movie.

The matzevot are dated back to 1730s, the fact that places Onitscani Jewish cemetery among the oldest in Moldova. Onitscani is unjustly forgotten in the Jewish context while we know that the Jewish community here existed at least since early 18th century. For centuries the Onitscani Jewish community was a tiny one (according the official censes: about 70 people in 1897, 28 in 1930), but has a great historical value. In 1726 a bloody libel took place: four Jews from Onitscani were accused for kidnapping and murdering a Christian kid - and were justified with an international interference of the European countries, two centuries before Dreifus and Beilis! In 1729 a marketplace in Onitscani is mentioned - the oldest Jewish marketplace known in Moldova. During WW2 it found itself on the crossroads of the most tragic events: Onitscani becomes a killing place for the Jews from the village and surroundings, and at the same time a final resting place for many German soldiers, killed here; so, two neighboring massgraves: Jewish and German – are creating of Onitscani a symbol of a historical mutual forgiveness.

We strongly believe that preserving the priceless Jewish heritage and memorizing the Jewish history of Onitscani could serve a great job not only for the local history. It would turn Onitscani into attractive touristic site and create a good example for the locals and local authorities all over Moldova. The project will have media coverage, the first stages are already filmed by the Europa Libera (Free Europe). As a start we have moved the fragments from the backyard to the center of the village, finished all negotiations with the local authorities and created an architectural project. We are looking for external support to help finish the project. With your help we can preserve for the future generations the priceless Jewish heritage.