Central Cemetery of Ruse Bulgaria

Source: http://www.heritageabroad.gov/Portals/0/Reports%20and%20Surveys/Bulgaria%20Jewish%20sites%202011%20(2).pdf?ver=2016-02-24-124044-887 Ruse (Rousse) Residential district Charodeika Jews first settled in Ruse at the end of the 18th century. Ruse had a Jewish population of 150 people when the survey was conducted. Old Jewish Cemetery The old cemetery, which was used until 1965, is now the Park of the National Revival. The remains of some of the deceased buried there were moved to the new cemetery. There is no information available about the extent of the transfer, and whether all remains were moved. New Cemetery A plot in the central cemetery was allocated for a Jewish cemetery in 1965. It is not explicitly marked by a sign but its boundaries are clearly recognizable and defined. Once inside the main cemetery, a cobblestone path leads to the Jewish section. The Jewish section is 0.02 hectares in size and it contains approximately 50 graves. The gravestones are made of granite, marble and limestone and they are engraved in Bulgarian and Hebrew. The boundaries of the Jewish cemetery have shrunk over the years from surrounding housing development. The site is surrounded by a stone wall on two sides; on the other two sides it borders on the Turkish and Armenian sections. It has a front gate that does not lock. The appearance of the cemetery is good. The Shalom organization in Ruse takes good care of the cemetery. The grass is cut several times a year and the paths between the graves are paved with concrete. In 1999, after the cemetery was vandalized, more than 20 graves had to be restored. Guards who are responsible for the security of the whole cemetery park protect the site. There continue to be burials in the cemetery.