In a revolutionary move, after seven years of concerted action on the part of Agudath Israel in Europe and with siyata deShmaya, the Committee of the European Council has finally approved the chareidi position regarding the preservation of Jewish cemeteries. The historic decision was made at a meeting in Tirnau, Albania, on Friday, April 25th, Erev Shavuos, and is considered a significant milestone. It is a result of intensive pressure upon all the bodies representing 47 European countries through 636 members of the European parliament.
The European Agudath Yisroel, based in Antwerp, is the European arm of the World Agudah, and has extensive judicial and political experience in the areas of human rights, religious freedom, protection and preservation of cultural heritage and education. The Agudah administration is recognized by the European General Council.
The initiator of this important decision, which will hopefully be a decisive and influential factor in the protection of hundreds of thousands of Jewish graves throughout Europe, came from R' Daniel Kalgasbald, the secretary-general of Agudah in Europe.
The three principles that were approved, in summary:
* We recognize the value of human dignity, that a deceased be left in his grave and that his eternal rest not be disturbed, according to dictates of his religion and faith.
* Jewish cemeteries and mass graves are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Europe.
* All technological means (such as radar) are to be used in mapping the cemeteries to conform to the halachic demands (excluding any invasive methods).
