As if the uprooting of its Jews were not enough, the Algerian regime is now embarking on a policy of expropriating Jewish cemeteries, the French-Jewish blog JSS reports (with thanks: Nelly).
Tombstones at the St Eugene Jewish cemetery, Algiers (Photos: V. Probst Benserenda)
For the last ten years, and with France’s approval, the dead are being exhumed and reburied in mass graves. On 26 May 2016, the French foreign ministry published an obscure announcement regarding cemeteries in Algiers, Oran and Annaba that are to be amalgamated.
Families who wish to have the remains of their loved ones transferred to France have six months to do so at their own expense. They must notify the French consul-general in Algiers, Annaba or Oran.
However, JSS points out, applicants will be deterred by having to produce documentary proof of the exact location of their relatives’ graves. Most Jews will have left with nothing. They might not even recall which cemeteries their antecedents were buried in. The memory of their parents will be destroyed and their bones stuffed into a mass grave without regard for Jewish laws of burial.
Below is the list of cemeteries slated for destruction. The middle column indicates which cemeteries have been earmarked for ‘amalgation’ and the column on the right indicates which cemeteries will be grouped together.
The original article gives contact details for the French consul-generals in Algeria. Families can seek general advice by writing to cimetieresalgerie@gmail.com
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