Jewish Heritage

The Jewish Heritage Program (JHP) was launched in 1988 to identify and develop local and international support for the protection of Jewish cultural sites, many of which have been abandoned and are now seriously endangered.

Since 2001, WMF has awarded grants to more than 45 sites over 20 countries.

The JHP places particular emphasis on sites in Europe and the post-Soviet-era states, where Jewish communities are diminished or lack significant resources, but also supports projects in other regions. Major projects include the Subotica Synagogue in Serbia-Montenegro, a magnificent 1902 Jugendstil building; the Tempel Synagogue in Krakow, Poland; and the Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin, India, with its unusual clock tower.

As part of WMF’s commitment to strengthening contemporary Jewish communities, the JHP has established a relationship with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The JDC has a long history serving as the overseas arm of the American Jewish community and this collaboration will help achieve long-term goals.

Help Save Jewish Heritage
If you would like to support our programs, you may give on-line or call our development staff at (646) 424-9594.

Information about requesting assistance for Jewish heritage sites (requires Acrobat).

The JHP is supported by: Mrs. Joyce Z. Greenberg, The Rothschild Charitable, Foundation, The Cahnman Foundation, The David Berg Foundation, and some 200 individual donors.

Questions? Please write jhp@wmf.org.