New Jewish Cemetery

New Jewish Cemetery in Kraków has a long history. It was established at the very beginning of the 19th century in the land bought by the Qahal from the Order of Saint Augustine. Throughout the time, it acquired more lands from the order. Its area contains 10 thousand monumental tombstones, pre-burial home, and lapidarium. The cemetery was entered in the register of objects of cultural heritage.

During World War II, the Jewish cemetery was closed and plundered. The most valuable plates were sold while another part was brought to the camp in Płaszów where was used for building roads. Pina Ladner, the administrator of the cemetery who witnessed the robbery, was taken to the camp and shot.

After the war, tomb plates which were found in Płaszów were brought back to the cemetery. New ones, commemorating people who died during the war, also appeared. The cemetery was set in order in the 1950s. Funds required for the renovation were provided by American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.