Plzen, West Bohemia - Medieval Jewish Cemetery Clashes with Israeli Project

Plzen, West Bohemia - The recently launched project of a trade center Plaza, that is to cost billions, in the former exhibition grounds in Plzen is threatened due to the recently discovered former Jewish cemetery from the 15th century. 

Archaeologists say that according to their research, the cemetery is located in the site where the investor wants to build a multi-storey car park, a part of the project. "We cannot open the project without the car park," project manager Martin Kodrle said. According to the lease contract with the town hall, the construction must be completed by mid-November at the latest, Kodrle said.

The cemetery complicates the situation even more to the firm, due to some Israeli capital is invested in the project. "As there are Israeli Jews in Plaza's management, we will see whether they will observe Jewish religion that does not allow to move Jews' remains," Jiri Loewy, deputy chairman of the Plzen Jewish community, said.

Plaza has invited experts from the Western Bohemian Museum for further research.