Friday, September 21, 2007

Warsaw: the old Jewish Quarter reclaimed

We stayed in the old Jewish quarter in a new hotel. However, there are very few Jews left in Warsaw. It was staggering to learn that the thriving community of about 400,000 was wiped out by the Germans in WWII. We wandered to a Jewish cemetary that existed since the 1700s. A few plots were dedications to those who died in WWII. Most graves were from older days.


This is the last existing gate to the Jewish quarter. It was 2 blocks from our hotel.

Upon entrance to the cemetary, Bob was handed a head covering to wear.








Nature has reclaimed this place. Spiders, rust, and overgrown bushes.












The old gate.





We stayed at the brand new Hilton for free using our Hilton Honors points. Since there are almost no Jews left in Warsaw, it is now being newly developed.