17th-century synagogue vandalized in Husiatyn

Unknown vandals broke down the doors and smashed the windows of the historic synagogue. Collage: UOJ

In the Ternopil settlement of Husiatyn, vandals have ransacked a 17th-century defensive synagogue. The ancient building holds the status of an architectural monument of national significance. Local historian Borys Holiaiev discovered signs of vandalism in the historic building.

Unknown individuals broke down the interior doors, smashed the windows and set up a makeshift table for drinking alcohol. The collapse of part of the wall about a year ago created an open entrance into the synagogue. The local historian sealed off the opening himself and removed several bags of rubbish from the building. Inside, the researcher found empty alcohol bottles, syringes and used condoms. Holiaiev repeatedly drove groups of teenagers aged between 10 and 17 out of the building.

Local authorities and law enforcement agencies have completely ignored the damage to the historic monument. The police station and prosecutor’s office are located just 150 metres from the synagogue, yet law enforcement officials have taken no action. The Husiatyn settlement council refuses to allocate funds for repairs because the building is not on the local community’s balance sheet. The regional administration has also cited a lack of funds in the budget.

The law protects all architectural monuments of national significance. Article 298 of the Criminal Code provides for a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment for the deliberate damage of cultural heritage sites. At present, the synagogue in Husiatyn remains one of seven synagogues in the country that hold national protected status.

As the UOJ reported, a large-scale fire destroyed a synagogue in Hadiach.

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