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Băbeni (Aranymező in Hung) is a commune composed of five villages: Băbeni, Ciocmani (Csokmány), Cliț (Csűrfalva), Piroșa (Pirosd) and Poienița (Kismező).

47°18′40″N 23°24′12″E

COMUNITATEA EVREILOR  ZALAU

DAN HAS, Presedinte

Telefon : +40 744 647 119

E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Blog: jewish-salaj.BlogSpot.ro

 

JEWISH CEMETERY:

See Blog for photo [Jan 2017]

 

REPORT:

47°18' 23°24', 236.7 miles NNW of Bucharest and 20 km from Jibou. The alternate Hungarian name is Aranymezo.The cemetery is near the village. Town's current population is 500-1000 with no Jews.

The Jewish population by census was 33 in 1850, 45 in 1857, 53 in 1880, 60 in 1900, 68 in 1910, and 87 in 1930. In May 1944, the Jews were gathered in the Cehei ghetto, then in Simleul Silvaniei, and on May 31, June 3, 6 were deported to Auschwitz. The unlandmarked Orthodox cemetery dates from 19th century. The last known Jewish burial was 20th century.

The rural/agricultural flat land, separate but near other cemeteries, has no sign or marker.

Reached by a public road, access is open to all via fence and non-locking gate. The pre- and post-WWII size of the cemetery is 25 m x 15 m. 1-20 in original and 20-100 not in original location. 25%-50% of the stones are toppled or broken. No stones were removed from the cemetery (probably.)
Vegetation overgrowth in the cemetery is a seasonal problem preventing access. Water drainage is good all year. No sections. The 19th and 20th century boulders, flat shaped and smoothed and inscribed gravestones. Inscriptions are in Hebrew. No known mass graves. The national Jewish community owns the site used for Jewish cemetery purposes only. Adjacent properties are agricultural. Occasional clearing or cleaning by individuals is the care given. No structures. Vegetation is a moderate threat: a lot of grass disturbing the graves.


Cosmina Popa, Tatra str., no. 4, tel. 064/ 128764, Cluj -Napoca, 3400 and Ioana Oprea, Bd. 21 Decembrie, 13-15, 064/190849, Cluj-Napoca, 3400 completed the survey and visited the site on September 30 , 2000.

Oprea Ioana & Popa Cosmina interviewed Grad Cornel, Inspector of Culture in Zalau and from personal observations.
Parent Category: EASTERN EUROPE