Jewish Cemetery in Belz

Jewish Cemetery in Belz

The cemetery was established in 1790 to the west of the town. It preserves the memory of the centuries-old presence of the Jewish community of Belz, which played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Galicia.

In 1816, Belz became one of the main centers of Hasidism in Galicia and the seat of the renowned Belz Hasidic dynasty of the Rokeach tzaddikim. The remains of the old cemetery and several matzevot — traditional Jewish gravestones — have been preserved on the territory of the kirkut. Among them are the graves of prominent members of the dynasty: the founder of the Belz Hasidic dynasty, Rabbi Shalom Rokeach (1779–1855), his son Yehoshua Rokeach (1825–1894), and his grandson Yissachar Dov Rokeach (1854–1926).

In 2007, the site, which is sacred to Jews, was restored and preserved: the cemetery was surrounded by a stone fence and a commemorative plaque reading “Sacred Site” was installed. Nearby, facilities for pilgrims were created, including a synagogue and a hotel for visitors who come to honor the memory of the Belz tzaddikim.

Today, the Jewish Cemetery in Belz is an important monument of spiritual heritage, preserving the memory of Hasidic tradition, the history of the Jewish community, and the role of the city as one of Galicia’s leading religious centers. Every year, pilgrims from different countries visit the site to pray at the graves of members of the Rokeach dynasty and pay tribute to the history of Belz.