Following intense negotiations by the American organization Admas Kodesh and the Committee for the Preservation of Jewish Cemeteries in Europe (CPJCE) with the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain (FCJE), in collaboration with local Government Authorities, the remains of over 170 Graves of Kedoshim, who were unfortunately exhumed during works on the nearby site in Lucena, were reburied today December 18, 2011 in Lucena.

The reburial was carried out by members of the Chevra Kadisha of Madrid, in co-operation with Admas Kodesh and a team of experts from the London based CPJCE, with full Halachic guidance of the Rabbinical Board of the CPJCE, headed by Rabbi Elyakim Schlesinger-Dean of Yeshiva Horomo.

The ceremony and special prayers were led by Chief Rabbi of Madrid Rabbi Moshe Ben Dahan and Rabbi Meir Zwiebel of Admas Kodesh and Rabbi Moshe Hershaft of the CPJCE.

Mr. Gershon Schlesinger, Executive board chairman of UJcare expressed his gratitude and thanks to the Administrative team of the FCJE for their assistance and help in resolving this case as quick as possible. He also added that this once again shows the remarkable success of diplomacy and understanding between all parties concerned.

In light of this unfortunate incident UJcare is intensifying its negotiations with the Spanish Government and regional authorities together with the FCJE to speed up legislation, which will protect the Jewish cemeteries in Spain.

(YWN Desk – NYC)