Penza, 18 January 2012. PenzaNews. Beautification of the Jewish cemetery commenced in 2008 will be completed soon in Penza.

Obstructing trees and shrubs, garbage and old fences were removed. In addition, remaining monuments were restored and 200 tombstones were installed. New entrance gate was mounted and premises for the cemetery keeper were prepared.

About 1.2 million rubles was spent on the beautification of the Jewish cemetery from 2008 to 2011. Members and heads of Jewish community of the city funded this project and contributed to beautification efforts. In addition, representatives of the Evangelical church of Penza also provided assistance, according to the Jewish News Agency.

As reported earlier, it was suggested in 2006 that a park should be built in the place of the Jewish cemetery in Penza. This proposal was met with disapproval by members of religious communities of the region and a decision was made to start renovation of the cemetery.

The Jewish cemetery in Penza is over 100 years old. It operated until 1967. It has never been renovated before.