Synagogue in Sataniv endangered
Orthodox and Roman Catholic priests, public figures, cultural and regional experts, and representatives of the authorities have sounded an alarm on the catastrophic condition of an outstanding architectural monument of Podillia, the fortified synagogue in Sataniv.
They have a sent an address to RISU warning that that the synagogue, a monument of architecture and history of national significance, can have the same fate as another monument in Podiliia, the New (Great) Tower of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, which is currently in a ruinous condition.
“Like the castle in Kamianets-Podilskyi, it was built as an impenetrable fortress. The strong, two-meter thick walls of the fortified synagogue were designed to withstand canon fire. And they did withstand repeated Tatar and Turkish attacks. Unfortunately, today, these walls are covered with webs of cracks, which grow quickly. If urgent measures are not taken, in the nearest future this historic, artistic and spiritual monument will have the same fate as the Great Tower. Moreover, the loss will be irreversible as the unique flat-arched vault of the building is irreplaceable. The collapse will destroy the unique, highly artistic baroque Torah ark of the 18th century, which is also irreplaceable.
“Unfortunately, the regional budget lacks funds even for the most urgent restoration work, not to mention the full restoration. Therefore, we call on all persons who are not indifferent to the monument’s fate, first of all, Jewish businessmen, to save this monument! For us, Ukrainians and Poles, it is a unique historic and highly artistic building, whereas for the Jews, it is also an important shrine. Let us remind that the fortified synagogue in Sataniv is probably the most outstanding Jewish monument not only in Ukraine but in all of Eastern Europe. The photo of the Torah ark of the Sataniv synagogue was the symbol of a great photo exhibition ‘Great Synagogues (Third destruction of the Temple),’ which was held in Saint Petersburg (Russia),” reads the address.
