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file: THE JEWISH SITES OF HALKIS (CHALKIS or HALKIDA)  
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SYNAGOGUE OF HALKIS 
CEMETERY OF HALKIS 
The Holocaust monument of HALKIS  

SYNAGOGUE OF HALKIS
Exterior of the synagogue.
The engraved plaque which indicates the year the synagogue was built (1849) 
belongs to the previous synagogue destroyed in the earthquake of May 1894.
Exterior of the synagogue in Halkis.
Greeting card ink and pen drawing 
by Elias Messinas 
Historical Data:  This is one of the most ancient synagogue in Greece. It was built in the same location at least 6 times. In 1847, it was burned down, it was rebuilt in 1849, and finally destroyed in the earthquake of May 1894 and rebuilt again.  
Area/Capacity:   140 sq. m./ 150-200 persons  
Actual Condition:  It is maintained by the small Jewish Community of Halkis in good condition.  
Necessary Restoration Works:  Works of regular maintenance are needed.  
Estimated Cost:   2 million drs. ($6,000 US)

CEMETERY OF HALKIS
Excavation works at the section 
of the tombs of the Rabbis
From the tomb conservation works
Destroyed tombs before 
the conservation works.
The cemetery after the conservation works. 
(The discovered tombs of Rabbis 
dating from the 16th century)
Inauguration of the museum, functioning inside 
the Jewish cemetery.  Its collection includes 
the findings of the excavation works.
Exterior view of the cemetery museum, 
functioning inside the Jewish cemetery.
Architect: AMA - Elias Messinas Architects
Historical Data:  The cemetery of Halkis contains graves dating back to the Ottoman period (15th century).  The earliest of them are of considerable interest as they have gabled superstructures.  Due to recent excavation works, the tombs of great Rabbis and Kabbalists were discovered.  Within the cemetery area, a small musuem is functioning, exhibiting the findings. This remarkable work was carried out under the supervision of the local Jewish community.  
Area/Capacity:   17,000 sq. m.  
Actual Condition:  The cemetery is maintained in very good condition.  A Holocaust Memorial was recently erected in the cemetery.  The completion of the Museum is the main project of the Jewish Community of Chalkis. 
Necessary Restoration Works:  Considerable funds are necessary for the continuation of the excavation works and the conservation of the findings and the old tombstones.  Finishing and preseration works at the museum.  Erection of the Holocaust Memorial 
Estimated Cost:   Unknown 

Kol haKEHILA thanks the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece and the International Survey for Jewish Monuments for some of the information on this page.

Inauguration of the Holocaust monument in Halkis
10-11 June, 2000  
 
The new Holocaust monument in Halkis
 
The Jewish cemetery of Halkis.  
The tombs, restored through the efforts  
of the president Marios Maisis 
date to the 16th century.  
Copyright E. Messinas  

 
The museum of the Jewish cemetery of Halkis.  
This museum which was originally built as a guard house by the Baron de Rothchild, was restored in 1996-8 by the Jewish community and restoration architect Elias Messinas 
Copyright E. Messinas
The Jewish Community of Halkis, one of the oldest Romaniot communities still existing in Greece, is mentioned for the first time by the Alexandrian Philosopher Philo in his conversation with Gaius Ceasar (c. first century AD): "it is not only the mainland that is inhabited by Jews, but the islands as well ... the islands knows as Alvia (today's Evoia - where Halkida is located), Cyprus and Crete". 

The Jewish quarter is located inside the castle of Halkis (the walls of which were demolished in the beginning of the 20th century), near the eastern gate known as "Πύλη των Ιουδαίων" (gate of the Jews). 

The synagogue located on Kotsou street, dates from the early 20th century, after the older building, located at the exact spot of the existing one, was destroyed and rebuilt at least 6 times since antiquity. 

Halkida Jews numbered 325 before the Second World War. Over 48% were deported and killed during the Holocaust. Only 170 survived. Today less than 100 Jews live in Halkis. 

The inauguration ceremony will take place in June 10-11, 2000. The program includes: 
Saturday 10 June 2000 - Papadimitriou Theater,  Mordohaios Frezis Square 
- Opening remarks 
- Lecture by former Minister Papastratis on the "History of the Jewish Community of Halkis" 
- Honoring of the Mitropolis of Halkida, the Municipality and the family of General Mordohaios Frezis 
Sunday 11 June 2000 - Jewish Cemetery of Halkis 
- Service by Chief Rabbi of Athens J. Arar 
- Opening remarks 
- Inauguration of the Holocaust monument

 

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