Jewish cemetery in Żyrardów

The Jewish cemetery in Żyrardów, located at 3 Mireckiego Street, was established in 1874 and covers an area of approximately 0.8 hectares. The necropolis contains around 100 preserved tombstones, crafted in various styles, with inscriptions in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Polish, including the oldest one dating back to 1880. The cemetery is a significant element of Żyrardów's cultural heritage and a historical testament to the presence of the Jewish community in the region. In 1967, a monument commemorating the victims of the Holocaust was erected on the cemetery grounds, taking the form of an obelisk topped with a flame-shaped finial. At its base, a plaque with inscriptions in Polish and Hebrew pays tribute to the martyrs murdered by Nazi criminals. On the other side of the obelisk, an inscription in English honors Samuel Meppen, who contributed to the restoration of this cemetery after World War II. The enclosed cemetery serves not only as a resting place for the deceased but also as a space for reflection, forming an important part of Żyrardów's cultural heritage and a reminder of the tragic fate of the Jewish community during World War II. A notable feature is the unique tombstone of Teresa Oxnerówna, which stands out among the others, as well as the preserved matzevot that reflect local funerary traditions. Thus, the cemetery serves as a place of remembrance and education about the history of Jews in Poland.