A $50,000 fund-raising campaign coordinated under the auspices of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has been launched to restore the synagogue in Gherla, Romania.
Built in 1903, the synagogue is in danger of collapse unless urgent structural repairs are executed. Currently the roof has large gaps allowing water and snow freely into the building.
See more pictures of the damage to the synagogue.
Proposals for the emergency structural roof repairs have been in the $50,000 range. Fundraising efforts yielded only $20,000 from a few very generous donors. There is an urgent need for an additional $30,000 to repair the roof and create the proper support for the building to ensure its survival.
Negotiations are underway with the Gherla City Council to re-use part of the building as a cultural/educational center with the front area of the old building keeping its intended purpose as a Jewish prayer/memorial room.
Donations can be made to:
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee – Gherla Synagogue Project
711 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
For further details click HERE