Bobruisk's Historic Jewish Cemetery Nears First Stage of Restoration

By Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS

Restoration of Bobruisk's only surviving Jewish cemetery — near Minskaya Street in Belarus's Mogilev region — is nearing the completion of its first stage after nearly two years of work.

Established in 1921, the cemetery is the resting place of Rabbi Shmariyahu Noach Schneerson, Bobruisk's Chief Rabbi and the cemetery's founder, and it includes Holocaust memorials. Work so far has cleared overgrown paths and debris, removed unstable trees, and applied protective treatments to the grounds. Planned next steps include additional pathways, shaded areas, and drinking fountains for visitors.

The effort is led by Rabbi Shaul Chababo, Chief Rabbi of Bobruisk, together with Felix Gurevich — a Bobruisk native now based in Florida — who assembled a 15-member board of trustees. "The condition of the cemetery was very painful … almost impossible to walk between the graves," said Rabbi Chababo.

Bobruisk was once among Belarus's great Jewish communities: in 1897 more than 20,700 Jews lived there — about 60% of the city's population.

Source: Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS (July 2026).