How is the Welsh Government supporting the protection and promotion of Jewish heritage in Wales?
The Welsh Government is supporting Jewish heritage in Wales through investment, conservation, research, and public engagement.
A key initiative is the transformation of Merthyr Tydfil’s Grade II-listed synagogue into the Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre, supported by Cadw, the Transforming Towns programme, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The centre will celebrate over 250 years of Jewish life in Wales and promote inter-cultural dialogue.
The Royal Commission carried out comprehensive recording and documentation of the synagogue, ensuring its significance is captured for future generations. Cadw has listed other significant sites, such as Cardiff’s Temple Court and the Jewish Cemetery in Roath Park, and promotes public access through initiatives like Open Doors.
Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales hold collections, oral histories, and educational resources on Jewish life, including the Holocaust and migration stories. They also feature the work of Jewish refugee artist Josef Herman, whose legacy is supported through museum partnerships and initiatives like Art UK and Celf ar y Cyd.
Together, these efforts reflect a strong and ongoing commitment to recognising Jewish heritage as a vital part of Wales’s national story.