As a Jewish young woman, it was important for me to visit the Jewish neighborhood and cemetery in Prague. I did not realize how much of an impact this one small garden cemetery would have.

First, you walk through the cemetery museum and feel overwhelmed by the high white walls completely covered with names of those murdered during WWII. Still reeling from the power of the named, you continue walking and exit the building into a beautiful garden chock-full of thick gravestones. Most have no names, just stones lying on top or beside. It is said that the bodies have been buried one on top of the other due to the lack of space provided by the city. Thus, the gravestones are jimmy-jacked and crooked- hardly a respectful and tranquil burial ground. However, the symbolism is beautiful. The way that each gravestone has it's own strength but it leans on it's neighbor for stability and company. This leaves me with a sweet sense of the stability and company that the oppressed offer each other in times of terror and loss.

The Jewish Cemetery can be a quick visit, no more than thirty minutes, while strolling through the center of Prague. I believe it is free of charge, but making a donation never hurts.