Our Projects

The old Jewish Jodensavanne site in the jungle of Suriname, is the first token of the presence of Jewish people in the New World. The site mainly consists of the remnants of a synagogue and 2 beautiful cemeteries, but buried under the jungle lie the remnants of the old Jewish village that once flourished there, yet to be surveyed and excavated.

Due to its isolated location, the site has long been neglected and deteriorated, eventually resulting in a place on the most endangered site list. Thanks to the efforts of the SJS (Foundation for Jodensavanne, in Suriname) and Dr. Aviva Ben-Ur and Rachel Frankel, Architect (in America), the site has been cleared and a thorough historical research has begun. Also, Mrs. Frankel developed an overall site preservation plan that eventually will include professional site preservation and maintenance scheme as well as an attractive infrastructure for visitors.

During the 1999 Jodensavanne historical survey, it was recognized that the old gravestones are deteriorating quickly and that the preservation of the old Jewish cemeteries is the most urgent thing to do.

The SJS has worked hard to create Public Awareness for the Jodensavanne monuments. Translated to the Suriname situation, this means: we have created Public Awareness among the surrounding Amerindian villages, in whose territory lay the monument sites. The villages are beginning to see some potential in the sites. They are no longer considering it as a heap of old stones near their homes. They are aware now that they could use the sites as a vehicle for their own development. They want to attract tourism and set up guided tours. The villages of Redi Doti and Pierre Kondre have organized themselves in the S.O.R.P., the Foundation for the Development of Redi Doti and Pierre Kondre. The S.O.R.P. is actively participating in the SJS.

In 1999, the SJS was able to carry out part of the preservation plan. A regular maintenance of the site has been achieved. A very basic accommodation for day-visitors has been built, as well as a small new jetty at the riverside. Throughout Suriname, the SJS is actively promoting Jodensavanne. We are present at every tourism fair, even at the national trade fair ! In our photo-gallery we give an impression of our realised activities.

Currently, the SJS is planning:

  1. a small yet comfortable guesthouse with 4 guestrooms
  2. preparation of a plan to research the original lay-out of the village
  3. guided tours on the site and the environment
  4. a larger and more informative visitor's centre
  5. audiovisual promotion of the Jodensavanne site

Needless to say, all infrastructure will be located in such a way, that it will not intrude on the historic sites. The local population will actively participate in all above activities, and by their involvement ensure a sustained preservation of the endangered sites.

Apart from the above projects, the history of the Jodensavanne must be further explored. For it is its history that makes this site unique. The American historians Aviva Ben-Ur and Rachel Frankel have in the past two years thoroughly explored the Jodensavanne and Cassipora cemeteries. To complete these studies, further archival research will be necessary. As the 17th century archives of the Jodensavanne community are currently in the Netherlands, they have made a detailed proposal for funding of archival research. The SJS actively supports their proposal. Apart from the value of the study in itself, the attention of the world community will remain focused on the Jodensavanne.

All the abovementioned projects are beyond the scope of the World Monuments grants, and the SJS is currently trying to get other funding for it. We will appreciate all kind of ideas that can help us conserve the Jewish Heritage in Suriname. So please send your suggestions to: info@jodensavanne.sr.org