Obj. ID: 52305
Jewish Funerary Art Jewish cemetery in Rusko, Poland
According to ESJF European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative, the cemetery was established in the first half of the 19th century and was located near the village of Rusko (Rußhagen), approximately one kilometer from Darłowo. It is known that, simultaneously with the extension of the synagogue in 1853, the kehilla also decided to enclose the cemetery with a new fence. It was made by the same carpenter who looked after the synagogue, and the new fence cost the community 110 thalers. A funeral home was also built in the cemetery. Eventually, the cemetery was surrounded by a brick fence.
During Kristallnacht (November 9-10, 1938) the cemetery was devastated by the Nazis, including the commemorative plaque devoted to the Jewish soldiers from Darłowo who died during World War I in the ranks of the German army was destroyed, and the cemetery was closed shortly thereafter. On November 25, 1970, the Minister of Municipal Economy issued a decision to close the cemetery. In 1974, on the basis of the decision of the Poviat National Council in Sławno, the cemetery plot was sold to Zygmunt P., who intended to build a residential building and a workshop on it. On May 4, 1987, the Provincial Conservator of Monuments in Koszalin issued a decision on entering the cemetery into the register of immovable monuments. As this was related to the limitation of the development of the area, and the local authorities refused to grant Zygmunt P. a replacement plot, a long-standing dispute arose in which in 2011 the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg was involved.
ESJF team has found eleven remains of tombstones (pieces of matzevot, matzevot bases and grave frames). There are remains of an old cemetery wall (foundations) and more modern fencing (posts). Some old oak trees have been preserved in the area. Only the western side is fenced with metal mesh.
The cemetery is located in Rusko by the National Road 37 (DK 37) between private properties at Rusko 33 and Rusko 35. Access is open. Only the western side of the cemetery area is fenced. Cadastral parcel no. 321303_2.0022.59
