March 6, 2024 Commemorative Plaque Unveiling Ceremony in Praia

Below are photos and videos of our March 6, 2024, ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the restoration of the Jewish burial plot in Praia. To commemorate this significant event, CVJHP arranged for the fabrication and placement of commemorative bilingual signage, including plaques for each grave and a larger history plaque explaining the migration of the mostly Moroccan Jews buried therein. International dignitaries such as US Ambassador Jeff Daigle, Moroccan Chargé d’affaires Hassan Zarafa, Israeli Ambassador Ben Bourgel and Chief Rabbi Ruben Suiza of Lisbon, graced us with their presence.

Several high-level officials from the American Jewish Committee like director of the AJC Paris office, Anne-Sophie Sebban and Director of the AJC Africa Institute in Johannesburg, Wayne Sussman; Paris-based genealogy expert Dr. Raquel Levy-Toledano and President of the Mimouna Association in Morocco, El Mehdi Boudra, made the long journey to Praia to celebrate this milestone occasion. CVJHP thanks Praia Mayor Francisco Carvalho and Minister of Communidades, Jorge Santos and their respective staffs, for their invaluable collaboration in coordinating this event.

Photo credit: Sandra Patrícia Reis Silva and Dr. Raquel Levy-Toledano

Unveiling of a New Stand for the 2013 Inauguration Plaque
Overview of the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
Dignitaries arriving for the Ceremony at the Jewish burial plot
A close-up of the marble plaque in honor of H.M. King Mohammed VI of Morocco
Anne-Sophie Sebban, AJC Paris; Simão Levy, Israeli Ambassador to Cabo Verde, Ben Bourgel; Carol Castiel; Janúario (Auday) Nascimento
The 2013 Inauguration Plaque on a newly constructed stand
Castiel speaking at the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
Moroccan Chargé d'affaires, Hassan Zarafa; Minister Jorge Santos, Carol Castiel stand in front of plaque in honor of H.M. King Mohammed VI
Dignitaries and Descendants at the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for the Jewish burial plot in Praia
Historical plaque after unveiling
Commemorative plaque for Myriam Tarregano, the only woman in the burial plot
Praia Mayor Francisco Carvalho, Minister Jorge Santos and Carol Castiel unveil the bilingual historical plaque
Dignitaries at the Commemorative Plaque Unveiling Ceremony on March 6, 2024
New signage for Varzea Cemetery and Jewish burial ground, March 2024
Carol Castiel points to bilingual "Jewish burial plot" signage
CVJHP Rep, Simão Levy, showcases new sign indicating the Jewish burial plot within the Várzea Christian Cemetery
US Ambassador Jeff Daigle greets dignitaries
Minister Jorge Santos with Jacqueline da Silva (left) translating

A walk through the Jewish Burial Plot in Praia after the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony

Rabbi Ruben Suiza offers prayers for the deceased during the plaque unveiling ceremony