The Bukhara Fund is the best‑known of the diaspora‑funded organizations that maintain Bukharian Jewish cemeteries in Uzbekistan. Established by a wealthy member of the Queens community several decades ago, the Fund raises roughly $50 000–60 000 annually — enough to keep the Old Bukhara Jewish Cemetery (10 000 graves over 32 hectares) in dignified condition year-round.
What the Fund covers. Two full-time caretakers; weekly sweeping, weeding and watering of the whole cemetery; perimeter wall maintenance; repair of broken or fallen stones; coordination with the local Chevra Kadisha for new burials and unveilings; cleaning before the High Holidays.
What the Fund does not cover. Individual grave restoration, new monument installation, photo and video reports to specific families, custom Yahrzeit visits. These are private services that families arrange separately — and where grave.uz operates.
How to contribute. Through the Bukharian community organizations in Queens (Bukharian Jewish Community Center) or Tel Aviv. Donations are tax‑deductible in both. Annual giving levels typically $250–2 000 per family.
How private and community maintenance interact. A typical Queens Bukharian family donates $250–500/year to the Bukhara Fund (for the general cemetery upkeep) and separately pays $300–600/year for a private grave-care subscription with us (for family‑specific photos, Yahrzeit visits, monument cleaning). The two don't compete — they cover different needs.
Similar organizations. The Samarkand Jewish community has a smaller equivalent. Tashkent's Textile cemetery is supported partly by community donations and partly by the city's Jewish federation. For Kokand and smaller cities, no formal fund exists — entirely on diaspora private contributions.
Visiting the Fund's office. The Bukhara Fund has no formal office in Bukhara — operations are handled by the caretakers at the cemetery gatehouse. Donations and inquiries flow through Queens or Tel Aviv contact points.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Queens is a 501(c)(3) organization. Confirm with their finance office for the specific donation channel.