Jewish communities in the Swiss city of Zurich have established an Eruv, a closed public zone that covers roughly 14 square kilometres of the city.
A symbolic network of lines now links several neighbourhoods, including Wiedikon, Enge, and Wollishofen.
The Eruv’s approximately 18-kilometre-long boundary comprises more than 100 points, largely utilising existing structures such as walls, fences, and house walls. Where necessary, thin nylon threads or posts were added, without altering the cityscape.
A dedicated team inspects the Eruv weekly before the Sabbath and carries out any necessary repairs.
The project was fully funded by the Jewish community, with support from private donations. A building permit, submitted in 2022, was required to establish the Eruv.
According to a press release, the initiative marks “a new chapter of Jewish life in Zurich” and reflects the city’s values of openness, cooperation, and trust.
City Councillor Simone Brander highlighted that “the Eruv is a sign of the diversity lived in our city” and reaffirmed Zurich’s commitment to enabling all residents to practise their religion freely.
Zurich joins a growing list of cities with Eruvim, including London, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Antwerp.
