New Jewish cemetary

Amidst the bustling city of Munich lies a place of quiet contemplation, the New Jewish Cemetery. This isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a poignant chronicle of Munich’s Jewish community. The New Jewish Cemetery, established in 1908, stands as a testament to both life and loss. Its creation became necessary when the old Jewish cemetery reached its capacity. Designed by Hans Grässel, the cemetery spans over five hectares. It resembles a peaceful woodland, enclosed by a 2.5-meter wall. Upon entering, you’ll notice the square gatehouse. Further west, the mortuary and prayer house stand in quiet dignity. The New Jewish Cemetery holds approximately 7,500 graves. It has the capacity for about 10,000. Among those interred here are prominent figures like Kurt Eisner, Bavaria’s first Ministerpräsident, and Gustav Landauer, a writer and anarchist theorist. Football enthusiasts may be interested to know that Kurt Landauer, former president of FC Bayern Munich, is also buried here. A sobering reminder of history, a memorial commemorates the victims of Nazi persecution. Another honors those who fell during World War I. During WWII, the cemetery became a refuge. The caretaker, Karl Schörghofer, and his family, risked their lives to shelter several Jewish individuals. They also hid gravestones and religious artifacts from Nazi desecration. For their bravery, they were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. Sadly, the cemetery wasn’t entirely spared. It suffered some desecration and was even briefly used for vegetable plots. Later, in the late 1940s and again in 1989, the New Jewish Cemetery was renovated. It remains the only active Jewish cemetery in Munich. The New Jewish Cemetery offers a space for remembrance and reflection. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of Munich’s Jewish community.