A somber stillness hangs in the air here at Platz der Alten Synagoge. Right here before us stands the Gedenktafel Synagoge Plaque. This plaque marks a place of immense historical and cultural importance. It serves as a constant reminder of Dortmund’s Old Synagogue.
Completed in 1900 the Old Synagogue was once a magnificent structure. It stood as the largest synagogue and cultural center for Dortmund’s Jewish community. Imagine 1300 seats filled with people celebrating their faith and heritage. It was one of the largest Jewish houses of worship in Germany.
But this vibrant community and its beautiful synagogue faced a dark turn. After the Nazi Party’s rise to power in 1933, things changed drastically. The local government forced the Jewish community to sell their beloved synagogue. The proceeds were seized by the Nazi regime. The demolition began even before the infamous Kristallnacht. By December 1938, the Old Synagogue was completely gone.
For more than 200 years, Jews were banned from Dortmund beginning in 1596. This expulsion occurred because of “diligent admonitions” from preachers. It wasn’t until the Napoleonic era that they could return.
Consider this too. In 1595, a year before the expulsion, the city printer Arnt Westhoff printed an excerpt from Martin Luther’s antisemitic tract. It was titled “Von den Juden und ihren Lügen” or “On the Jews and Their Lies”.
The story of Dortmund’s Jewish community is one of resilience. After World War II, in August 1945, about 50 survivors re-established the Jewish community. This was a testament to their unwavering spirit.
Initially, the community dwindled but it was revived by the immigration of Jewish people from the former Soviet Union. Today, the Jewish community in Dortmund is thriving again.
The Gedenktafel Synagoge Plaque is a symbol of remembrance. It honors the past while acknowledging the present. It reminds us of the importance of tolerance and understanding. It stands as a commitment to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. The Evangelical Church also recognizes its failures during the persecution. It actively promotes understanding between Christians and Jews.
As you stand before the Gedenktafel Synagoge Plaque, take a moment to reflect. Remember the vibrant community that once thrived here. Remember the beautiful synagogue that stood as a “jewel of the city”. Remember the lessons of history and commit to building a more inclusive future.