Symbol of remembrance. That’s what Lichtzeichen Schiffschul Light represents. This light column is part of the Lichtzeichen Wien project. It marks the former location of the Schiffschul synagogue. The Nazis destroyed it during the pogrom of November 1938.
Lichtzeichen Wien consists of 26 such structures. They stand in the Vienna region. Each one marks a former Jewish site. These were synagogues, schools, temples, and prayer rooms. All were destroyed by the Nazis. The pogrom was a systematic attack. It targeted the Jewish population in Germany and Austria.
The Lichtzeichen Schiffschul Light stands about five meters high. It features a Star of David. The star seems to straighten out as you approach it. The light appears suspended in mid-air from a distance.
This urban memorial is a collaboration. The Jewish Museum Vienna and the University of Applied Arts Vienna created it. Artist Lukas Kaufmann designed the identical columns. The project is called “Ot”. This means symbol in Hebrew.
Each Lichtzeichen includes the name of the former Jewish structure. It also has a QR code. This code provides access to a virtual reconstruction. The memorial project was unveiled in 2018. It marked the 80th anniversary of the 1938 pogrom.
Before 1938, Vienna had a large Jewish community. It was the third largest in Europe. Judaism was an important part of city life. Nearly one hundred synagogues and prayer houses existed here. The goal of Lichtzeichen Wien is remembrance. It also takes a stand against discrimination.
The Lichtzeichen Schiffschul Light is located at Grosse Schiffgasse 8. The Schiffschul synagogue was inaugurated in 1864. It stood here until its destruction. You can reach this site by U-Bahn. Take the U2 to Schottering or Taborstrasse. Alternatively, take the U4 to Schottenring.
The intertwined, illuminated Star of David is beautiful. It also reminds us of a dark chapter in Vienna’s history. The light sculptures illuminate the urban space. They shed light on a hidden past. The movement of passers-by disentangles the light. Remembrance becomes an active action. This memorial encourages us to remember. It urges us to remain vigilant against hatred. The Lichtzeichen Schiffschul Light stands as a beacon. It shines for future generations.