Gazing upon these very steps, one cannot help but reflect on the weight of history. This is the Ariowitsch-Haus. It stands as a beacon of Jewish culture in Leipzig. It is also a place of remembrance.
The Ariowitsch-Haus’s story began in the late 1920s. Louise Ariowitsch, the widow of Julius Ariowitsch wanted to create a home for those in need. Her son Max Ariowitsch and son-in-law Dr. Hermann Halberstam joined her. In 1930, they established the Ariowitsch-Stiftung Israelitisches Altersheim.
In May 1931, the Ariowitsch-Haus opened its doors on Hinrichsenstrasse. The main building had space for 33 people. A smaller building remained unfinished at that time.
During the dark years of Nazi persecution, the Ariowitsch-Heim became a haven. It played a crucial role within Leipzig’s Jewish community. Max Ariowitsch, who had moved to London in 1935, financed the completion of the rear building in 1937. By 1940, 94 Jewish people lived here.
But the sanctuary would not last. In 1939, the Reich Security Main Office took control of the Ariowitsch Foundation. On September 19, 1942, a horrific event occurred. All residents and staff were deported to Theresienstadt and then to Auschwitz.
In front of the Ariowitsch-Haus, names are engraved on the entrance steps. These steps commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. They are dedicated to those who were deported 80 years ago. These were the last residents of the former Jewish old age home and its caregivers. These steps hold symbolic meaning. Every victim walked across them.
After the war, in April 1945, American troops entered Leipzig. They used the Ariowitsch-Haus as a command post. Later, Soviet forces also occupied it. In 1946, the building was returned to the Jewish community.
The community lacked the resources to run the Ariowitsch-Haus as an old age home. It was leased to the city of Leipzig. Until 1997, it served as a municipal old age and nursing home called Ariowitsch-Stiftung.
From 1998 to 2000, the Diakonische Werk used the Ariowitsch-Heim temporarily. This was during the reconstruction of their own old age home.
In 2000, a decision was made to transform the buildings. They would become a Jewish cultural and community center. The architectural firm Weis & Volkmann won the contract for the redesign in 2001.
Construction faced delays. A neighbor’s lawsuit caused a temporary halt. During this time, the Synagoge und Begegnungszentrum Leipzig e.V. was founded. It was established to gather support from Leipzig citizens.
Significant donations were collected. In 2005, a court ruling cleared the way for completion. Construction resumed in April 2006. On May 15, 2009, the Ariowitsch-Haus Zentrum jüdischer Kultur was inaugurated.
The Ariowitsch-Haus e.V. was founded in 2007. It was created by Jewish, Christian, and non-denominational citizens of Leipzig. It initiates and supports cultural projects. These projects are connected to Leipzig’s Jewish community.
Today, the Ariowitsch-Haus hosts various events. Film screenings, lectures, and concerts take place regularly.
The Ariowitsch-Haus promotes Jewish culture and history. It addresses antisemitism and racism. It fosters tolerance through cooperation. It is supported by the Synagoge und Begegnungszentrum.
The Ariowitsch-Haus stands as a testament to resilience. It is a symbol of Jewish life in Leipzig. It serves as a reminder of the past and a promise for the future.