A quiet space, isn’t it? This is the Alter Jüdischer Friedhof. It is a place of reflection and remembrance. This Jewish cemetery in Dortmund offers a glimpse into the past.
Let’s step back in time. In 1336, the Jewish community acquired land for a cemetery. This land was located outside the Westentor. The Westentor was a city gate. It stood on what is now Kampstraße. It was between Königswall and Weddepoth.
However, in 1350, Jewish citizens were expelled from Dortmund. Their properties were confiscated including this cemetery. But they returned in 1373. They were allowed to use the cemetery again. This was in exchange for paying ground rent. It is not known when the last burial took place here.
Now, let’s fast forward to more recent times. There are nine Jewish cemeteries in Dortmund today. The Ostfriedhof is perhaps the best known. The Hauptfriedhof am Rennweg is still used for burials. The other seven cemeteries are in six Dortmund districts. All but the Hauptfriedhof were established in the 19th century.
The old Jewish cemetery at the Westentotenhof no longer exists. It is now Westpark. A memorial stone marks the spot. It’s a reminder of what was once here. The cemeteries in Brackel and Nette have also disappeared completely. The one in Brackel closed in 1926. The one in Nette closed in 1959.
The Jewish cemeteries tell stories. They tell of a once thriving Jewish life in Dortmund. A life that is now prospering again.
Here at the Alter Jüdischer Friedhof in Aplerbeck, the history began in 1845. The last burial took place in 1926. This cemetery is the second oldest burial site in Aplerbeck. Only the Kirchhof an der Georgs-Kirche is older. The Alter Jüdischer Friedhof is a protected monument. It occasionally attracts public attention. This is often due to vandalism.
The gravestones were documented in 2015. The Salomon-Ludwig-Steinheim-Institut für deutsch-jüdische Geschichte did this. You can find information about each stone online.
Take a moment to appreciate this serene place. Think about the people who rest here. Remember their stories and their contributions to Dortmund. The Alter Jüdischer Friedhof reminds us of Dortmund’s rich Jewish heritage. It is a heritage we must never forget.