Marking the 85th anniversary of the Reichspogromnights
In the heart of Germany, Pforzheim marked the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht with a solemn commemoration event, honouring the victims of Nazi persecution and emphasizing the dangers of hatred, antisemitism, and intolerance.
The Significance of Kristallnacht in Pforzheim
Pforzheim, like many German cities, observes annual remembrance ceremonies on or around the anniversary of Kristallnacht. This event, also known as the "Night of Broken Glass," refers to the pogrom against Jews carried out by Nazi forces on November 9-10, 1938. During this night, Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues across Germany and Austria were destroyed, and thousands of Jews were arrested and later murdered.
The commemoration in Pforzheim serves several important purposes:
- Honoring Victims: It is a solemn act of memory and respect for the Jewish residents of Pforzheim and beyond who suffered and died during the Nazi era.
- Education and Awareness: It fosters public understanding of the Holocaust's causes and consequences, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against antisemitism and racism.
- Community Reflection: The event encourages the community to reflect on its past and commit to democratic values, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.
This year's commemoration was no exception, with a series of moving speeches, musical performances, and educational initiatives.
Highlights of the 2023 Commemoration
The event took place at 11:30 AM in the atrium of the Volksbank House. Rabbi Moshe Yudelevitz gave a prayer to open the ceremony, followed by a musical performance by Fenella Bockmaier, who played "Prélude pour la main gauche" by Alexander Skrjabin.
Nina Breunig and Hannah Vitos of the Hilda-Gymnasium presented the "History ACTIVE" project, which includes a digital map at www.spurensuche-pforzheim.de. This project explores Pforzheim's history under National Socialism through eight short films, available from November 10, 2023, for a digital city tour or use in history lessons.
Jeff Klotz, a historian and author, gave a lecture on remembrance culture and provided a historical overview of the Jewish community in Pforzheim. Mayor Peter Boch spoke about the current situation in Israel and condemned recent attacks, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families in Israel. Rami Suliman, chairman of the Jewish Community, also addressed the attendees.
A joint wreath-laying by the city and the Jewish community took place at the memorial on the "Synagogue Square." Mayor Boch welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of collective remembrance.
The Role of Historical Memory in Modern Challenges
Mayor Boch's remarks this year also addressed current geopolitical and ethical issues, including reflections on Israel’s situation. By intertwining remembrance of Kristallnacht with reflections on present-day issues, Mayor Boch’s remarks symbolize the ongoing relevance of historical memory in shaping responses to modern challenges.
This approach underscores the idea that the horrors of the past must inform ethical and political engagement today, especially concerning questions of justice, security, and peace in the Middle East. The commemoration in Pforzheim serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering history to prevent its recurrence.
- The commemoration event in Pforzheim not only honors the victims of Kristallnacht and the broader Jewish community, but also serves as a platform to discuss modern challenges, particularly in the context of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news, such as the contemporary situation in Israel.
- By highlighting the ongoing relevance of historical events like Kristallnacht in shaping political discourse and ethical responses today, the commemoration in Pforzheim reinforces the need for continued vigilance against antisemitism and intolerance in the face of geopolitical tensions.
