Dierdorf

Summary: The earliest available record of a Jewish presence in Dierdorf, dated 1683, refers to a Jewish family residing in the town. Local Jews joined the regional Jewish community of Neuwied in 1864, but later formed an independent Jewish community. The Jews of Dierdorf established the following communal institutions: a cemetery, located on the edge of the Giershofen district, in 1746; a Jewish school in 1825; a synagogue in 1829; and a new cemetery, at 48 Flurstueck, in 1846. The Jewish school, rebuilt in 1910, was later closed down, as community membership declined considerably during the 20th century (84 Jews in 1925). Nevertheless, a new synagogue was inaugurated in 1928. On Pogrom Night, rioters destroyed the synagogue, assaulted local Jews and plundered Jewish-owned homes and businesses. During the Nazi period, 21 Dierdorf Jews emigrated, among them fourteen who settled in the United States. Those Jews who remained in the town were eventually sent to the camps, the last four in 1942. At least 36 local Jews perished in the Shoah. In 1989, the Jewish cemetery was recognized as a protected monument. The cemetery has approximately 80 graves.

Author / Sources: Daniel Weiss
Sources: AJ, HU, EJL
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