Buedesheim

Summary: Jews lived in Buedesheim from 1720 until 1942. In 1865, a plot of land was purchased near the town hall for the construction of a synagogue, a community center and a mikveh. Construction of this complex commenced in 1866 and was completed in 1871. Local Jews characterized their relationship with Gentile neighbors as “good” and “normal.” This amiable atmosphere of coexistence ended in 1933, when the dire political situation forced many local Jews to leave for North and South America. On Pogrom Night, the remaining Jews watched helplessly as former neighbors broke into Jewish homes, smashed windows and vandalized Jewish-owned businesses. The synagogue was burned down and, in 1941, demolished to make room for a new building. In 1942, all of the town’s remaining Jews were deported to concentration camps. Shortly afterwards, SS troops desecrated the cemetery, hauled off the tombstones and sold them for reuse. Nineteen tombstones were spared. A memorial plaque was later unveiled at the entrance to the Jewish cemetery.

Author / Sources: Moshe Finkel
Sources: AJ, DJGH, EJL, LJG, SIA