Frankfurt commemorates victims of the pogrom night 85 years ago
To mark the 85th anniversary of the Pogrom Night, the City of Frankfurt commemorated its victims and warned against a resurgence of anti-Semitism. In St. Paul's Church, Lord Mayor Mike Josef (SPD) emphasized the importance of the commemoration for life in the here and now. "We all bear this responsibility together. The war in the Middle East is not and must not be a justification for anti-Semitism in Frankfurt and in our country", emphasized Josef in front of invited guests. "It is everyone's duty to protect Jewish life, no matter what we believe in, no matter where we come from."
Marc Grünbaum, board member of the Jewish community in Frankfurt, also urged people to be vigilant. Various events were held throughout Hesse to mark the anniversary of the pogrom night, including a memorial service in Frankfurt's Westend Synagogue with Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU). In front of St. Paul's Church, the "Never again is now" initiative commemorated the people who were murdered or abducted by Hamas with an installation.
National Socialists destroyed numerous Jewish businesses and institutions in Germany on Pogrom Night in 1938. They set fire to synagogues and places of worship, demolished Jewish cemeteries and stormed homes. Historians estimate that more than 1,300 people lost their lives in the pogroms. Around 30,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps.
The historical atrocities of National Socialism, such as the destruction of Jewish businesses and lives on Pogrom Night, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preventing anti-Semitism in today's society. It's crucial to remember that the rise of National Socialism in Germany led to the brutal treatment of Jews, including the loss of over 1,300 lives and the deportation of thousands to concentration camps.
Source: www.dpa.com
