21 May 2024

Dr Marie-Luis Zahradnik is leading a project in Bleicherode that aims to redesign the former synagogue site and revive the memory of its Jewish history. This project, supported by local partners and Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, combines modern commemorative culture with citizen science in order to keep the memory of the destroyed synagogue alive.

Dr Marie-Luis Zahradnik at the presentation of the memorial project on the historic synagogue site in Bleicherode, supported by local partners and Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. (Photos: Maurice Töpfer)

Many Jews settled in the economically prosperous town of Bleicherode in the middle of the 18th century. Around 1880, when construction of the synagogue began, the steadily growing Jewish community had 169 members. The architect and Royal Building Councillor Edwin Oppler from Hanover, who had already had a similar synagogue built in Hamelin, was engaged for the building project. However, the community wanted to deviate from the Hameln model as it was too expensive for them. The synagogue was therefore built somewhat shorter with less material and a simpler interior design. After only two years of construction, the new synagogue was consecrated on 1 June 1882 with a grand programme. Its size and architecture helped to characterise the townscape and showed that Jewish life had its religious and cultural place.

Following the National Socialists' seizure of power in 1933, the anti-Semitism that had already existed in parts of politics and society was systematically and brutally and violently pushed forward. During the "Reichskristallnacht", the Bleicherode synagogue also fell victim to an arson attack, so that it disappeared forever from the townscape of Bleicherode as a place of Jewish faith.

A memorial stone was placed at the site in 1988 to commemorate the destruction of the synagogue during the National Socialist terror. This was replaced by a new one in 2005. Every year on 9 November, the victims of the pogrom night of 1938 are remembered. On this occasion, the memorial site becomes the centre of the prayer and the mourning march with participants from politics and society.

By placing the memorial stone with a new, contemporary inscription, the town signalled that it is reflecting on and critically examining its history. This is now being followed by the project of the partners, the town of Bleicherode, Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft eG Südharz (WBG) and Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. The impetus for this came from constructive discussions between researchers, residents, the Protestant church and the town of Bleicherode. This was spurred on by the new findings from research into the history and construction of the synagogue, which were presented in a one-day, well-attended programme in Bleicherode on 24 March 2024.

Research into the former synagogue in Bleicherode also led to a discovery on site. This is now to be made visible again in a dignified design, as it is currently the only visible evidence of the Jewish place of worship, which historically enhances the property as a synagogue site and draws new attention to the historic location. In view of this, the idea is to examine the site more closely for other remains, to make these visible if necessary and to give the area a new face that takes into account the communal and Jewish culture of remembrance and commemoration. The new design of the area for a contemporary commemoration can be linked to a citizen science project in order to build up the square with new elements using the knowledge gained from this.

Collaboration with local craftsmen and churches will provide support. The project is being supported by various organisations: Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences intends to acquire third-party funding for this project and build up a network with the various institutions. Dr Marie-Luis Zahradnik is the initiator, responsible person and contact person for this project. The partner and owner of the site, the housing association (WBG Südharz), supports the coordinated steps and also recognises the residents, who can help shape, maintain and continue to walk around the memorial site. The town of Bleicherode is a partner and mentor between the project and the residents, as constant dialogue and coordination with all those involved are crucial to the success and support of the project and its outcome.

One wish of all those involved is to be able to present the project to the public on the 90th anniversary of the destruction of the synagogue and to provide an impulse not to allow remembrance and commemoration to fade, but to adapt to the changing times so that the past remains close to people.