Arnstadt's Jewish Citizens
07/15/98 Wolfgang Tittelbach-Helmrich ARNSTADT’S JEWISH CITIZENS Translated from German by Peter Niederlöhner PROLOGUE On November 10, 1988, we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the so-called "Reichskristallnacht", which became the symbolic date for the Holocaust during the time of National Socialism from 1933 to 1945. In anticipation of this anniversary, I have urged the erection of a memorial stone for the Arnstadt synagogue, and I have focused my attention on the history of our Jewish citizens of Arnstadt. In doing so I was less interested in historical events and issues, even less in the question of who had become active during that time - for I was not mistaken in my assumption that still living participants would find it difficult to speak. I was mainly interested in the question of who these "Jews" actually were who had to endure that time in our town and what became of them. These investigations proved to be very difficult. Under the tense circumstances at that time, I could more or less push ahead only in a very limited way. The result remains incomplete. There are two reasons, however, why I publish it anyway. First, this uneasy chapter in our town's history must remain in our memory. Second, this report is meant to encourage the recording of additional remarks, eyewitness accounts and new information. I will gladly accept such additions. The town of Arnstadt subsidized the printing of this publication substantially. Through this project, I would also like to show my gratitude for the distinction of being named an honorary citizen.
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