A new memorial in Düsseldorf commemorates the former synagogue

Milestone for remembrance culture: Memorial for the demolished synagogue on Kasernenstraße inaugurated

Düsseldorf now has a new place of remembrance: On the 9th of November, the day of the November pogroms, the memorial for the former synagogue on Kasernenstraße was inaugurated at the corner of Kasernenstraße and Liefergasse. This is a milestone in the Düsseldorf culture of remembrance.

A place of remembrance and encounter

The memorial is a visible sign of the Jewish life that once existed in Düsseldorf. It is intended to be both a place of remembrance and encounter. The 14-metre-high memorial consists of a steel stele with laser-cut Hebrew letters. In the middle is a glass cube, which refers to the former synagogue. The synagogue was consecrated in 1904 and destroyed on Kristallnacht in 1938.

The memorial was designed by the Düsseldorf artist Andreas Friedrich. It was made possible by donations from citizens and companies. The city of Düsseldorf contributed 200,000 euros to the construction costs.

A strong sign against forgetting

Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller emphasised at the opening ceremony that the memorial is a strong sign against forgetting. "We must never forget the terrible crimes of the Nazi era," said Keller. "The memorial is a reminder of the Jewish life that was once part of Düsseldorf and which was extinguished by the Nazis."

The chairwoman of the Jewish community of Düsseldorf, Orit Nagli, said that the memorial is a special day for the Jewish community. "This memorial is a sign of remembrance and a place of encounter," said Nagli. "It is a place where we can remember the victims of the Holocaust and where we can come together as a community."

A place of education and warning

The memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a place of education and warning. The memorial is intended to remind people of the dangers of intolerance and racism. It is also intended to encourage people to stand up for democracy and human rights.

The memorial is open to the public every day. There are also regular guided tours.