Lutherstadt Wittenberg

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Jewish Memorial

Jewish Memorial

Apart from the Luther historical places, the most disturbing experience I had was when I walked behind St. Marien Church and discovered an outrageous symbol of early German anti-semitism.

In 1304, to celebrate the first known expulsion of Jews from Wittenberg, the town leaders inscribed on the church facade (which is still visible) a German interpretation of the holy Hebrew words for God, partially covered by drawings of pigs...placed there apparently to mock those holy words. The really sad thing is that although this church has been rennovated many times over the centuries, this racist statement remains.

Below this outrage, placed by the local community, in 1988, is a memorial to persecuted Jews and those murdered by the Holocaust. In Hebrew and German you can read these words from Psalm 130: "Out of the depths I cry unto you, O Lord". The plaque has a representation of boiling water beneath a cross to indicate guilt and reconciliation. Nearby grows a cedar tree, donated by the Children of Israel.

From journal Lutherstadt-Wittenberg-Launching of the Reformati

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