Baisingen, Germany

Jews were present in the 14th century but the permanent settlement dates from 1640, with Jews subjected to various restrictions and a heavy tax burden. In the 18th century most were peddlers. Their economic situation improved somewhat in the 19th century when efforts were made to find them more productive occupations. The Jewish population reached a peak of 235 in 1843 and declined steadily thereafter. In 1848 local gangs attacked Jewish homes, causing much damage. By 1933 the Jewish population stood at 86, with most engaged in the cattle trade. On “Kristallnacht” (9-10 November 1938), SA units vandalized the synagogue, cemetery, and Jewish homes. Subsequently, in the face of increasing economic and social isolation, emigration was stepped up and 60 Jews managed to leave the country. All but a few of the others met their end after expulsion to the east in 1942.