Freiburg, Germany

Jews are first mentioned in 1230 but probably traded there in the 12th century. In 1326 they numbered eight families. Most were burned alive over a well-poisoning libel during the Black Death persecutions of 1348-49. Those spared were expelled, with the children baptized and Jewish property expropriated. Jews were present again in the second half of the century, under a letter of protection but conditions worsened. The Jews were again expelled in 1401 and for a final time in 1424. During the Thirty Years War (1618- 48), Jewish army suppliers set up offices in Freiburg and with the liberalization that followed annexation to Baden in 1805 Jews gradually began settling again. After emancipation in 1862 there was a large-scale influx of Jews to the city from the surrounding countryside. The Jewish population grew from 333 in 1871 to 1,013 in 1900 and 1,320 in 1910 (total 83,324). Jews became part of the city's economic and intellectual elite. A synagogue was dedicated in 1870, its Reform service accompanied by an organ. In 1933, there were 1,138 Jews in the city. Anti-Jewish measures were immediately instituted and at the university all 21 Jewish professors and lecturers were dismissed in 1933-35. In the same period the number of Jewish students was reduced. Most Jewish businesses were liquidated by November 1938. The community responded by providing financial support, organizing job placement and vocational retraining services. On 28 October 1938, Jews of Polish origin were expelled to the Polish border. On “Kristallnacht” (9-10 November 1938), the synagogue was blown up by SS and SA storm troopers and 100 Jewish men were sent to the Dachau concentration camp. During the Nazi era, 657 Jews managed to emigrate. Another 350 were deported from Freiburg to the Gurs concentration camp on 22 October 1940; of these, 273 perished. Of the 41 Jews remaining in Freiburg, about 30 were sent to the Theresienstadt ghetto on 23 Aug. 1942. During the war a Catholic organization headed by Gertrud Luckner worked to save Jewish lives. She was recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous among the Nations. A new Jewish community was formed in Freiburg after the war by former residents and East European refugees. In 1977 it numbered 381.