Wilhelmshaven, Germany

Wilhelmshaven, Hanover, Germany Built on territory acquired from Oldenburg in 1853 and named in honor of William I, Wilhelmshaven soon became one of Germany's most important naval bases. The ten Jews living there in 1876 grew to 47 in 1885, 131 in 1910, and 239 in 1925. A new synagogue was dedicated in 1910. During and after WW1, the community's religious teacher served as chaplain to Jewish sailors. There were anti-Jewish incidents, often involving navy personnel. In June 1933, there were 191 Jews in Wilhelmshaven. The Jewish community responded to Nazi pressure by intensifying its communal and Zionist activity. Nearly 100 Jews left before Kristallnacht (9-10 November 1938). During the pogrom the synagogue was destroyed and Jewish businesses were looted. After Jews had been driven through the streets and pelted with rocks, 34 were transported to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. By May 1939, a total of 45 Jews had emigrated from Wilhelmshaven (nearly 30 to England and other safe havens); one joined the International Brigade in Spain and, later, the French Resistance. At least 16 of those who remained after 1939 perished in the Holocaust.