Zerbst, Germany

There is evidence of a Jewish presence in Zerbst from the first half of the 14th century and occasional references from the 15th century. It was not until the 17th century that resettlement took place. A cemetery was established in the second half of the 18th century and a synagogue in 1794. In 1833 the community reached a peak population of 122. By 1933, there were 90 Jews living in Zerbst. On Kristallnacht (9-10 November 1938), the synagogue was looted and set on tire, homes and businesses were wrecked, and several Jewish. residents were abused. By May 1939, 36 Jews were still living in the town. In April 1942, 34 were deported to Auschwitz and the Theresienstadt ghetto, while two, married to non-Jews, survived in Zerbst.