Mainz, Germany

General

Mainz was one of the oldest Jewish communities in Germany. On November 9/10, 1938 the main synagogue (including the museum and library) was looted and burned down. The Orthodox and Polish synagogues suffered similar treatment. On May 17, 1939 only 1,452 Jews remained, 70% of whom were 40 years or over. A steady flow of emigrants was partly balanced by an influx of refugees from the countryside. In March and September 1942 the majority of the community was deported to Poland and Theresienstadt. On Feb. 10, 1943 the final liquidation of the community, which had been moved to the hospital, took place.

Covers

Below are thumbnails of the front and back of a two covers. The first is postmarked June 16, 1941, from Julius Israel Blattner to the National Council of Jewish Women in New York. The typed return address is Reichsvereinigung Der Juden in Mainz. The second is postmarked February 2, 1941, from Moritz Israel Heli to his son in New York City. The return address is the "Isr.Alitisches Altersheim Mainz" Jewish Old Age Home, Mainz). Please click on the thumbnail to see the full image, and then click your back key or "Cover" in the left frame to return.

References

Spector, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Life Before and During the Holocaust (2001), P. 784-86

Museum of Tolerance On Line Learning Center