SYNAGOGUE BENCHES - SYMBOLIC MEMORIAL FOR VICTIMS OF HOLOCAUST FROM TOWNS OF LOSTICE, MOHELNCE, ÚSOV AND LITOVEL
In 1939 the Olomouc synagogue was destroyed by Nazis. Benches from that synagogue were recently discovered and they will be placed in the Lostice synagogue. Each of 21seats in these benches is dedicated to 80 victims of holocaust from the Lostice area.
The history of Jewish communities, which flourished in this area for centuries, was suddenly ended by the Nazi occupation. Almost all members of the prewar Jewish communities perished during the Holocaust. Nazis were also systematically destroying the most important symbols of Jewish communities - synagogues. While synagogues in Lostice and Úsov were saved, the great synagogue of Olomouc (built in 1895-1897) was burnt down by the local Fascists in March 1939.
Some benches from the synagogue were saved and for many years used in a village church by Prostejov and lately were moved by the association Krnov Synagogue to the town of Krnov. After this transfer the foundation Respect and Tolerance started their negotiation and three rows of these benches were purchased for the Lostice synagogue.
Each seat is dedicated to a family or a small group of Jews, who perished during the holocaust. In the same time individual seats will be dedicated to friends of the foundation Respect and Tolerance, who support or take part in our activities.
Seat of honor - the first seat in the first row is dedicated to the prewar time Rabbi of Olomouc and Lostice Dr. Berthold Oppenheim, who perished in Treblinka. The same seat is also dedicated to our honorary member and Nobel Prize Winner - Prof. Elie Viesel.
The list of seats and names will be permanently displayed in the synagogue. If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The list of the Holocaust victims and seats: Benches-EN
Illustrated monuments to the victims of the Holocaust: here
© 2007 Developed by Jaroslav Brachtl AFirma.cz