Old Jewish Cementary in Wroclaw

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Location

Located in south east part of Wroclaw, currently along Ślężna street.

History

First burial took place on 17 November 1856 which back then was a village of Gabitz. Current shape of the cementary evolved mostly during 19th century - the cementary area was expanded twice. In 1943 the burial ceremonies were abandoned and the necropoly was leased for five years to gardenering center. During The World War II the cementary became a fierce battle ground, that is still visible on many tombstones. After 1945 it slowly turned into ruine. It was put on the list of city's monuments in 1975.

Architecture

Most of the cementary objects were built in second half of 19th century. They imitate various architectural styles including Ancient, the Middle Ages, Renessance, Baroque. Great example of Ancient architecture are numerous columns located throughout the cementary that are symbols of life and eternity. Columns imitating broken tree reflect the tragedy of fragile life and death. Tombstones are signed by bilingual inscriptions most commonly German and Jewish.

Most common symbols of jewish culture which can be seen on tomsbstones are:

hands - on the tombstones of descendant of Aaron oriental tree- ancient symbol of messianic hope broken rose- motive of death helmet - army officer symbol palms- sumbols of national sacrifice of Jews

Renowned people buried at the cementary

Heinrich Graetza - professor of history at Wrocław University
Ferdinand Lassalle - a thinkier and social activist. State inclosed contact with Carl Marx and Fredrik Engels Leopold Auerbach - professor in biology and historogy at Wrocław University
Frederike Kempner - writer
Julious Cohn - professor of botanics
Isidor and Neander Alexander - renowned banker family

References

• Łagiewski, Maciej. Stary Cmentarz Żydowski we Wrocławiu. Via Nova.