Graz Synagogue, Graz

The New Synagogue of Graz, located at David-Herzog-Place in the Gries neighborhood on the right bank of the Mur River, is an important symbol of Jewish faith and culture in Graz. It serves not only the local Jewish community but also those in surrounding areas like Styria, Carinthia, and southern Burgenland.

Historically, before the devastation of World War II, Graz had a thriving Jewish community of around 2000 members, with the synagogue as its cultural and religious center. Sadly, this original synagogue, known for its impressive 30-meter dome, was destroyed during Kristallnacht, a tragic event that affected many Jewish sites in Nazi-occupied territories.

The former synagogue site remained vacant until 1988 when the city of Graz placed a black obelisk there as a memorial. In 1998, Graz's Municipal Council, led by Kurt David Brühl, the then-president of the local Jewish community, unanimously decided to rebuild the synagogue. Architects Jörg and Ingrid Mayr, along with artist Fedo Ertl, oversaw the construction, using approximately 9600 bricks from the original synagogue. Over 150 students from local schools contributed over 10,000 hours to clean these bricks for reuse. The obelisk erected in 1988 was incorporated into the new design, symbolizing continuity and remembrance.

The newly built synagogue opened on November 9, 2000, the anniversary of Kristallnacht, echoing the architectural style of its predecessor but adjusted to the size of the current Jewish community. Despite its modern appearance, it contains elements reminiscent of the synagogue destroyed by the Nazis, such as a glass Bimah at the center of the sanctuary and a Torah ark with a glass dome supported by twelve metal pillars. These pillars represent the Twelve Tribes of Israel and form a Star of David-shaped cupola on the ceiling. Hebrew prayers etched into the glass symbolize a sky free from tragedy.