Jewish Cemetery, Nuremberg

The Jewish Cemetery in Nuremberg carries a significant historical legacy, reflecting the tumultuous history of Jews in the city. Established in the 13th century, the cemetery has experienced numerous phases of destruction and restoration. Originally serving as a burial site for the medieval Jewish community, it saw devastating events such as the 1298 persecution, which likely led to its destruction. Subsequent Jewish cemeteries emerged, including one in the 14th century on Vordere Beckerschlagergasse, which was later confiscated and repurposed by the city following the expulsion of Jews in 1499.

On February 28, 1864, the Jewish community reopened a cemetery on Bärenschanzstraße, marking a new era with the first burial of Jakob Hirsch Marschütz. This site functioned as a key burial ground until its closure in 1922, during which 2,225 individuals were interred. The rise of the National Socialists led to further desecration before World War II, including the removal of all metal attachments from the graves.

The cemetery was severely damaged during a bombing raid on January 2, 1945, which destroyed the administration building and numerous graves. Post-war, many tombstones were repurposed for city reconstruction, further erasing parts of its historical footprint. The cemetery was eventually closed to the public and is currently protected by cameras to prevent further desecration.

A significant remnant of the earlier Jewish presence is preserved at the cemetery on Schnieglinger Straße, where stones from the medieval cemetery, reused in various constructions including the Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche), were rediscovered. These historical markers provide a tangible link to Nuremberg's Jewish past, amidst ongoing challenges of preservation and memory.