Synagogue Lochem - Lochem

During the Second World War, Lochem's Jewish community experienced an inky black period. Of the 118 Jews rudely deported by the Nazis, 18 eventually returned severely traumatised. In 1947, the Jewish community was officially dissolved and the remaining Lochem Jews were accommodated by the Borculo community.

In 1950, ownership of the now severely dilapidated synagogue was transferred to the civilian Lochem community. Not until 1983, when Lochem celebrated its 750th anniversary, did it reflect on the events during the deportation of Jews during the war. On 1 March, the Foundation in Memory of the Jewish Fellow Citizens of Lochem saw the light of day. Its aim was to preserve the former synagogue as a permanent memorial and, by extension, to restore the house of prayer. The official opening took place on 2 May 1993. The building was given the function of a memorial centre from then on. An understated memorial passed on to future generations. Outside, a memorial plaque with information is clearly visible. Inside the memorial centre, a memorial book is on display. It contains the names of Lochem Jews who were killed.

The foundation manages the former synagogue and aims to: "Raise awareness of the history of the Jewish fellow citizens of Lochem municipality and keep their memory alive by, among other things, organising various activities in the former Synagogue". Source: Lochem Synagogue

"So that the memory is not darkened".