Mauthausen Komitee Steyr: Commemoration at the "Jewish Cemetery"

Steyr, June 27, 2023

On Friday, the Mauthausen Komitee Steyr commemorated the victims of the Nazi terror at the “Jüdischen Friedhof” (Jewish Cemetery) in Steyr. The event began with the unveiling of a new memorial plaque at the entrance to the cemetery. The plaque features the names of the 291 Jewish citizens of Steyr who were murdered or persecuted by the Nazis. The event was attended by survivors, family members, and members of the Mauthausen Komitee Steyr.

Background

The Jewish Cemetery in Steyr was established in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Austria. During the Nazi era, the cemetery was desecrated and many of the graves were destroyed. After the war, the cemetery was restored and is now a protected historical site.

Commemoration

The commemoration began with a prayer service led by Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister. Following the prayer service, Mauthausen Komitee Steyr chairwoman Elisabeth Manhal spoke about the importance of remembering the victims of the Nazi terror. “We must never forget the victims of the Nazi regime,” she said. “We must always remember their suffering and their struggle. We must always fight against anti-Semitism and hatred.”

Speeches and Performances

The commemoration also included speeches by Steyr Mayor Gerald Hackl and Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer. In his speech, Mayor Hackl said that the city of Steyr is committed to fighting against anti-Semitism and hatred. “We must never forget the victims of the Nazi terror,” he said. “We must always remember their suffering and their struggle. We must always fight against anti-Semitism and hatred.”

Governor Stelzer spoke about the importance of education in the fight against anti-Semitism. “Education is the key to fighting anti-Semitism,” he said. “We must teach our children about the Holocaust and about the dangers of hatred and intolerance.”

Laying of Wreaths and Prayer

The commemoration concluded with the laying of wreaths at the memorial plaque and a prayer service led by Rabbi Hofmeister. The event was attended by survivors, family members, and members of the Mauthausen Komitee Steyr.