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This Jewish Town Project attempts to identify and collect Jewish individuals from or connected to Allenstein, Ostpreussen, now known as Olsztyn in Poland.
Allenstein, the seat of the Warmian chapter was an important trading center since the 17th and 19th centuries, frequented by numerous Jews. But a Jewish community was established only at the beginning of the 19th century. The Jewish citizens developed a lively community life. The activities increased, even more, when Allenstein became a new administrative center in the region in 1905. With the beginning of National Socialism, the last years of the Jewish community in Allenstein dawned. During the November pogrom, the synagogue was burned down. In June 1942, the inmates of the Jewish Old Age Home were the first to be deported.
Today, the restored Bet Tahara still exists, on the site of the former Jewish cemetery. This building was designed by the son of the town, Erich Mendelsohn. Today, important cultural activities of the city take place here. These include commemorations of the architect and his work and Jewish life in the region.
Now a local project to document Jewish history is to begin. Every life story, every document, and every photo will be an important piece of the puzzle for the representation of Jewish life in this small town.