Wolbeck

Summary: In 1550, Jacob von Korbach, a doctor, became the first Jew to settle in Wolbeck. It was not until the 18th century, however, that another Jewish family came to live in the town. Always small, the Jewish community of Wolbeck was affiliated with that of Muenster. Religious services were conducted in Israel David’s apartment until the 1820s, when the community built a new synagogue on Wallstrasse. Wolbeck also had a Jewish elementary school during that period. On Pogrom Night, rioters set the synagogue on fire and destroyed the Jewish cemetery. Nine local Jews managed to escape Germany during the Nazi period (eight went to the Netherlands, one to France); six moved to other German cities. In 1941/42, twelve Wolbeck Jews were sent to various camps, an ordeal from which only one, Helmut Pins, returned in 1945. A commemorative plaque was later unveiled at the former synagogue site.

Author / Sources: Swetlana Frank
Sources: FJG, LJG, SG-NRW