Fischach

Summary: The Jewish community of Fischach established a synagogue in 1739, a cemetery in 1774 and a community center—it housed a Jewish school—in 1798. The Jews of Fischach also maintained a mikveh. Although Jews held important positions in Fischach’s fire brigade, the Jewish community established its own brigade following disagreements with local anti-Semites. In 1933, ten children attended the Jewish school. The community ran several Jewish associations and branches of nationwide Jewish organizations. In 1936, a Beit Chalutz (Pioneer House) movement was established in Fischach to prepare young Jews for life in Palestine. Jewish houses were plundered on Pogrom Night, and one man was severely beaten; thirty Jews, including the members of Beit Chalutz, were deported to Dachau. Several days later, on November 15, 1938, SS men from Augsburg destroyed the synagogue’s interior and confiscated its contents. Thirty-five Fischach Jews emigrated, five relocated within Germany, 22 died in Fischach, 56 were deported to Piaski (April 1942) and nine, the last, were deported to Theresienstadt (August 1942). At least 108 Fischach Jews perished in the Shoah. Several memorial plaques were later unveiled in Fischach. A sukkah from Fischach dating back to 1825 was exhibited in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

Author / Sources: Magret Liat Wolf
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK BAV