Commemoration in Rostock: Remembering 87 years after the November pogrom

Commemoration in Rostock: Remembering 87 years after the November pogrom

On October 27, 2025, in a few days, the terrible events of the November pogrom of 1938 will be remembered in Rostock. On the night of November 9th to 10th, 87 years ago, numerous Jewish communities in Germany were the target of brutal attacks. There were particularly devastating actions in Rostock: the synagogue on Augustenstrasse was set on fire, the Jewish cemetery in Lindenpark was desecrated and shops and apartments of Jewish Rostock residents were devastated. In addition, 64 Jewish residents of Rostock were taken into protective custody and the city's cultural life was virtually wiped out as a result of the violence.

In order not to let this unforgettable and tragic moment in history be forgotten, Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger and Mayor Dr. Heinrich Prophet to take part in the memorial events on November 10, 2025. The central service will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Jewish cemetery in Lindenpark, followed by a shared walk to the memorial stele at the former location of the synagogue at Augustenstrasse 101.

Commemorative events and details

The memorial event begins at 10 a.m. and will include speeches by State Rabbi Yuriy Kadnykov and Citizenship President Dr. Include Heinrich Prophet. In order to keep the memory of the victims alive, students from the Jenaplan School will read out the names of the Rostock victims of the Shoah. This important commemoration is organized in collaboration with the Max Samuel House, the Rostock Jewish Community and the interreligious dialogue.

Another event that catches the eye is the decentralized memorial event “Sound of the Memorial Stones”, which will take place on November 9, 2025. Six memorial stones in Rostock will be given small concerts between 5.45 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. and the event will conclude with vocal support with the Yiddish song “Dos Kelbl”. In addition to Rostock, cities such as Bad Kösteritz, Gera, Jena, Naumburg, Schwaan and Weimar are also taking part in this memorial campaign.

Historical context of the November pogrom

The November pogrom represents a turning point in German history. Before that, from 1933 onwards, there was systematic discrimination against the Jewish population. The term “November Pogrom” describes the violations of the law and acts of violence that were organized by the NSDAP and paramilitary forces and took place with the approval of the civilian population. Up to 1,406 synagogues were devastated, over 7,500 Jewish shops were looted and many people were killed - drastic events that mark the transition from discrimination to open terror. Fear was omnipresent, and the Jewish population was increasingly forced to flee, while many others simply remained trapped in their homeland.

It is of the utmost importance to remember these historic devastations and remember the victims to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated. The memorial events in Rostock provide an opportunity to come together as a community, learn the lessons from the past and advocate for a more peaceful future.

For further information on the commemorative events and background information, those interested can visit the website Rostock town hall, Northern Courier as well as Federal Agency for Civic Education visit.