Jewish families

Probably the most important task of the Association is the fostering of friendly relationships with Jewish families worldwide. The main focus is on families with roots in Rexingen, Mühringen, Horb, Nordstetten, Dettensee and Mühlen.

Shavei Zion and Israel

013 1 johanniterschloss — Simchat Torah in Shavei Zion.

The community of Shavei Zion lies in the north of Israel. It was founded in 1938 by a group of Jews from Rexingen. This group consisted mainly of younger community members to whom it was clear, shortly after 1933, that they could not remain in Germany. Although the hurdles for such group emigration were unusually high, more than 40 men, women and children managed to leave Rexingen in time and set up a new Jewish community in Palestine together with other refugees from Germany. Today there are many friendly contacts with Shavei Zion and families in other communities in Israel.

USA

Most of the Jews from Horb, Rexingen, Mühringen and Nordstetten who managed to escape from Nazi Germany fled to the USA. Although the new beginning was difficult on the whole, democratic America offered the refugees the chance to reorganize their lives. The descendants’ interest in their Swabian roots is great and is steadily growing.
Time and time again guests come to visit the graves of their ancestors and seek traces of former Jewish life in the area. It is always a highlight in the life of the Association to receive, accompany and intercommunicate with them. Many families in the USA have close relationships with Israel, especially with Shavei Zion. Through its work, the Association helps to build bridges between Europe, America and Israel.

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