Untermerzbach celebrates: Highest monument protection award for Jewish history!

Untermerzbach celebrates: Highest monument protection award for Jewish history!

In a brilliant moment for Lower Franconia, the highest award in the area of ​​monument protection was awarded! The community of Untermerzbach and the sponsoring and supporting association of the Memmelsdorf Synagogue were honored with the coveted Silver Hemisphere of the German Prize for Monument Protection for their outstanding efforts in the restoration of the synagogues in Memmelsdorf and Gleusdorf. The Ministry of Art in Munich noted this enthusiastically.

This prestigious award recognizes exceptional volunteer commitment to preserving the region's rich Jewish history, which dates back to the 9th century. Art Minister Markus Blume (CSU) does not miss the opportunity to emphasize the importance of this commitment: “Especially in times of resurgent anti-Semitism, the work of the support association and the commitment of the community, which has been going on for three decades, is a strong sign of education, tolerance and cohesion.”

Important achievements in memory

In keeping with the anniversary of “1,700 years of Jewish life in Germany,” the renovated former synagogue in Gleusdorf now serves as an important place of learning. Three years ago there was extensive information about rural Judaism here, where the Jewish community met for worship until 1909. After many years of effort, the community managed to acquire the building in 2016 and implement a usage concept. In Memmelsdorf, too, a restored synagogue is home to a place of learning that keeps history alive.

But that wasn't all: the media prize, which was awarded at the same time, also went to Bavaria. The talented Elena Alvarez Lutz from Bayerischer Rundfunk was honored for her contribution “Crumbling Monuments – Climate Change Threatens Cultural Treasures”. A clear sign of the pressing questions surrounding monument protection in our time!