New Dr.-Hans-Morgenstern-Platz: A sign against forgetting

New Dr.-Hans-Morgenstern-Platz: A sign against forgetting

e In an important step for the city of St. Pölten, it has now been decided that an area of Passauerstrasse, south of the city center, will in future bear the name Dr.-Hans-Morgenstern-Platz. This decision comes from the recent meeting of the municipal council and goes back to Hans Morgenstern, who died last year, a doctor and important contemporary witnesses.

The renaming takes place in direct connection with the old Jewish cemetery, which was recently redesigned and opened by glass memorial plates. These boards are a tribute to the Jewish citizens, whose stories are often forgotten in the course of history.

Explanation and meaning of Hans Morgenstern

Hans Morgenstern lived an eventful life, characterized by a deep connection to his homeland of St. Pölten. Born in the city in 1937, he had to return in 1947 after a stay in Palestine. There he founded a dermatology practice and became an important personality of public life. Morgenstern tirelessly got involved in keeping the memories of the Jewish community alive.

his most remarkable life's work was the compilation of thousands of biographies of Jewish fellow citizens, which were summarized in his “Jewish Biographical Lexicon” published in 2009. This research work is not only a document of memory, but also a valuable source for historians and interested parties.

Morgenstern was more than just a doctor; He was also a contact point for displaced persons and their descendants, which were confronted with questions about the past. Thanks to its Initiative, the St. Pöltner Synagogue was renovated in 1980, which represents another testimony of his commitment to the culture of memory.

The decision to use its name for the new place is not only an honor of his life's work, but also contributes to the sensitization of the community with regard to the Jewish history of the city. It is a sign of appreciation and respect for the Jewish culture, which has often been endured in the past and is now heard again.

Overall, the renaming shows a clear message: the city of St. Pölten commemorates its past and sets signs for the future. This is done by creating a place that keeps the memory of Hans Morgenstern and Jewish history alive.