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Forgotten rural life: Jewish history in Westphalia uncovered!
On October 29, 2025, historian Gisbert Strotdrees will shed light on the forgotten Jewish rural life in Westphalia in Warendorf.
Forgotten rural life: Jewish history in Westphalia uncovered!
On Wednesday, October 29th, a remarkable lecture by the historian and author Gisbert Strotdrees took place in the auditorium of the Warendorf Adult Education Center. Around 30 interested people came to find out more about the topic “Jewish rural life. Forgotten worlds in Westphalia”.
In his work, Strotdrees illuminates the centuries-old Jewish culture between the Rhine and Weser, which was decimated by National Socialist persecution. In his lecture, he presented lively examples and showed historical photos that impressively depicted everyday Jewish life in the countryside.
Everyday life and history
What did the rural Jews do? Strotdrees answered this question with clear examples from the areas of livestock traders, butchers and merchants. His report on the first tractor, which was built around 1920 by Jewish agricultural machinery manufacturers in Westphalia, was particularly interesting. The use of Low German in rural areas was also discussed.
Another central point was the description of the dark events of the November pogrom in 1938 and the subsequent “Aryanization,” in which Jewish property was expropriated. These expropriations affected not only urban businesses, but also agriculture and forest areas, with around 2,000 hectares forcibly changing hands in Westphalia and Lippe. Strotdrees' book makes a valuable contribution to the Jewish history of Westphalia and is a reminder of the culture that was almost completely wiped out.
Dialogue and exchange
The event enabled participants to ask questions and actively engage in conversation with the author. The exchange on this important topic promoted understanding of Jewish history in the region and stimulated reflection on the meaning of a culture of remembrance.
At a time when knowledge about Jewish roots and history in Germany is often forgotten, it is of great importance that such events take place. These not only offer interesting insights into the past, but also opportunities to reflect on the present.
For more information on similar topics and events, see the article derspoekenkieker.de to read. Current announcements about local events are also included diocesefwsb.org to find.