13th Century Jewish Cemetery Turned into National Memorial

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The Jewish cemetery of Mayence, one of the oldest testimonies of Jewish history in Europe, was converted into a national memorial.

The old tombstones, which date from the Middle Ages, scattered during the various wars and Jewish expulsions, are now being restored to the cemetery.

The Jewish cemetery of Mayence is mentioned in the records of the city as early as 1286 under the name “Judensand.” It suffered sackings during the Crusades and massacres. In 1438 when the Jews were expelled from the city, the synagogue and cemetery were confiscated and the tombstones were used for building purposes.