Vernissage: From the speech of Martha Keil
[…] After the words of thanks, to the exhibition "we had a real Jewish life" - a quote from Hermann Hahn, in Israel then Zwi Gol, in which he describes the activities of the young people within their community. We already had to a 10-year jubilee, which is always a commemorative year to the "Anschluss", a larger exhibition, which was half a year to see. This is to stay longer and pay a small tribute to this synagogue, this hometown of a destroyed community. So beautifully renovated is this house, sad as it is, as an empty shell without community life and worship.
The exhibition is intended to give an impression to the many pupils who visit the synagogue every year, but also to show the survivors and offspring that they have a permanent place of remembrance. As a symbol our graphic artist Renate Stockreiter and I have chosen the cover of the magazine and for the invitation card the vignette you see on the upper left. It originally contained a Hebrew text, probably a Psalms verse, on a photo before the renovation are still traces of it to be seen. Maybe the words could have been reconstructed, now the vignette is empty. We can only guess what was in it and fill it with the memories of the survivors and our imagination, like this whole house.
As a symbol for the changing history of the community and its members, we have chosen the Davidstern, which is not particularly original. But if you look attentively, the content of the respective table becomes clear from the artistic design of the star.
In terms of content, I wanted to let the affected people speak as often as possible. Almost every table has a quote to the motto, which is then in the detailed context mostly in the star. The event history itself is briefly narrated, always from the perspective of the community members. If you read everything carefully, you will certainly know some facts, people and fates; But for exact details you will probably have to read Christoph Lind's books. The exhibition starts from the left, on the left, on the women's gallery, first panel from the left, further on the right side of the women's gallery, the last part is on the top of the choir. May it keep the memory of a lively, lovable community alive!
My dream is to create a place of culture and learning in this former synagogue, especially for young people with a so-called migration background, with an interesting program that reaches them where they are now, before the current questions of their lives: Unsafe future, escape , Expulsion, loss of language and homeland, new beginnings and identity - all of which the young people of the St. Pöltner Kultusgemeinde also experienced. Such a place of learning needs technical facilities, good caregivers - we would have - and therefore finances, we have not. But we will make every effort. I am also pleased that the city of St. Pölten is increasingly using this space for wonderful concerts. However, investment in a meaningful cultural business would be necessary, as for example the repair of the heating system - that is still a future music.
But this synagogue should be a meeting place for the descendants of St. Pölten from all over the world. Marion's father Emil sang in the children's choir of this synagogue. It took me a long time to find a place where I could go back to Boston. Today, we are looking forward to hearing from you.