Synagoge

The Synagoge in Haaksbergen, known locally as the Synagoge van Haaksbergen, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Dutch province of Overijssel. This 19th-century synagogue, with its charming architecture and rich history, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the Jewish heritage of the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Synagoge in Haaksbergen is a must-see destination that promises to captivate and educate.

A Historical Jewel

The Synagoge in Haaksbergen stands proudly on Ruisschenborgh, right next to the town hall, anchoring it in the very center of the town. The story of this synagogue begins in 1825 when a plot of land was purchased on Morsinkhofsteeg to build a house of worship. By 1828, the synagogue was completed, constructed from materials salvaged from the demolished villa De Stoepe, which belonged to the Van der Sluys family and dated back to 1737. This historical connection is evident in the building's features, such as the window sills, a gable stone, and large Bentheimer sandstone blocks used in the foundation.

Architectural Beauty

The Synagoge in Haaksbergen is a fine example of rural Gothic architecture, a style that predates the Neo-Gothic trend of the late 19th century. The building measures ten by seven meters and is adorned with Gothic pointed arch windows and stone frames that add to its quaint charm. Initially, the synagogue had a hipped roof, which was remodeled into the current gable roof during a significant renovation in 1908.

Evolution Over Time

Upon its inauguration in 1828, the synagogue served a Jewish community that had been gathering for worship in an old peat barn belonging to the Waanders family. It took many years and the personal intervention of alderman Jordaan to secure permission for the construction of the synagogue. The 1908 renovation was a transformative period for the building. The original mikveh (ritual bath) attached to the north wall was demolished, and the adjacent Jewish school was converted into a new mikveh. This change meant that Jewish children now attended their religious lessons after school hours at a nearby public school, which today houses the local tourist information office and theater.

A Community's Resilience

The Synagoge in Haaksbergen has witnessed both the flourishing and the tragic moments of the local Jewish community. During the occupation years of 1940 to 1945, 32.3% of Haaksbergen's Jewish population perished. However, after the liberation, the synagogue was once again used by the Dutch Israelite community of Haaksbergen. Despite the closure of the mother synagogue in Goor in 1948, the Haaksbergen synagogue buildings survived the German occupation relatively unscathed, although many of the community's movable goods were lost.

Modern-Day Usage

By 1968, dwindling membership led to the last service being held at the synagogue, and in 1972, the Haaksbergen Jewish community merged with that of Hengelo. The synagogue and the Jewish bathhouse fell into disrepair. However, under the leadership of Mayor Ton Stadhouders, the decision was made to restore the synagogue, and it was granted monument status. The historic mikveh was demolished in 1978 as part of the restoration efforts.

A Living Monument

Since June 1982, the Synagoge in Haaksbergen has been in use once again, this time by the Liberal Jewish Community Twente (LJG Twente), founded in December 1971. The building is managed by the Stichting Synagoge Haaksbergen, which also uses it as a Beit Midrash (house of study). The synagogue regularly hosts tours and occasionally serves as a venue for other events. Each year, as part of the Anne Frank project, upper-grade students from local primary schools visit the synagogue to learn about the history of Haaksbergen's Jewish community and contemporary Judaism. These educational visits often include a trip to the nearby mosque, fostering interfaith understanding.

Memorials and Remembrance

On the lawn beside the synagogue stands a poignant memorial to Betsy Frankenhuis (1933-1942), the youngest Jewish victim of the war from Haaksbergen. This statue is part of the annual Silent Walk route on May 4th. In 2012, a plaque was added to the memorial, bearing the names of Haaksbergen's murdered Jewish citizens during the German occupation. Due to frequent thefts of bronze objects, the statue, along with others, was temporarily secured at the municipal yard in 2013. Fortunately, the bronze statues have since been returned to their rightful places in Haaksbergen.

The Synagoge in Haaksbergen is more than just a historical building; it is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish community in the region. Its walls tell stories of faith, struggle, and renewal, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Haaksbergen's history.