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November Pogroms of 1938

On November 9, 1938, Nazis and civilians who supported them destroyed Jewish-owned shops and synagogues in Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland. The pogroms were a new step in systematic efforts to eradicate Jews.

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People attend a flower laying ceremony on occasion of the 35th wall anniversary at the grounds of the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Nov.9, 2024.

People attend a flower laying ceremony on occasion of the 35th wall anniversary at the grounds of the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Nov.9, 2024.

Germany commemorates 35 years since fall of Berlin Wall

An art installation of posters and placards marked the path of the Cold War dividing line through the German capital.

projection of the former synagogue in Dortmund

projection of the former synagogue in Dortmund

A light in the darkness: Remembering Germany's destroyed synagogues

To commemorate the pogroms, images of destroyed synagogues were projected onto their original locations in 2023.

A group of Jewish men marching down a street, the two in the front have a large yellow star tied to them. Men in uniform walk in front of and alongside them

A group of Jewish men marching down a street, the two in the front have a large yellow star tied to them. Men in uniform walk in front of and alongside them

November 9 pogroms showed coming Nazi brutality

On the night of November 9, 1938, Nazis and mobs sympathetic to them carried out pogroms against Jews in plain sight.

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

'Kristallnacht' not strong enough term for anti-Jewish riots

In Germany, the term "Kristallnacht" is falling out of favor when referring to the violent events of November 9, 1938.

Entrance to the new synagogue, Potsdam

Entrance to the new synagogue, Potsdam

A sign against hatred: Potsdam's new synagogue opens

More than 80 years after Potsdam's synagogue was destroyed, a new synagogue has opened its doors.

Adolf Hitler standing at a podium giving a speech to Nazi members at the Munich beer hall, Nov. 8, 1939.

Adolf Hitler standing at a podium giving a speech to Nazi members at the Munich beer hall, Nov. 8, 1939.

Germany looks back at Adolf Hitler's coup attempt

A decade before he rose to power with the Nazis, Hitler's failed "Beer Hall Putsch" put him on the political map.

'Kindertransport - the arrival, a memorial by Frank Meisler at Liverpool Street Station in London, where trains of children fleeing from Nazi tyranny arrived in England, from which the children were sent to foster homes.

'Kindertransport - the arrival, a memorial by Frank Meisler at Liverpool Street Station in London, where trains of children fleeing from Nazi tyranny arrived in England, from which the children were sent to foster homes.

Kindertransport: Saving Jewish children from Nazi Germany

85 years ago, 200 Jewish children arrived in Great Britain from Germany. It was the first of many rescue missions.

Rabbi Zsolt Balla leads prayers as German leaders attend a ceremony at the Beth Zion Synagogue in Berlin commemorating the victims of violence and arson on the night of November 9, 1938

Rabbi Zsolt Balla leads prayers as German leaders attend a ceremony at the Beth Zion Synagogue in Berlin commemorating the victims of violence and arson on the night of November 9, 1938

Germany commemorates destruction of synagogues 85 years ago

In 1938, Jewish synagogues, businesses and homes were systematically attacked and burned.

White roses sit on a railroad track.

White roses sit on a railroad track.

Berlin's Jewish memorials are places of remembrance

Many memorials in Berlin commemorate victims of the Nazi' Holocaust. Their message is now more relevant than ever.

Screenshot from the video game 'The Light in the Darkness,' showing a standing man with one arm around the shoulder of a seated woman.

Screenshot from the video game 'The Light in the Darkness,' showing a standing man with one arm around the shoulder of a seated woman.

How video games tackle the Holocaust

Video games often feature Nazis, but rarely focus on the Nazi dictatorship's crimes and the Holocaust. That is changing.

A high school class room.Students sit facing the electronic board where a teacher stands and writnes things down

A high school class room.Students sit facing the electronic board where a teacher stands and writnes things down

Teaching about Nazis and the Holocaust in German schools

What do German students learn about the Nazi era at school? DW visited a Berlin high school to find out.

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer pictured between German President Steimeier and Chancellor Merkel

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer pictured between German President Steimeier and Chancellor Merkel

German president marks November pogrom

Three crucial events took place on November 9, including the 1938 Nazi-instigated pogrom against the Jews.

Part of the "Disappearing Wall" made of plexiglass and wooden blocks, with people standing behind them.

Part of the "Disappearing Wall" made of plexiglass and wooden blocks, with people standing behind them.

A 'disappearing' artwork for Holocaust victims

In Dresden, an art installation recalls the pogrom that began on November 9, 1938.

Historical photo of a German police officer in front of a bookstore that has been damaged.

Historical photo of a German police officer in front of a bookstore that has been damaged.

Forgotten Nazi-era novel becomes bestseller

"The Passenger" became a success in the UK 82 years after it was first published. Here's how the novel was uncovered.

Berlin memorial for the European Jews killed during World War II

Berlin memorial for the European Jews killed during World War II

Antisemitism in Germany is 'appalling,' says commissioner

Germany's antisemitism commissioner told DW that tension in the Middle East has German Jews worried about their safety.

A group of children and youth stand and squat in rows in a black and white photo

A group of children and youth stand and squat in rows in a black and white photo

Villa Emma's library for Jewish children restored

Newly discovered books reveal the bond between hidden Jewish children and the Italians who protected them.

Jerusalem's Old City walls, with a written message projected on them.

Jerusalem's Old City walls, with a written message projected on them.

Angela Merkel laments 'disgrace' of Kristallnacht

The chancellor described the events of November 9, 1938 — better known as Kristallnacht — as a shameful event.

A Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing Nazis-destroyed Jewish shops at the Kurfuerstendamm street, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin

A Nov. 10, 1938 photo from the AP Archive, showing Nazis-destroyed Jewish shops at the Kurfuerstendamm street, is placed at the same location 80 years later in Berlin

Looking back on the Nazis' anti-Jewish pogroms

November 9, 1938 was the start of the systematic annihilation of Europe's Jewish life.

Rene de Reuver, speaking on behalf of the General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, reads a statement at the Rav Aron Schuster Synagogue in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rene de Reuver, speaking on behalf of the General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, reads a statement at the Rav Aron Schuster Synagogue in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dutch Protestant Church admits role in persecution of Jews

The Protestant Church in the Netherlands admitted to doing too little to help Jews during World War II.

Deutschland Aussenansicht des Jüdischen Museums in Frankfurt

Deutschland Aussenansicht des Jüdischen Museums in Frankfurt

The Jewish Museum Frankfurt reopens

With an updated design and a new permanent collection, the museum encourages visitors to look at the past and present.

DW Euromaxx Zuschaueraktion "Freiheit"

DW Euromaxx Zuschaueraktion "Freiheit"

What does freedom mean to you personally?

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. We asked you what freedom means to you?

Protesters demonstrating against a neo-Nazi march in Bielefeld carry a banner reading: "Fascism is not an opinion, it's a crime"

Protesters demonstrating against a neo-Nazi march in Bielefeld carry a banner reading: "Fascism is not an opinion, it's a crime"

Germany: Thousands protest against neo-Nazis in Bielefeld

Officials were criticized for letting the neo-Nazi march take place on the anniversary of the Nazis' anti-Jewish pogrom.

Ines Pohl

Ines Pohl

The perennial fight for freedom

The fall of the Berlin Wall has become a global symbol of freedom. But 30 years later, Germany is polarized.

Überreste der der alten sozialistischen Sperranlage an der bulgarisch-türkischen Grenze

Überreste der der alten sozialistischen Sperranlage an der bulgarisch-türkischen Grenze

East German defector and his captor meet again

Jürgen Cyrulik aimed to flee East Germany via Bulgaria, but was captured. Decades later, he again meets his captor.

Stock photo for CDU Junge Union

Stock photo for CDU Junge Union

CDU youth wing caught singing Nazi-era song

A Jewish artist filmed the incident hours after she marked 80 years since the Kristallnacht pogrom.

Brandenburg gate in Berlin with a menorah in front of it

Brandenburg gate in Berlin with a menorah in front of it

Berlin: Where Jews want to live

Eighty years after Kristallnacht, Jewish life has once again become common in Berlin.

Felix Steiner

Felix Steiner

Nazi pogroms: They just looked on

Felix Steiner

DW's Felix Steiner takes a very personal look back at the events of November 1938.

Counter-protesters against a right-wing rally in Berlin

Counter-protesters against a right-wing rally in Berlin

Right-wing rally gets underway in Berlin

Organizers have proceeded with the candle-lit march, but anti-fascists have organized counterprotests.

USA, Cleveland, Ohio: Präsident Donald Trump

USA, Cleveland, Ohio: Präsident Donald Trump

Spotlight on Europe

What do the just concluded US mid term elections mean for Europe? +++In Spain, far-right party Vox gains popularity

Novemberpogrome 1938

Novemberpogrome 1938

Inside Europe: Reflections on Kristallnacht

November 9 marked the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass). That's when Nazi mobs set fire to synagogues across Germany, Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia. On November 9, 1938, countless Jewish shops and homes were also destroyed, and at least 30,000 Jewish men were rounded up and taken to concentration camps. Alexa Dvorson and David Levitz sent this Postcard from Berlin.

Symbolbild EU-Erweiterung

Symbolbild EU-Erweiterung

Inside Europe 08.11.2018

What the US midterm election results mean for Europe – Growing support for Spain's right-wing Vox party - 100 years since the end of World War I - Germany commemorates the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht - What to do about state corruption in Hungary? - Are renewables and reforestation enough to stop global warming – How to be a polyglot - We visit Europe's oldest distillery.

Ausstellung Jüdisches Museum München

Ausstellung Jüdisches Museum München

What the Nazis stole from synagogues in November 1938

When Nazi troops stormed and burned synagogues on November 9, 1938, a number of German museums benefited.

Angela Merkel in Berlin synagogue

Angela Merkel in Berlin synagogue

German politicians mark Kristallnacht pogrom

Germany is marking the 80th anniversary of attacks on Jews that foreshadowed the Holocaust.

Broken windows at shops owned by Jews in Magdeburg in 1938

Broken windows at shops owned by Jews in Magdeburg in 1938

Link between 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom and 2018 Chemnitz

Anti-semitism historian Wolfgang Benz says August's rioting in Chemnitz bore hallmarks of Nazi Germany's 1938 pogrom

Wreath with Star of David

Wreath with Star of David

Germans get annual reminder to never forget

Germans are commemorating the 79th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazis' nationwide pogrom against Jews in 1938.

Herschel Grynszpan nach seiner Festnahme

Herschel Grynszpan nach seiner Festnahme

Photo raises Nazi history questions

A rediscovered photo may cause historians to reconsider the man the Nazis used to launch the "Night of Broken Glass."

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

What side of Trump will the US see?

Miodrag Soric

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Stolperstein for the Frankenthal Family in Leipzig

Stolperstein for the Frankenthal Family in Leipzig

Kristallnacht remembered in Leipzig

In 1938, Jewish premises were destroyed across Germany. Seventy-seven years on there are still lessons to be learned.

A group of people, led by far right movement PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident) gather on a demonstration against "Islam" and immigrants at Neumarkt Square in Dresden, Germany on October 02, 2015 (Photo:Picture alliance/AA/M. Kaman)

A group of people, led by far right movement PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident) gather on a demonstration against "Islam" and immigrants at Neumarkt Square in Dresden, Germany on October 02, 2015 (Photo:Picture alliance/AA/M. Kaman)

Outcry over Pegida march on November 9

Far-right Pegida group is to hold rallies in Dresden and other German cities despite the Kristallnacht anniversary.

Gedenken an die Pogromnacht in Berlin

Gedenken an die Pogromnacht in Berlin

A significant day in German history

November 9 is remembered both positively and negatively in Germany.

Kristallnacht 1938

Kristallnacht 1938

Inside Europe - The lost painting

A team of German journalists have begun hunting for a painting that help saved 25 Jewish lives during World War Two

Bildergalerie Berlin Feierlichkeiten am 9. November 25 Jahre Mauerfall

Bildergalerie Berlin Feierlichkeiten am 9. November 25 Jahre Mauerfall

Celebrate - and never forget

On Sunday, Berlin put on a worthy and dignified celebration, says DW's Christoph Strack.

Berlin , People climbing wall photo: +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk

Berlin , People climbing wall photo: +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk

An unforgettable day

November 9, 1989: A memorable date for Germany and for Europe, says DW's Alexander Kudascheff.

Schlosskirche in Cottbus

Schlosskirche in Cottbus

First post-holocaust synagogue in Brandenburg

The northeastern German state of Brandenburg has welcomed its first synagogue since before the Holocaust, which saw 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime. The Jewish community there was reestablished in 1998.

Katalanen demonstrieren für Eigenständigkeit

Katalanen demonstrieren für Eigenständigkeit

Catalans go it alone on independence

The regional government in Catalonia is continuing its push for a November referendum on independence from Spain, despite the national government in Madrid vowing to legally challenge the vote.

A synonagogue destoryed in the German city of Chemnitz on Kristallnacht(9./10. November 1938); am 10. November sprengte man das noch stehen gebliebene Mauerwerk. / Zerstörung, zerstört, Reichskristallnacht, Kristallnacht, Nationalsozialismus, Drittes, Dritte Reich, third, NS-Regime, Faschismus, Judenverfolgung, Shoa, Holocaust, Genozid, Völkermord, Antisemitismus; Judentum, Juden, jews, jüdische Geschichte, Judaica, Judaika / Bildserie, Bild 1 von 3; siehe auch: 00642197, 00642198 / RTG14R

A synonagogue destoryed in the German city of Chemnitz on Kristallnacht(9./10. November 1938); am 10. November sprengte man das noch stehen gebliebene Mauerwerk. / Zerstörung, zerstört, Reichskristallnacht, Kristallnacht, Nationalsozialismus, Drittes, Dritte Reich, third, NS-Regime, Faschismus, Judenverfolgung, Shoa, Holocaust, Genozid, Völkermord, Antisemitismus; Judentum, Juden, jews, jüdische Geschichte, Judaica, Judaika / Bildserie, Bild 1 von 3; siehe auch: 00642197, 00642198 / RTG14R

1938 pogrom remembered

On the 75th anniversary of the Nazi pogrom against Germany's Jewish citizens, Europe's leading rabbi has called for tolerance and pluralism. The 1938 pogrom devastated Jewish life and was a prelude to the Holocaust.

Immigration country Germany (Foto vom 11.09.12). Die Zahl der Asylbewerber in Deutschland steigt rasch an. Die staerksten Zuwaechse gibt es dabei bei Migranten aus Serbien und Mazedonien. Das belegen neue Zahlen des Bundesamtes fuer Migration und Fluechtlinge (BAMF), wie die "Bild"-Zeitung (Freitagausgabe vom 12.10.12) berichtet. Demnach wurden allein vom 1. bis 10. Oktober 2012 insgesamt 3.744 Asylantraege gestellt. 1.841 Antraege (49 Prozent) stammten von Serben (1.250) und Mazedoniern (591). Zum Vergleich: Im August stellten Serben und Mazedonier zusammen 1.116 Asylantraege. In der Vergangenheit wurden nach Informationen der Zeitung jedoch weit ueber 90 Prozent dieser Antraege abgelehnt. (zu dapd-Text) Foto: Nigel Treblin/dapd

Immigration country Germany (Foto vom 11.09.12). Die Zahl der Asylbewerber in Deutschland steigt rasch an. Die staerksten Zuwaechse gibt es dabei bei Migranten aus Serbien und Mazedonien. Das belegen neue Zahlen des Bundesamtes fuer Migration und Fluechtlinge (BAMF), wie die "Bild"-Zeitung (Freitagausgabe vom 12.10.12) berichtet. Demnach wurden allein vom 1. bis 10. Oktober 2012 insgesamt 3.744 Asylantraege gestellt. 1.841 Antraege (49 Prozent) stammten von Serben (1.250) und Mazedoniern (591). Zum Vergleich: Im August stellten Serben und Mazedonier zusammen 1.116 Asylantraege. In der Vergangenheit wurden nach Informationen der Zeitung jedoch weit ueber 90 Prozent dieser Antraege abgelehnt. (zu dapd-Text) Foto: Nigel Treblin/dapd

Outsiders' views

Like Germans, people who moved to Germany have a wide range of views on how to remember the past.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt (Photo: Ronald Wittek / dapd)

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt (Photo: Ronald Wittek / dapd)

'Not free of the past'

The President of the Conference of European Rabbis speaks to DW on the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Kristallnacht remembered

75 years ago, the Nazis coordinated and stepped up a wave of attacks against the Jewish community in Germany and Austria. It became known as 'Kristallnacht' or Night of the Broken Glass. Ursula Rosenfeld remembers what happened.

DW reporter Hardy Graupner

DW reporter Hardy Graupner

When the Wall fell

DW reporter Hardy Graupner recalls the optimism and trepidation he felt when the Berlin Wall fell.