History of the Jews in Innsbruck

Innsbruck Jews

Synagogue Innsbruck 01 Synagogue in Innsbruck
Total population
120[1] (2022)
Languages
Austrian German, Yiddish, Hebrew
Religion
Judaism
Related ethnic groups
Other Jews (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi), German Jews, Czech Jews, Polish Jews, Hungarian Jews, Russian Jews, Ukrainian Jews

The history of the Jews in Innsbruck dates back to the 13th century, where the Jewish community of Innsbruck was relatively small with many expulsions occurring over the centuries.^[2]

During the 17th century, the existence of the Innsbruck Jews was insecure, facing many expulsions. The 19th century saw Jews settled in Innsbruck with a synagogue, religious life and Jewish-Christian coexistence.^[2]

The highest number of Jews in Innsbruck was before World War I, with approximately 500 people.^[1] During the Nazi era, the Jews of Innsbruck faced persecution and destruction.^[2] At the beginning of the Holocaust, in 1938, there were approximately 250 Jews remaining, as many had fled the country.^[3] Many Jews from Innsbruck were murdered during the Holocaust, where Innsbruck Jews were particularly targeted during Kristallnacht.^[4]

After WWII, the Jewish community of Innsbruck grew slowly, with predominantly older members returning. The old synagogue which was destroyed during the pogrom was rebuilt in the same location and many memorials were placed to honour victims of the Holocaust.^[5]