The “Anschluss” of 1938 as a Rupture for Jews Residing Beyond the Large Jewish Communities
Municipality of Großwarasdorf

The annexation of Austria to the German Reich in March 1938 marked a decisive turning point for all Jews in Austria. In Burgenland, expulsions and discriminatory measures began immediately, targeting not only the well-documented larger Jewish communities, but also small villages where just one or two Jewish families lived. These smaller communities, often overlooked in historical accounts, were equally affected by persecution and expulsion.

This event in Großwarasdorf, representative of many Burgenland villages, will shed light on the fate of Jews living outside the major communities. Historian Michael Schreiber will present a lecture tracing their lives before and after the “Anschluss,” illustrated by the case of Großwarasdorf and its surroundings. The program will include an exhibition provided by the Research Society Burgenland, performances of Jewish songs by the local choir Chori uniti, and kosher wine and food to accompany the gathering.

The event is open to the local population, the general audience of European Days of Jewish Culture, as well as school and university students.

Even is organized by the Municipality of Großwarasdorf in partnership with Burgenländische Forschungsgesellschaft / Research Society Burgenland, Cultural centers of Großwarasdorf, and choir Chori uniti

The event is part of the Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage initiative supported by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage