Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish cemetery of Haguenau is one of the oldest in Alsace. The oldest identified grave, that of Dame Foegle, daughter of Jonas, dates back to March 21, 1654. From that time, this site became a regional necropolis, hosting the deceased from Fort-Louis, Soultz-sous-Forêt, Batzendorf, Roeder, Gunstett, Hatten, and other nearby localities. Several expansions were recorded in 1766 and then in 1872. In 1801, a rotten wooden fence was replaced by a wall, and the first mortuary house was built in 1874. The current building dates from 1887, the year a small house was acquired for the caretaker, located opposite the cemetery. To the left of the entrance lies the great Rabbi Joseph Bloch and his wife. The right side of the cemetery houses 18th-century graves, while a section reserved for rabbis, present from the mid-18th century until the late 19th century, gathers the tombs of Lazare Katzenellenbogen, Samuel Halberstadt, and Lazarus Bloch. Simon Auscher is buried behind the memorial monument for deportees, and Joseph Bloch rests immediately to the right of the entrance. Beer steins, symbolizing ewers, recall the Levitical origin of the deceased. Graves shaped like bicorne hats or rustic cabinets, typical of the late 16th and early 19th centuries, add to the unique character of this site. Self-guided visits are possible by obtaining a leaflet and access information from the Tourist Office. Occasional guided tours are also organized for individuals or on request for groups.