A PROPOSAL to have a plaque erected to commemorate the city’s links with its Jewish history - has the backing of dignitaries.
During the Middle Ages, a small group of Jewish people lived in Worcester - the city even played host to a national gathering of England’s leading Jews in 1241.
However, the Worcester Bishopric was hostile to the Jewish community, commissioning tracts against Jewry, forcing the segregation of Christians and Jews.
Mark Jones, 55, from Malvern, is calling for people to join him in getting a plaque erected near to what is now Copenhagen Street, said: “When we look back on the past, we can all the possibilities and learn from it.
“I believe that a plaque of this nature would be an act of atonement and help remind successive generations that we can learn from past human wrongs and resolve to be better people.”
Worcester was one of the 26 Jewish centres to have an archa, which was an official chest, provided with three locks and seals, in which a counterpart of all deeds and contracts involving Jews was to be deposited in order to preserve the records.
“I fully support this campaign and look forward to finding out more about the proposals in due course,” said cllr Jo Hodges, mayor of Worcester.
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The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge said: “I should be pleased to support a memorial to the medieval Jews of Worcester who were persecuted and driven out.
“I hope it might encourage tolerance and togetherness today."
The community was enriched again by Jewish people during the Second World War.
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