Joodse Geschiedenis van Heide

Did you know that Heide experienced a true influx of Jewish people between the two world wars? The large Jewish presence made a significant contribution to the explosive growth and flourishing of the village of Heide. Between 1930 and 1942, there were at least 700 registered Jewish residents. Moreover, hundreds of Jewish tourists came on weekends and during the summer months to enjoy nature. In the late 1920s, they built a beautiful synagogue, the only one in Belgium outside the city. They also founded a Yeshiva, a college for Talmudic study, the very first in Belgium. Several hotels were specifically aimed at Jewish tourists. And many small guesthouses and rooms with ordinary citizens had Jewish guests. Before and during the Second World War, many Jews – who had seen the approaching disaster coming – had already left Heide and Antwerp. But unfortunately, the 37 remaining Jewish people were rounded up by the Germans during two raids in Heide and sent to the extermination camps. Starting point: Station Heide Afstand: 5km