Jewish History of Heide

Joodse Geschiedenis van Heide Wist you that Heide experienced a true influx of Jewish people between the two world wars? The large Jewish presence made an essential contribution to the explosive growth and prosperity of the village of Heide. Between 1930 and 1942, there were at least 700 registered Jewish residents. Moreover, many hundreds of Jewish tourists came to enjoy nature on weekends and during the summer months. At the end of the 1920s, they built a beautiful synagogue, the only one in Belgium outside the city. They also founded a Yeshiva, a college for Talmud study, the very first in Belgium. Several hotels were specifically aimed at Jewish tourists. And many small boarding houses 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 picked up by the Germans during two raids in Heide and sent to the extermination camps. Starting place: Station Heide Afstand: 5km