A new plaque has been unveiled in Manchester city centre commemorating the site of the city’s first synagogue. The plaque is fixed to the Indigo Hotel, on Todd Street near Victoria Station. However, this was not the exact location of the synagogue.
That’s because it was on Halliwell Street, which was demolished in 1858 to make way for Corporation Street, which still stands today. The synagogue opened in September of 1825, nearly two centuries ago.
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The plaque represents the journey the Jewish community has had in Manchester since the 18th century, according to Merton Paul, former heritage guide at Manchester Jewish Museum. He said: “This plaque, near the site of the first purpose-built synagogue in the 1820s, symbolises the poignant story of the Jewish refugees, arriving in Manchester in the 1740s, penniless, poverty stricken, from persecution in Eastern Europe, and later from Nazi Germany.
“Here through hard work and their strong religious faith, they established their houses of prayer, their 'synagogues' and integrated and contributed to the life of the city that had welcomed them, to establish today a community of some 35,000 Jews.”
Jane Black, President of Jackson’s Row Synagogue added: “For centuries Jews have been part of Manchester’s history, are part of its present and also its future. This plaque will be a fitting visual tribute to a strong and proud Manc Jewish community.”
The plaque was paid for by Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund which promotes community events and initiatives at a local level. Coun Sam Wheeler, who represents the neighbouring Piccadilly ward, said: “Manchester is an ever-changing city, and that’s why it’s so important we remember our past and the contributions made to it over the centuries. I hope this plaque will encourage passers-by to learn more about the history of our wonderful city and its people.”
The plaque was unveiled in a special ceremony on Sunday (July 10).
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