About Shlomo Lewin and Frida Poescke
Frida Poeschke and Shlomo Lewin were murdered on December 19, 1980. Both had worked for many years for dialog between Judaism and Christianity, for tolerance and against fascism and anti-Semitism.
Shlomo Lewin, born on May 13, 1911 in Jerusalem, trained as a rabbi like his father. During the Nazi era, he emigrated to Palestine and only returned to Germany in 1960. In Erlangen, he met his future partner Frida Poeschke (born May 23, 1923), the widow of former mayor Michael Poeschke.
Both were intensively involved in Jewish-Christian dialog. In 1975, Lewin took over the chairmanship of the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation in Franconia. He planned the founding of the Jewish community in Erlangen.
On December 19, 1980, Frida Poeschke and Shlomo Lewin were shot dead in their house in Ebrardstraße. A member of the Wehrsportgruppe Hoffmann (WSG) is believed to be the perpetrator of the first anti-Semitic assassination attempt in Germany since 1945. The crime has still not been fully solved.
Who can apply
The prize can be awarded every three years. A total of up to 15,000 euros is available for this purpose in each cycle. Achievements are eligible for the award,
- that stand up against anti-Semitism or racism or group-related misanthropy, for example
- that promote the development of Jewish life
- that promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue with Jewish organizations.
The sum can be divided equally or differently among up to three award winners. In addition, an unendowed certificate of honor may be awarded.
The prize can be awarded as an honorary or sponsorship prize. The following can be honored
- specific projects that have already been carried out in Bavaria
- merits of a natural or legal person resident or domiciled in Bavaria.
As a sponsorship prize, it can be awarded to elaborated project ideas. This is particularly the case if it is unlikely that other funding will be forthcoming.
About the right of nomination
The right to nominate candidates for the Shlomo Lewin & Frida Poeschke Memorial Prize lies in particular with
- - the parliamentary groups and committee groups in Erlangen City Council
- the Lord Mayor of the City of Erlangen
- the Minister of State for the Interior of the Free State of Bavaria
- the members of the jury.
However, proposals can also be submitted by all citizens.
Proposals for award-worthy achievements can be submitted on an ongoing basis. In 2026, proposals received by January 27, 2026 will be considered. A project outline must be submitted that meets at least one of the three award criteria in terms of content.
Submission of proposals
The contact point for the submission of proposals and the awarding of the Shlomo Lewin & Frida Poeschke Memorial Prize is the
City of Erlangen
Mayor's and Press Office
13-2/Memorial Prize
91051 Erlangen
or by e-mail to: gedaechtnispreis@stadt.erlangen.de.
Phone: 09131/862400
Shlomo-Lewin & Frida-Poeschke
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In memory of: Shlomo Lewin and Frida Poeschke
40 years of the Lewin and Poeschke murders: Frida Poeschke and Shlomo Lewin were murdered on December 19, 1980. Both had worked for many years for dialog between Jews and Christians, for tolerance and against fascism and anti-Semitism.
Shaping remembrance
During the National Socialist era, 905 patients from the sanatorium and nursing home were murdered in the Hartheim/Linz and Pirna-Sonnenstein killing centers. In addition, a total of 1906 patients died between 1939 and 1945, at least 700 of them from "starvation diet" and structural neglect.
Historically interested & commemoration
Erlangen has a long history, with both positive and negative events.
In memory of: Shlomo Lewin and Frida Poeschke
40 years of the Lewin and Poeschke murders: Frida Poeschke and Shlomo Lewin were murdered on December 19, 1980. Both had worked for many years for dialog between Jews and Christians, for tolerance and against fascism and anti-Semitism.
Shaping remembrance
During the National Socialist era, 905 patients from the sanatorium and nursing home were murdered in the Hartheim/Linz and Pirna-Sonnenstein killing centers. In addition, a total of 1906 patients died between 1939 and 1945, at least 700 of them from "starvation diet" and structural neglect.
Historically interested & commemoration
Erlangen has a long history, with both positive and negative events.