Horst Stickmann justifiably calls this word a „description, that plays down this event, suggesting that all that happened were a few shattered windows.“ („verharmlosende Bezeichnung, die suggerieren soll, als seien damals lediglich einige Fensterscheiben zu Bruch gegangen.“)[1] The expression „Kristallnacht“ disguises all the atrocities committed to the Jewish population during this one night.

As Avraham Barkai puts it in his essay „Schicksalsjahr 1938“(1938, year of doom): „’Kristallnacht’! It flashes, glitters and twinkles – just like a celebration! It’s about time for this ill-natured belittling term to disappear from historiography.“ („’Kristallnacht’! Das funkelt, blitzt und glitzert wie bei einem Fest! Es wa"re la"ngst Zeit, da? diese bo"swillig-verharmlosende Bezeichnung zumindest aus der Geschichtsschreibung verschwa"nde.“[2])

We have succeeded in documenting many of the areas with the assistance of the German authorities (Bundeslaender), such as Bavaria. Part of our ongoing research has been published in German (five books to date) and we have now decided to summarise the material in English and to publish in time for the 60th anniversary of Kristallnacht. This will be a memorial for our families and descendants. Each synagogue and community will be described briefly, where a larger community will require a full page, and the smaller ones one-third to one-half a page, including pictures.

In order to publish this Memorial Book of our forfathers we would be happy to receive information in English, concerning the communities from where your families originated in Greater Germany. The text should cover the following information, in an interesting and readable style:

The dates of inception of the community, it's size, activities surrounding the community, such as schools, mikve, cemetry etc. We would like to hear of any special activities known to you and of personalities connected with the community. Also the fate of the community during Kristallnacht and its' aftermath. Include information if there is a commemorative plaque.

Our editor will colate the material for publication. We will also be happy to receive clear pictures with the text, with permission to publish. The author will be mentioned by name.