The synagogue, built in 1871, was originally intended as a visible symbol of the growing Jewish community in Riga. It was set on fire and destroyed by the Nazis in July 1941, shortly after their occupation of Latvia.
In Eastern Europe, Nazi propaganda focused on portraying Jews as alleged communists. This narrative was used both to justify their crimes and to recruit local volunteers to join their ranks in the so-called effort to "cleanse their cities of all evil." In this way, the Nazis also secured some participation of local populations.
At the memorial site, there is one monument dedicated to the victims, and another honoring the local individuals who helped and rescued Jews, most notably a man named Žanis Lipke, who saved approximately 55 Jews.
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