Background

The Putnu Forest Memorial Site

A solemn memorial in Latvia's Putnu Forest, commemorating the Jewish victims of 1941 and offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

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The Putnu Forest in Lielauce parish, Latvia, is a poignant memorial site commemorating the Jewish victims murdered in 1941. It offers a place for quiet reflection amidst a serene natural environment.

A brief summary to the Putnu Forest, Memorial Site of 1941 Jewish Victims

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and beautiful natural light.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll want to explore the pathways and enjoy a leisurely walk through the forest.
  • Take time to read the informative plaques to fully appreciate the historical context of the site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Putnu Forest Memorial Site is located in Lielauce parish, approximately 4 km from Auce. From Auce, follow local roads towards Lielauce. The memorial site is accessible by car. Parking is available near the site.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to the Putnu Forest may be limited, you can take a bus from Auces stacija to Lielauce. From Lielauce, it's approximately 4km to the memorial site , which can be reached by taxi or walking. Bus fares from Auces stacija to Lielauce are typically inexpensive.

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Discover more about the Putnu Forest, Memorial Site of 1941 Jewish Victims

The Putnu Forest serves as a solemn reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in July 1941 when approximately one hundred Jews from Auce were murdered by Nazi occupants and their local collaborators. This memorial site, located in the Lielauce parish, stands as a testament to the resilience and remembrance in the face of adversity. In the early days of July 1941, a decree forced the Jewish population of Auce to relocate to the town's outskirts. Soon after, arrests were made, and the local self-defenders imprisoned all Jews in a brick shed near Vecauce Castle. On July 11th, a German SD unit from Jelgava, along with local self-defenders, carried out the mass shooting in the Putnu Forest, approximately 4 km from Auce. In 2003, the Council of Jewish Communities of Latvia erected a monument at the site of the massacre. The monument bears an inscription in Hebrew, Latvian, and English: “Here on July 11th, 1941 Nazi occupants and their accomplices murdered around one hundred people from Auce only because they were Jews. Remember to never let that crime happen again!”. In 2008, another memorial stone was placed to commemorate the family of Dr. M. Salimann, who were murdered separately in the Mazēnu Forest. Today, the Putnu Forest is characterized by its lush greenery and peaceful pathways, encouraging contemplation and reflection. Visitors can stroll through the forest, encountering memorials and plaques that offer insights into the history of the Jewish community in this region. The site is carefully maintained, providing a respectful atmosphere for visitors to honor the memories of those who perished.

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