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50 years of Warfsmann taxis: A Christmas service for Emden!
Find out more about the Warfsmann family, their 50-year tradition of taxi service at Christmas in Emden and Ewald Warfsmann's commitment.
50 years of Warfsmann taxis: A Christmas service for Emden!
On December 23, 2025, Emden will be dominated by the Warfsmann family, which has a long tradition in the city. 50 years ago, the Warfsmanns' taxi company was one of the reliable service providers that was always on call at Christmas, similar to firefighters or police officers. The legendary Wera Warfsmann (1926-1993) was a pioneer in the industry whose work and leisure often flowed seamlessly into one another. Their radio center was temporarily housed in their own home on Godfried-Bueren-Strasse, and the family's taxis were constantly on the move on Christmas Eve and during the holidays.
Ewald Warfsmann, Wera's son, still remembers the contemplative moments of his childhood when he was photographed at the Christmas tree with his father Ewald Senior and Grandpa Jakob. Today, 66-year-old Ewald Warfsmann is not only known as the “face of the city of Emden”, but has also taken on responsibility for the Jewish cemetery on Bollwerkstrasse. Here he shows his commitment to the community by working as a groundskeeper at FC Frisia and tirelessly caring for the cemetery. His efforts are rewarded by the city of Emden, especially by the municipal waste disposal company, which supports the responsibility for maintenance, which shows how important the care of such places is for the local community.
Jewish cemetery in Emden
The Jewish cemetery on Bollwerkstrasse is not only the largest in East Frisia, but also bears witness to a rich history. It was built within the city fortifications in 1703 and has since occupied an important place in Emden's cultural history. Today there are 798 preserved tombstones in the cemetery, which tell stories from generations. This cemetery was used as a burial ground until the time of National Socialism. Unfortunately, there were also dark chapters, such as the desecration in 1980, when numerous monuments were toppled.
The oldest graves in the cemetery date back to 1706, while the previous Jewish cemetery in Tholtenswehr was used from 1560 to 1703 before it was closed down and converted into a green area. Such historical sites are invaluable as they serve not only as reminders of the past but also as memorials for future generations. A monument protection was decided in 1989 and a memorial was inaugurated in 1990, which lists the names of 465 murdered Emden Jews. The ongoing renovation work that began in 2001 shows that the city of Emden takes both the responsibility for the memory and the care of this place seriously.
A volunteer position for the future
With his voluntary work, Ewald Warfsmann is a face of hope and community spirit in Emden. By maintaining the cemetery and his activities at FC Frisia, he sets an example of solidarity and respect. It is gratifying to see how the city and its citizens are working together to preserve and promote Emden's cultural heritage.
The Warfsmann family history and the historical legacy of the Jewish cemetery in Emden show that the city is a vibrant community that values and respects traditions and memories. In these contemplative days, when the holidays are often associated with family and togetherness, the commitment of families like the Warfsmanns remains a shining example of the values that connect us all.