The first Jewish residents in Würselen were documented from around 1837. Several attempts to establish an independent community initially failed – for decades, Würselen remained part of a larger branch community in the Aachen synagogue district. In 1855, a separate branch community was formed with its seat in Würselen; it included surrounding towns such as Bardenberg, Eilendorf, Haaren, Kohlscheid, Richterich and Weiden.

Before building their own synagogue, the Jews of Würselen temporarily used houses of prayer rented in other locations. In 1875, the synagogue in Würselen was ceremoniously inaugurated on what is now Lindenplatz (Linden square). With the inauguration, Jewish citizens now had a permanent place of worship and a location for communal religious practice. Behind the synagogue there was also a Jewish elementary school.

However, the community remained small. By 1905, only about 31 people of the Jewish faith were still living in Würselen. In the 1920s, use of the synagogue declined. The last major service took place in 1925, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. On 5 April 1938, shortly before the November pogroms, the synagogue building was sold.

After the sale, the former place of worship was repurposed and served various commercial purposes over the decades, including housing the Gloria Theatre. There was local resistance to the planned demolition of the building in 2012. The remains of the eastern gable wall were saved and integrated into the new construction of a retirement home. A large picture of the old synagogue can be seen in the entrance area of the residential complex.

Previously, on the initiative of the Würselen working group ‘Kein Vergessen’ (Never Forget), a memorial plaque was laid on the pavement in front of the former synagogue in 2008. In addition, stumbling stones, framed by a ‘wounded’ Star of David, commemorate nine people who were murdered after 1942. A beautiful gesture can be seen on the old remains of the synagogue wall. Visitors repeatedly place small stones on the narrow wall ledge. In the Jewish faith, these symbolise permanence and immortality.