Judaica / Jewish History - Germany, Medal of Honor for Dr. Gabriel Riesser, 1836

Judaica / Jewish History - Germany, Medal of Honor for Dr. Gabriel Riesser, 1836 A rare 1836 bronze medal awarded to Dr. Gabriel Riesser, one of the foremost champions of Jewish civil emancipation in 19th-century Germany. Riesser, a prominent jurist and statesman, fought tirelessly for equal rights, religious freedom and full civic inclusion of Jews. The medal was presented to him by the Jewish community of Hamburg in recognition of his achievements. Obverse The central allegorical scene depicts a seated female figure with two children in her lap, symbolizing humanity and the universal brotherhood of mankind. To the left sits a figure representing Judaism, holding the Tablets of the Law inscribed in Hebrew with the Ten Commandments. To the right sits a crowned figure representing Christianity, holding books and a cross. Along the upper rim appears the verse from Malachi 2:10, in German: "Haben wir nicht alle einen Vater? Hat uns nicht ein Gott erschaffen?" Translation: Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Below the scene: "MALEACHI II. X." Reverse The reverse bears a dedication in German: "DEM STREITER FÜR RECHT UND FREIHEIT DR. GABRIEL RIESSER SEINE HAMBURGISCHEN GLAUBENSGENOSSEN MDCCCXXXVI" Translation: To the fighter for justice and freedom Dr. Gabriel Riesser from his co-religionists in Hamburg 1836 This medal is a significant historical artifact commemorating Riesser’s role as a leading figure in the struggle for Jewish civil rights in Germany. Weight: 103.3 grams Dimensions: 59 mm