Historical background

The history of the Jews in Košice is an inseparable part of the history of the city. After a long term effort to legalize the status of the Jews an act was passed in 1840 which enabled the Jews to settle in free royal towns. Since 1841 Jewish families which legally lived and worked here, were gradually settling in the town The growth of this population was mainly the result of immigration and already in 1842 the Jewish community started to form its basic institutions such as prayer´s room and cemetery. The orthodox community gradually built all institutions necessary for its religious life, such as synagogue, Jewish school, ritual bath, ritual kitchen, offices and election of the rabbi and other religious officials. The Jews got also involved in social life of the town and gradually became members and officials in every significant association. This development changed the legal status, professional structure and cultural habits of the Jews. They became an integral part of the history of town Košice. Thanks to the Jewish community several synagogues and other buildings, which were used for religious, cultural and social purposes until the tragic events of 40-th years of 20^th century. were established in the town.

 

The most tragic period of the Jewish history affected also Košice between 16^th May and 5^th June 1944, when all members of the Jewish community were hauled in four transports in wagons to Auschwitz and other concentration camps After the war 12 000 Jewish inhabitants never returned to the town. The town lost practically its whole Jewish community.

After World War 2 and in the period of the totalitarian Communist regime there was a significant fall of religious life in Košice. Some synagogues and other buildings were used by state for different purposes and were gradually totally devastated. There was an almost total suppression of religious education and of cultural, social and religious life.

After change of the regime in 1990 a revival of the Jewish life started in Košice. Many people started to claim their ancestors, search for their roots and were becoming members of our community. Mainly the middle generation, which had absolutely no possibility to get to know the Jewish tradition, started to be interested, meet on the premises of the community and learn the customs and traditions of our religion.

After 1990 the management of ZNO was renewed and involved younger people who are eager to continue in the tradition of our ancestors.