Archival sources on the history of Jews in the Tachov district

Archivní prameny k dějinám Židů na okrese Tachov

Author(s): Jan Edl / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Tachov district; Jewish history; archival sources; Nazi occupation; property records; religious communities;

The archival sources for the history of Jews in the Tachov district are diverse and extensive, covering various periods and types of records. The State District Archive in Tachov holds significant materials, including census records, property registers, and documents from Jewish religious communities. These records provide insights into the Jewish population's social, economic, and religious life. The archive also contains valuable information on the impact of Nazi occupation and the subsequent communist regime on the Jewish community. Notable sources include the Jewish religious community registers, property records, and documents related to the administration of Jewish estates. The archive's collections are complemented by materials from other regional archives, such as the State Regional Archive in Plzeò. These combined resources offer a comprehensive view of the Jewish presence in the Tachov district, highlighting their contributions and the challenges they faced. The ongoing efforts to preserve and study these records are crucial for understanding the region's Jewish heritage. Researchers can access a wide range of documents, from legal records to personal narratives, providing a detailed picture of Jewish life in the area.

Josef Schön – Jewish historian of the Tachov region

Josef Schon-židovský historik Tachovska

Author(s): Markéta Novotná / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Josef Schön; Tachov; Jewish history; genealogies; Nazi occupation; Terezín;

Josef Schön, a significant figure in the Jewish history of the Tachov district, was born in 1860 in Uherský Brod. He moved to Tachov at the age of 43 and served the local Jewish community for 32 years. Schön's extensive research culminated in the publication of "Die Geschichte der Juden in Tachau" in 1927, documenting the history of Jews in Tachov and surrounding areas. His work included detailed genealogies, historical accounts, and descriptions of Jewish life and institutions. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of his manuscript in a fire, Schön persevered in his research. He faced further challenges during the Nazi occupation, ultimately being deported to Terezín, where he died in 1943. Schön's contributions remain a cornerstone of regional Jewish historiography. His legacy is preserved through his writings and the ongoing efforts to study and remember the Jewish community in Tachov. The State District Archive in Tachov holds significant materials related to his work. Schön's life and research highlight the resilience and dedication of Jewish historians in preserving their heritage.

Obtaining biographical data on Jewish families (the Böhm family from Kladno)

Získávání biografických údajů o židovských rodinách (kladenská rodina Bohmova)

Author(s): Irena Veverková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Böhm family; Kladno; Nazi occupation; deportations; archival records; Holocaust;

The research on the Jewish family Böhm from Kladno, conducted by Irena Veverková, highlights the dramatic and often tragic experiences of Jewish residents in the 20th century. The Böhm family, who moved to Kladno in 1901, faced significant challenges, including the Nazi occupation and subsequent deportations. The family members were involved in various trades and integrated into the local community despite initial distrust. Detailed archival records, such as police registrations, school records, and property registers, provide insights into their lives. The family endured severe persecution during World War II, with many members deported to concentration camps. Otto Böhm, a notable family member, survived the Holocaust and later emigrated to Canada. The research underscores the importance of preserving historical records to understand the Jewish community's contributions and struggles. The study also highlights the broader social and political context of Jewish life in Kladno. The ongoing efforts to document and remember these histories are crucial for future generations. The project exemplifies the resilience and determination of Jewish families in the face of adversity.

Representation of the Jewish community in post-war Czechoslovakia in the collections of the 4th department of the National Archives

Obraz židovské komunity v poválečném Československu ve fondech 4. oddělení Národního archivu

Author(s): Michaela Munková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: post-war Czechoslovakia; Jewish communities; State Office for Religious Affairs; property restitution; antisemitic policies; National Archive;

The archival sources for the history of Jews in post-war Czechoslovakia are crucial for understanding the relationship between the state and religious communities, especially after the February 1948 coup. The State Office for Religious Affairs, established in 1949, centralized church matters and controlled Jewish religious communities, including their finances and property. The National Archive holds extensive records from this office, detailing the administration and oversight of Jewish communities. Other significant sources include the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, which managed post-war property restitution and repatriation of Jewish refugees. The National Administration of Property Assets handled Jewish property confiscated during the war. These archives provide insights into the state's control over religious communities and the challenges faced by Jews in reclaiming their property and rights. The archives also contain documents on the persecution of Jews during the 1950s, including political trials and antisemitic policies. Researchers can access a wide range of materials, from legal documents to personal testimonies, offering a comprehensive view of Jewish life in post-war Czechoslovakia.

Jewish population in Český Krumlov in the years 1850–1938

Židovské obyvatelstvo v Českém Krumlově vletech 1850-1938

Author(s): Věra Mašková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Český Krumlov; Jewish population; Spiro family; antisemitism; Nazi occupation; synagogue;

The Jewish population in Český Krumlov faced significant challenges and changes from the 14th century to the 20th century. Initially, Jews were allowed to settle in the area by royal decree, but they faced expulsion and restrictions in the late 15th century. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Jewish families began to resettle in the town, contributing to its social and economic life. Prominent families like the Spiros played a crucial role in the local industry, particularly in papermaking. The Jewish community established a synagogue and a cemetery, and their children attended local schools. Despite their integration, the community faced growing antisemitism in the early 20th century, culminating in the Nazi occupation. During this period, Jewish properties were confiscated, and many community members were deported or fled. The synagogue was destroyed, and the Jewish population in Český Krumlov never fully recovered after World War II. The history of the Jewish community in Český Krumlov is a testament to their resilience and contributions despite facing severe persecution.

List of authors

Seznam autorů

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: about authors;

Jews in Staré Město pod Landštejnem

Židé ve Starém Městě pod Landštejnem

Author(s): Blanka Rozkošná / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Staré Město; Jewish community; 17th century; Nazi occupation; synagogue; cemetery;

The Jewish community in Staré Město pod Landštejnem dates back to at least the early 17th century, with the first recorded mention in 1495. The community faced significant challenges, including property confiscation and persecution during the Nazi occupation. Despite these hardships, the community's legacy is preserved through historical records and ongoing research efforts. The synagogue and cemetery in Staré Město, although damaged, remain important cultural and historical sites. The Jewish population in the town declined significantly after World War II, with many families emigrating or being deported. The community's history is documented through various records, including census data and property registers, providing valuable insights into the Jewish presence in the region.

Research into the history of Jewish settlement in the Havlíčkův Brod region

Výzkum historie židovského osídlení na Havlíčkobrodsku

Author(s): Alena Jindrová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish settlements; Havlíčkův Brod; Jewish Museum; Terezín; educational programs; World War II;

The Museum of Vysočina in Havlíčkův Brod initiated a project in 2007 to explore the history of Jewish settlements in the region. The first event was an exhibition on Jewish history and traditions in Bohemia and Moravia, held from February to April 2007. This exhibition commemorated the 65th anniversary of the Jewish transports to Terezín in 1942. The museum collaborated with the Jewish Museum in Prague, showcasing local Jewish artifacts and traditions. The project also included educational programs for schools, featuring lectures and performances by notable figures such as Chief Rabbi Karol Efraim Sidon and actor Jaroslav Achab Haidler. The research covers Jewish communities in towns like Golčův Jeníkov, Habry, and Havlíčkův Brod, focusing on their history from the Middle Ages to World War II. The project aims to publish comprehensive studies on these communities, with the first book released in 2008. The museum continues to collect memories and documents, expanding its research to include the communist era. The project highlights the significant contributions and hardships of the Jewish population in the Havlíčkův Brod region.

Activities of the Abraham Civic Association in Poběžovice

Činnost Občanského sdružení Abraham Poběžovice

Author(s): Eva Lešková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Abraham Civic Association; Jewish heritage; Poběžovice; cemetery restoration; cultural promotion; historical records;

The Abraham Civic Association in Poběžovice, established on March 1, 2007, focuses on preserving the Jewish heritage in the area. The association's primary goals include the restoration of the Jewish cemetery and the Jewish bath (mikveh) in Poběžovice. They also aim to support and manage the Jewish cemetery, promote cultural life in the town, and boost tourism by creating and distributing promotional materials about Jewish landmarks. The association collaborates with local residents and descendants of Jewish families to gather memories and historical records. Notable efforts include the reconstruction of the Jewish cemetery, which began in 2006, and the collection of old photographs and documents. The association has successfully restored many gravestones and continues to work on improving access to the cemetery. They also organize exhibitions and lectures to educate the public about the Jewish history of Poběžovice. The association's work is supported by local and international contacts, including descendants of former Jewish residents. Their ongoing efforts aim to ensure the preservation and recognition of the Jewish cultural heritage in the region.

Reception of the Nuremberg Laws in the Sudetenland County

Recepce norimberských zákonů v Říšské župě Sudety

Author(s): Ludomír Kocourek / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Nuremberg Laws; antisemitism; Sudetenland; racial theories; Nazi policies; Jewish segregation;

This study investigates the reception of the Nuremberg Laws in the Reichsgau Sudetenland, highlighting the ideological principles of racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism that were implemented following the occupation of Czechoslovakia in October 1938. It discusses the pseudoscientific racial theories used to justify the superiority of the German race and the subsequent anti-Jewish terror that became state policy after the Nazis came to power in 1933. The Nuremberg Laws, enacted in September 1935, aimed to eliminate Jews from public life by distinguishing between "Reich citizens" and "state subjects," with Jews being classified as the latter. The document details the various discriminatory measures, including the prohibition of marriages between Jews and non-Jews, the requirement for Jews to adopt additional names, and the restrictions on their employment and public activities. It also examines the administrative measures taken to identify and segregate Jews, the role of the press in promoting antisemitic propaganda, and the impact of these policies on the Jewish population in the Sudetenland.

Aryanization of food enterprises and shops in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia

Arizace potravinářských podniků a obchodů v Protektorátu Čechy a Morava

Author(s): Monika Sedláková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Aryanization; food enterprises; Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia; Treuhänder; Jewish businesses; liquidation;

This text focuses the Aryanization of food enterprises and businesses in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, following the decree by Reich Protector Konstantin von Neurath on June 21, 1939. Jewish businesses were placed under the administration of trustees, known as Treuhänder, who were appointed by the Reich Protector or the Oberlandrat. These trustees had extensive powers to manage the businesses, often leading to their eventual Aryanization or liquidation. The process was driven by economic incentives and the desire to eliminate Jewish influence from the economy. The document highlights the significant interest in these positions due to the financial benefits and opportunities they provided. It also discusses the broader impact of these policies on the Jewish community and the economy of the Protectorate, including the high rate of liquidation of Jewish food businesses. The role of German organizations and individuals in the Aryanization process is also examined, emphasizing the collaboration between the Nazi regime and local authorities.

The change in the attitude of the ruling authorities of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic towards the Jewish community after 1948 as an example of emigration

Změna postoje vládnoucích orgánů CSR k židovské komunitě po roce 1948 na příkladu vystěhovalectví

Author(s): Monika Hanková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Czechoslovakia; Jewish emigration; Israel; antisemitism; Zionist movements; international organizations;

The analysis looks into the shift in the Czechoslovak government's attitude towards the Jewish community post-1948, particularly focusing on emigration to Israel. Initially, the government supported Jewish emigration, reflecting a friendly relationship with Israel and the Soviet Union's geopolitical stance. However, after the communist takeover, the policy became more restrictive, influenced by rising antisemitism and political changes. The emigration process involved cooperation with international organizations like UNRRA and AJDC, and many Jews emigrated to countries in Latin America and Israel. The document highlights the challenges faced by Jewish emigrants, including bureaucratic obstacles, financial exploitation, and the impact of political shifts on emigration policies. It also discusses the role of Zionist youth movements and the involvement of various government ministries in facilitating or hindering emigration. The document underscores the complex interplay between domestic and international factors in shaping Czechoslovakia's emigration policy towards Jews.

The formation of the self-government of the Jewish community of Postoloprty at the end of the 17th century

Formování samosprávy židovské obce Postoloprty na sklonku 17. století

Author(s): Hana Legnerová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish community; self-government; Postoloprty; 17th century; synagogue; administration;

This study investigates the formation of the Jewish community's self-government in Postoloprty at the end of the 17th century. It highlights the significant increase in the Jewish population due to the arrival of Jewish families from Lower Austria, following Emperor Leopold I's expulsion edict. The newly formed community had to establish organizational and communication mechanisms for its administration. The self-government was based on indirectly elected representatives responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and managing communal finances. The most prestigious position was the reeve (Richter), who had extensive powers and responsibilities. The document also discusses the role of other elected officials, such as the elders and treasurers, in the administration. The synagogue was the center of religious and social life, with the rabbi playing a crucial role. The self-government had to navigate the influence of the local nobility and adapt to the legal and social constraints of the time. The study provides insights into the challenges and dynamics of Jewish communal life in a small town during the early modern period.

Jews and the Most region over the centuries

Židé a Mostecko v průběhu staletí

Author(s): Jana Sýkorová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish community; Most region; cultural identity; persecution; World War II; heritage preservation;

The document provides an overview of the history of the Jewish community in the Most region, highlighting the challenges and transformations they faced over the centuries. It discusses the community's initial settlement, their economic activities, and the impact of various political and social changes on their lives. The text emphasizes the community's resilience in maintaining their cultural and religious identity despite external pressures and periods of persecution. It also covers the establishment of Jewish self-government, the role of prominent Jewish families, and the development of religious and communal institutions. The document further explores the effects of World War II and the Holocaust on the Jewish population in Most, including the destruction of the synagogue and the persecution of Jewish residents. Post-war efforts to rebuild the community and the eventual decline in the Jewish population are also addressed. The study concludes with a reflection on the historical significance of the Jewish community in Most and the preservation of their heritage.

History of the Jewish community in the Nýrsko region and its surroundings – a survey to date

Historie židovské komunity v Nýrsku a okolí - dosavadní průzkum

Author(s): Lenka Sýkorová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish community; Nýrsko; synagogue; economic development; persecution; heritage preservation;

This study investigates the history of the Jewish community in Nýrsko and its surroundings, detailing their settlement and contributions from the medieval period to the 20th century. It highlights the establishment of the Jewish ghetto, the construction and reconstruction of the synagogue, and the various professions held by Jewish residents, including traders, butchers, and teachers. The text also discusses the impact of significant events such as the fires of 1798 and 1861, which destroyed parts of the ghetto, and the economic development brought about by Jewish entrepreneurs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The document further examines the challenges faced by the Jewish community, including high taxes, restrictive regulations, and periods of persecution. It also covers the contributions of notable individuals like Wilhelm Eckstein and Max Reiser, and the efforts to preserve Jewish heritage in the region through research and museum exhibitions. The study concludes with a reflection on the ongoing interest in the history of Nýrsko's Jewish community and the importance of preserving their legacy.

Jewish entrepreneurs and exporters in the Jablonec industry

Židovští podnikatelé a exportéři v jabloneckém průmyslu

Author(s): Petr Nový / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish entrepreneurs; glass industry; jewelry export; Jablonec nad Nisou; economic integration; historical events;

This study investigates the history and contributions of Jewish entrepreneurs and exporters in the glass and jewelry industry in Jablonec nad Nisou from the 18th century onwards. It highlights the involvement of Jewish traders in the production and export of glassware and jewelry, their establishment of businesses, and their adaptation to local conditions. The text also discusses the challenges faced by Jewish entrepreneurs, including legal and social constraints, and their efforts to integrate into the local economy. The document provides examples of prominent Jewish businesses and their impact on the regional economy, as well as the role of Jewish community leaders in supporting economic development. Additionally, it examines the influence of historical events, such as the liberalization of the Habsburg monarchy and the rise of antisemitism, on the Jewish business community. The study concludes with a reflection on the legacy of Jewish entrepreneurs in the region and the importance of preserving their contributions to the local industry.

The Disappeared Residents of Chomutov in the Mid-20th Century

Zmizelí obyvatelé Chomutova v polovině 20. století

Author(s): Josef Märc / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Zmizelí sousedé; Chomutov; Aryanized property; Holocaust; Jewish settlements; Terezín Memorial Book;

This text focuses on the project "Zmizelí sousedé" initiated by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports in 1999, aimed at finding Jewish neighbors who disappeared mainly during World War II. The project, intended for students aged 12-18, faced challenges in Chomutov due to the lack of surviving witnesses. The research was conducted in the State District Archive in Chomutov, focusing on materials related to Aryanized property, pre-war German and Czech gymnasium catalogs, and documents from the Chomutov land office. The study revealed two main research lines: mapping Jewish settlements in Chomutov and statistical studies using the Terezín Memorial Book and the Yad Vashem database. The project eventually found contacts with pre-war residents and Holocaust survivors, leading to an exhibition in 2006. The document also highlights the pre-war Jewish population in Chomutov, their departure, the Holocaust, and the post-war situation, including the re-establishment of the Jewish religious community in 1945.

STIKO Liberec and the Fate of the Property of Jewish Communities and Associations

STIKO Liberec a osud majetku židovských obcí a spolků

Author(s): Markéta Lhotová,Vlastimila Hamáčková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Sudetenland; Jewish communities; Aryanization; STIKO; Kristallnacht; Nazi policies;

This analysis looks into the fate of Jewish communities and their properties in the Sudetenland after its annexation by Nazi Germany in October 1938. It highlights the challenges in researching the history of these communities, whose members fled before the arrival of the German army. The text discusses the role of the Stillhaltekommissar für Organisationen (STIKO) in managing and Aryanizing Jewish properties, including synagogues and other communal assets. The document also explores the involvement of various Nazi organizations and local authorities in the process, as well as the impact of Kristallnacht on Jewish properties. The research is based on archival materials from Vienna and the Czech Republic, shedding light on the systematic approach taken by the Nazis to confiscate and repurpose Jewish assets. The study underscores the importance of understanding the administrative mechanisms and the broader context of Nazi policies towards Jewish communities in the Sudetenland.

Editorial note

Ediční poznámka

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: editorial; Jews; ethnohistory;

V listopadu 2006 uspořádalo Severočeské muzeum v Liberci ve spolupráci se Židovským muzeem v Praze setkání badatelů zabývajících se dějinami Židů v Cechách. Tento seminář byl jednou z akcí připomínajících v rámci Roku se židovskou kulturou 100. výročí vzniku Židovského muzea. Nemělo by se však jednat o akci jednorázovou. Rádi bychom založili tradici pravidelných pracovních setkání. Na Moravě plní takovou úlohu od roku 1994 každoroční konference pořádaná muzeem v Kroměříži. V Cechách se tuto mezeru pokusilo zaplnit setkání uskutečněné v roce 1999 v Ceském Dubu, nenašlo však následovníky. Po roce 1989 vzrostl počet badatelů, kteří se začali židovskou tematikou zabývat, rozšířil se také okruh zpracovávaných témat. Seminář v Liberci se zaměřil především na dva tematické okruhy: výzkum dějin židovských obcí z území zabraného v říjnu 1938 nacistickým Německem a obecně dějiny Židů v Cechách ve 20. století. Zájem účastníků potvrdil potřebu takovýchto setkávání i účelnost jejich zaměření na novodobou problematiku a otázky pohraničních oblastí.

List of authors

Seznam autorů

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: about authors;