Nagykőrös

Jewish existence in Nagykőrös can be traced back to the eighteenth century. Organized community life came to exist towards the early years of the nineteenth century. With the financial contribution of local freeholders, a synagogue was erected in 1817. This building was torn down in 1911 following an earthquake in which the synagogue suffered irreparable damages. Due to the hardships caused by WWI, construction of the new synagogue did not commence until the 1920s, when the plot of the old synagogue was sold and a new plot was purchased for the purpose of building a new synagogue. During the years of the Jewish renaissance, which followed WWI and the subsequent period of upheavals, new synagogues were built, old ones were extended. Responding to growing antisemitism of the time, synagogues built during these years, unlike the great temples constructed before 1918, were a lot more clandestine, they were hidden in the backyards of buildings, often concealed from sight by trees or high walls. The synagogue of Nagykőrös was designed by local architect, Lajos Molnár. Funds were put up by public donations. Virtually the entire community contributed to the construction of the new synagogue, some by donating money, others buying construction materials or providing free labor. The local Women’s Association threw charity events thereby raising funds. It only took two years to build the synagogue, which follows a traditional arrangement and is still visible today. The Torah Ark and the Bimah are separated from the seat rows by wrought iron bars. An upper gallery, which has further seats, runs along three of the interior walls. The building was inaugurated in 1925 and the dedication ceremony was led by Rabbi Simon Hevesi, the Chief Rabbi of the Dohány Street Synagogue. The synagogue became part of the Nagykőrös Ghetto where some 450 members of the local Jewish community were rounded up. Jews were first transferred to the Kecskemét collection camp on 16-17 June and then to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Some 410 Nagykőrös Jews were killed following the deportations and during labor service. The community resuscitated after the war and it was able to retain ownership of the synagogue.