Izbica Kujawska Shtetl

Izbica Kujawska synagogue. Photo credit: Marysia Galbraith

Overview

History of Izbica Kujawska’s Jewish Community

Sources: Pinkas Hakehillot Polin: Izbica Kujawaska and Virtual Shtetl

The earliest historical source mentioning Jews in Izbica dates back to 1662. The Jews settling in Izbica quickly became the dominant force in local trade and some sectors of artisan production. Jews made significant contributions to the economic life of the town and its vicinity. In the years 1916–1917, out of all 64 shops open in the town, 30 (46%) were owned by Jews, and in 1920 – 40 out of all 52 shops (77%). In 1919, there were 17 ‘large’ stores in Izbica, all Jewish-owned. In mid-September 1939 the town was occupied by the Germans. At the beginning of 1940, Jews from the area were brought into the ghetto. The Izbica Ghetto was liquidated on 14–15 January 1942 and the Jews were sent to Chelmno. The Jewish population in 1939 was 1600, out of a total population of about 3000. It is unknown the number of total surivivors. In 1947, 22-25 Jews returned to Izbica-Kujawaska. READ MORE Pinkas Hakehillot Polin: Izbica Kujawaska, and READ MORE from VIRTUAL SHTETL.

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