Overview
History of Kolo’s Jewish Community
Source: Pinkas Hakehillot Polin: Kolo
Koło was built over the river Warta in the 13th century, and achieved town status in the year 1362. The most reliable information regarding the Jewish settlement in Kolo is from 16th century sources. In 1564, the king granted the Jews of Kolo the right to reside in the town, and to pay the same taxes and monies due to the monarchy as were obligatory on all Kolo residents. In 1571, a contract was drawn up between the Jews and the Christian town residents, according to which, the Christians guaranteed that in return for a yearly tax paid to the town hall, they would protect the Jews from attack. In 1593, the town agreed not to imprison Jews sentenced to serve, in their prison, if the Jewish community leaders act as their guarantor. In 1729, a yearly head tax of 150 zloty was imposed on the community; in 1738 this was assessed at 300 zloty. During the Polish nationalist rebellion under the leadership of Kosciuszko in 1794, the Jews were badly affected by the change in government. They were forced to provide all kinds of services for the fighting men, and to pay the salaries of emissaries and spies. READ MORE
Photos
Resources
- JRI-Poland Town Page for Kolo
- Book of Kolo: 500 Years of Yiddish Kolo – partial translation of the Kolo Yizkor Book
- “Commemorative Markers in Kolo” from ADJCP President Marysia Galbraith’s Uncovering Jewish Heritage blog
ADJCP 