Stolp Synagogue

The Synagogue of Stolp (now Slupsk, Poland ) was located in the center of the Pomeranian town in the former Arnold Street (today Niedziałkowskiego 6). It was designed by Edward Koch and built in the years 1901/ 02.

Prior to the construction there was already a synagogue in Paradise Street (today Generała Józefa Bema ), which was originally to be expanded. The Jewish community, however, opted for a new building at a different location as the old synagogue was adjacent to a red light district with many brothels. The new church, which was also a cultural center at the same time, was planned for 400 men and 300 women.

During the Kristallnacht between 9 and 10 November 1938, the synagogue by the Nazis was set on fire. Eyewitnesses reported that the area was cordoned off by police and SA units, so that the fire department was unable to extinguish the fire. The well-known for its tolerance, then mayor of the city, Dr. Walter Sperlin, who was in the police, ordered the arrest of the arsonists. This statement, however, was not pursued further under the pressure of SA and Gestapo.

In 2006, the fence was reconstructed, the then surrounded the synagogue. At the re-erected pillars two plaques were attached, reminiscent of the synagogue and the church, and contain inscriptions in Polish, Hebrew, English, and German:

"In Memory of the Jewish community in Slupsk ( Stolp ) from 1705 to 1942 and all Holokaustopfer and our grandfather Dr. Max Joseph, the Rabbi of Slupsk ( Stolp ) in the years 1902-1936, and to his daughter Susanne 1906-1942. "