Bublitz

Summary: The first Jew to settle in Bublitz (present-day Bobolice, Poland) was Michel Fischel, head of a family of seven. Although only three Jewish families lived in Bublitz in the second half of the 18th century, the non-Jewish population unsuccessfully petitioned the authorities, in 1785, to prohibit Jews from selling certain goods. It was during the 19th century that the growing community established its institutions: a synagogue (on Schulstrasse) at some point between 1830 and 1840, and a cemetery (near Gaerwalder Strasse) in the late 19th century. A community functionary performed the duties of cantor, teacher, and head of religious ceremonies. In 1881, as anti-Semitic riots erupted in Pomerania, Jewish-owned homes and the synagogue were damaged in Bublitz. Many Jews accordingly left, and during the early 20th century the Jewish population decreased by 50 percent. During Pogrom Night, on November 10, 1938, the synagogue was destroyed, soon after which the cemetery was closed. A cinema was later erected on the former synagogue’s site. Approximately 50 Jews born in Bublitz perished in concentration camps.

Author / Sources: Ruth Martina Trucks
Sources: EJL, LJG, YV