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The Jewish Community of Verpelet

Verpelét 

Small town in the Heves district, northern Hungary

It would seem that Jews first settled in the place at the end of the 18th century. The majority were merchants and artisans. A few owned vineyards and were producers of wine. Others were land owners and one owned a flour mill. The community was organized in 1800 and founded a hevra kadisha, women's association, helping hand society and educational institutions. There was a boarding establishment for pupils who came from other towns. A synagogue was built in 1870. The community was affiliated with the Orthodox stream.

During the period of the "white terror" (riots against the Jews instigated by right wing military elements, 1919-1921) the Jews suffered greatly from looting. Later, conditions returned to normal and their economic position was stable until shortly before the holocaust.

In 1931 the community numbered 146. In 1938, with the publication of "Discriminatory Laws", which aimed at limiting Jewish participation in the economic and cultural fields, some Jews were affected by a number of laws.
In 1942, about 30 young Jews were sent to do forced labor (work on fortifications and in services together with other Hungarian citizens whom the authorities would not allow to join the armed forces), and were ordered to the Ukrainian front. The majority perished there.

In May 1944, after the German occupation, all the Jews were sent to the coalmining area at Bagolyuk where they were held with other Jews from the nearby villages. They were put into broken-down huts and many were forced to remain in the open. They were cruelly treated by the guards who instituted searches for valuables. In the ghetto there was a terrible shortage of food and medicines, and they were forbidden all contacts with the outside world. On the eve of the festival of Shavuot, all the males up to the age of 48 were taken to Hatvan, ostensibly to do forced labor, and from there to Auschwitz. On June 11, the remainder were taken to Kerecsend, and from there transported to Auschwitz.

After the war about 5 survivors returned. In 1948 a memorial was erected to the martyrs. In 1956 only one Jewish family remained.

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The Jewish Community of Verpelet

Verpelét 

Small town in the Heves district, northern Hungary

It would seem that Jews first settled in the place at the end of the 18th century. The majority were merchants and artisans. A few owned vineyards and were producers of wine. Others were land owners and one owned a flour mill. The community was organized in 1800 and founded a hevra kadisha, women's association, helping hand society and educational institutions. There was a boarding establishment for pupils who came from other towns. A synagogue was built in 1870. The community was affiliated with the Orthodox stream.

During the period of the "white terror" (riots against the Jews instigated by right wing military elements, 1919-1921) the Jews suffered greatly from looting. Later, conditions returned to normal and their economic position was stable until shortly before the holocaust.

In 1931 the community numbered 146. In 1938, with the publication of "Discriminatory Laws", which aimed at limiting Jewish participation in the economic and cultural fields, some Jews were affected by a number of laws.
In 1942, about 30 young Jews were sent to do forced labor (work on fortifications and in services together with other Hungarian citizens whom the authorities would not allow to join the armed forces), and were ordered to the Ukrainian front. The majority perished there.

In May 1944, after the German occupation, all the Jews were sent to the coalmining area at Bagolyuk where they were held with other Jews from the nearby villages. They were put into broken-down huts and many were forced to remain in the open. They were cruelly treated by the guards who instituted searches for valuables. In the ghetto there was a terrible shortage of food and medicines, and they were forbidden all contacts with the outside world. On the eve of the festival of Shavuot, all the males up to the age of 48 were taken to Hatvan, ostensibly to do forced labor, and from there to Auschwitz. On June 11, the remainder were taken to Kerecsend, and from there transported to Auschwitz.

After the war about 5 survivors returned. In 1948 a memorial was erected to the martyrs. In 1956 only one Jewish family remained.

Written by researchers of ANU Museum of the Jewish People