An appeal has been launched to save the historic synagogue in Nowy Korczyn, Poland. The classicist building, dating from 1659 (and rebuilt in 1724), has deteriorated rapidly in recent years and is in serious danger of collapse. Among other things, the roof has fallen in, leaving exposed the fairly intact Aron ha Kodesh, or Ark.
Tomasz Wisniewski posted this video in July — until a few years ago, the roof was mostly intact.
The Virtual Shtetl web site ran the appeal to save the building — an email it had received from Andrzej Woźniak in Krakow. Rather than just linking to this appeal, we republish the text in full:
“I would like to share with you a short story of my trip to Nowy Korczyn, a small town located at the Nida River, with towering church copulas of the recently renovated Franciscan collegiate church and of the synagogue, or rather >>its ruins<<. Following road signs, I turn right, pass by the church and reach the market square, where I seek further guidelines of the way to the ruins. Just recently,I am wondering why there are ruins in the place where a synagogue has been located.
I quickly realize why. The sight is just heart rending. It is enough to look at a part of the roof, which is in danger of collapsing! The walls hardly stand and they are certainly bound to fall into ruins. With my heart beating hard and with another question crossing my mind, I have a look inside. I look at the eastern wall… there it is! The aron hakodesh frame has survived. I make my way through the rubble of a demolished roof, overgrown with weeds and bushes. I have a closer look and I can’t believe my eyes – the frame has been left almost intact. Also the original wooden boarding has been preserved. The stonework is in a considerably good condition but covered with some scribbling. The lions lack the wings but still, the frame is simply amazing. Such a gem in middle of the ruins? What will happen next? What should be done to preserve it?
I am trying to come up with some ideas in order to preserve the aron hakodesh and prevent it from further destruction or plundering. Then I take a few pictures and come back to Krakow. Why is it that such an object has not been secured?
Anyway, the question of preserving and restoring Polish synagogues, especially in the Świętokrzyskie Province, applies to almost each and every town, which formerly were shtetls before the war. It is impossible to rescue everything despite the involvement of various foundations and institutions. The reality is quite harsh for all those historical buildings. There are no funds and legal regulations and land tenure rights dissuade you from taking any steps, causing indifference. Maybe it was this indifference that made the local authorities or property owners leave the building unattended, letting it fall into ruins.
Now, what has been preserved must be rescued and the aron hakodesh must survive. This is the last call. Otherwise, it will disappear and share the fate of three million Polish Jews. We must not turn a blind eye and let such unique and priceless historical objects cease to exist. I have been trying to grab people’s attention and to spur institutions to react, calling foundations and authorities, but to no avail. And now, I can only ask all Virtual Shtetl readers and visitors for help. Please, get involved and help preserve this Classicist aron ha kodesh frame!”
7 comments on “An Appeal to Save the Synagogue in Nowy Korczyn, Poland”
How can I help?is there sort of foundation to save this
Unique place? Let’s set up a team to rise money and refurbish it!
Although I am not a native of Nowykorczyn, my parents and I did spend 1940 to 1942 as refugees from Warsaw when the Jewish community was liquidated. The Kupfer family had a long record of residence in this community. My uncle was on the town Board and my grandfather, Moishe Kupfer was a well respected country lawyer, well respected by both Gentiles and Jews, handling the legal business of the community at the county seat in Busko. My son recently visited the community and the Macugowski family (who sheltered me during the critical time and therefore gave me life). He brought me some stones from the synagogue as a momento and made me cry. The vibrant Jewish community, 5000 strong, is no more. The Synagogue is the only vestage of Jewish existence in that community.
Hi Allen
Please join the facebook page for Jewish Descendants!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NKJews/
Regards
Ann
Please provide information on how to donate to this cause. Thank you! elanayael@gmail.com
This is such an integral part of all Polish peoples history, no matter what faith.
It is of extreme importance to the heritage of Poland that this synagogue be restored to honour all those who perished in the shoah and be a shining symbol of the rebuilding of the Jewish community in Poland….where Jewish people belong.
SAVE THE SYNAGOGUE OF MY FAMILY WHO LIVED THERE FOR YEARS!!!
THEY WERE KILLED AND NOTHING IS LEFT AFTER THEM!
Thank you!
Hi Leah
We the descendants of Nowy Korzcyn have a facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NKJews/
Please join and ask your family to!
Regards
Ann