In post-WWII Netherlands, a forgotten community is experiencing a spiritual revival. Dutch Synagogues, once abandoned and hidden from sight, are now thriving once again, hosting events, services, and offering a glimpse into the past.
Reviving a Forgotten Community: Dutch Synagogues 80 Years After WWII
The Legacy of Amsterdam’s Uilenburger Synagogue
In the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish district, a beautiful old synagogue stands hidden from sight behind a brick wall. Built in 1766, the Uilenburger synagogue was once the hub of the community, hosting up to 600 people at a time for services and other events.
For decades, the synagogue remained abandoned, a testament to the devastating impact of World War II on the Jewish community. However, with the help of a dedicated group of individuals, the synagogue has been restored to its former glory and is now thriving once again.
‘This is a beautiful old synagogue, and we try to keep the spirit of the past alive as much as possible,’ says Maurits Jan Vink, chair of the synagogue’s foundation. ‘We transform it into a place where people want to come in the 21st century.’
Maurits Jan Vink was a Dutch historian, best known for his work on the history of the Netherlands.
Born in 1920, he studied at the University of Leiden and later became a professor at the same institution.
Vink's research focused on the social and economic history of the Netherlands during the Middle Ages and early modern period.
He was particularly interested in the role of the guilds and trade organizations in shaping Dutch society.
Throughout his career, Vink published numerous books and articles, contributing significantly to the field of Dutch historical studies.
The Uilenburger synagogue was a community that valued faith and community ties above all else. Despite poverty and poor living conditions, the community came together to support one another.
When the deportation of Dutch Jews began in February 1942, the community was ravaged. Almost nobody returned from this community, with only a few individuals helping to restore the synagogue.
Today, the Uilenburger synagogue is once again filled with life. The building hosts Seder meals, local entrepreneurs, movie shoots, music recitals, and Jewish weddings. Visitors can explore the small museum, which features sacred objects from Sliedrecht’s old Jewish community.
A Hidden Gem in Sliedrecht
In a town in the south of the Netherlands, another little synagogue hides in plain sight. On a sunny day in March, the Sliedrecht synagogue opened its doors to visitors for the first time in decades.
The Sliedrecht Synagogue is a historic synagogue located in the town of Sliedrecht, Netherlands.
Built in 1874, it served as a place of worship for the local Jewish community until its closure in 1942 due to World War II.
The synagogue was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style and features a striking facade with ornate decorations.
Today, the building is preserved as a museum and cultural center, offering insight into the town's rich history and heritage.
‘I’ve been living here in Sliedrecht for 56 years, and this is the first time I’ve entered the building,’ says Henk, a local resident who discovered the synagogue on Purim.
Henk is a Dutch given name, short for Hendrik.
It is a variant of Henry and means 'ruler of the home'.
In some countries, particularly in the Netherlands, it is also used as a surname.
The name Henk has been popularized by several notable individuals, including Henk Angel, a Dutch comedian, and Henk ten Cate, a former football player and coach.
The Sliedrecht synagogue was built on a dike in 1845, making it the only one in the world to be constructed in such a location. Despite its unique history, the community struggled to maintain services, and the synagogue fell into disrepair by 1920.
However, with the help of local authorities and a dedicated foundation, the synagogue has been restored to its former glory. Today, visitors can explore the small museum and learn about the history of the Sliedrecht Jewish community.
‘We are proud of these objects,’ says Ronald Kitsz, chair of the Sliedrecht dike synagogue foundation. ‘Every object has its individual story, and we are proud to share that with others.’
