The memory of Topoľčany: the relationship of the Jewish inhabitants of Topoľčany after the tragedy of the “Topoľčany pogrom”

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to discuss the town of Topoľčany in Slovakia and present the memories and testimonies of the Jewish (and non-Jewish) population about the incident known as “The pogrom of Topoľčany.” The topic on which this article will be primarily focused is the relationship and attitude of the former Jewish inhabitants of Topoľčany now living far away towards the town after the tragedies that affected it. Moreover, I want to comment on the problematics of “home.” The main questions are how the Jews of Topoľčany perceive their birthplace 70 years after the pogrom; how the tragedy has influenced their relationship to Topoľčany and its inhabitants; what has changed since then and what has not.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Barbora Bartová (1989) studied ethnology in the Department of Ethnology and non-European studies, Faculty of Arts at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (Slovakia). Currently, she is a student of ethnology in the second year of Ph.D. studies at the same University. Her research focuses on issues of the Jewish community in Slovakia.

Notes

1. The unfounded rumour that the regime had replaced two teachers, who were nuns, with Jewish teachers.