Story Summary:
he Pressburger Sick and Benevolent Society was founded in New York by immigrants from Bratislava, Slovakia. The society was dissolved in the 1970s. Jewish presence in Bratislava dates to the 13th century, however due to repeated expulsions, the Jewish community was not able to permanently settle in the town until the 17th century. The Jews of Bratislava flourished in the textile trades, commerce, and moneylending professions. The community established religious and communal institutions such as yeshivas, hospitals, and cemeteries. Charity organizations were also established to help aid those in need. The Jews of Bratislava were very politically involved. Prior to the outbreak of WWII, the Jewish community of Bratislava was subjected to extreme anti-Jewish legislations and decrees. This resulted in the loss of their shops, homes, and livelihoods. The Jewish community of Bratislava perished during the Holocaust. After liberation, the Jewish community was restored, however many began to flee following the Soviet invasion in 1968. By the early 2000's, there were less than 1000 Jews residing in the town.
1st Pressburger Sick & Benevlent Society
The Pressburger Sick and Benevolent Society was founded in New York by immigrants from Bratislava, Slovakia. The society was dissolved in the 1970s. Jewish presence in Bratislava dates from 1251. The community’s first synagogue was established in 1335 (rebuilt in 1339). When the Jews were expelled from Hungary in the 1360s, many took refuge in Hainburg, Austria. They began returning in 1367. In 1410, Isaac Tyrnau was elected as the communal rabbi. In 1526, the Jews were expelled again. In 1692, they were permitted to settle in the suburbs. A second synagogue was built to accommodate the growing population. In 1709, there were ~189 Jews living in Bratislava. By 1736, this number had increased to over 700.
The Jews of Bratislava flourished in the textile trades of Hungary. Many also engaged in the professions of commerce and moneylending. Jewish institutions such as yeshivas, a hospital, and charity organizations were established also during this time (18th century). During the 1848 revolution, mass anti-Jewish riots broke out. In 1902 the Hungarian Zionist Organization was formed. In 1904, the World Mizrachi Organization was created. Samuel Bettelheim is recognized for the establishment of both organizations. Over time, Bratislava became a center for Jewish political activism. Jewish newspapers, such as the Ha-Yehudi were published weekly. By the 1930s, Bratislava was a home to over 14,000 Jews.
Prior to the outbreak of WWII, there was an increase of anti-Jewish legislations and pogroms. In March of 1939, Slovakia came under German control. In April, the first anti-Jewish law was passed. Jews were immediately excluded from all government positions. Jewish businesses were confiscated and Jewish families had to surrender their homes. Jewish students were also forced to leave university. These restrictions and regulations became worse under the 270-article anti-Jewish legislation that was passed in September of 1941. Expellings and the flight of Jews lasted until the German invasion of Bratislava in September of 1944. They immediately began the extermination and deportation of the Jews, sending over 2000 to Auschwitz. The communal cemetery was destroyed in the process.
After liberation, the Jewish community of Bratislava was re-established. By 1947, there were about 7,000 Jews. International charity organizations aided in the restoration process. Old age homes, youth centers, and a hospital were established, and Jewish periodicals began publication. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 caused many to flee. In 1969 there were ~1,500 Jews. By the 21st century, only ~800 resided in the town.
~Blog by Olivia Scanlon
https://archives.cjh.org/repositories/7/resources/21687#
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/bratislava#google_vignette
https://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/exhibitions/communities/bratislava/index.asp
https://jguideeurope.org/en/region/slovakia/bratislava-and-surrounding-areas/bratislava/
https://jewish-guide.pl/slovakia/jewish-history-in-slovakia
