In the heart of the historic centre of Bergen op Zoom, on the quiet Koevoetstraat, stands a remarkable building with an impressive story: the former synagogue. At the end of the 18th century, a small community of Ashkenazi Jews settled here. In the beginning, they met in the attic of the Boterwaag (butter weighing house), but soon that space became too small and impractical. Thanks to a gift from King William I – a thousand guilders, a considerable sum at the time – a proper synagogue could be built.

Two residential buildings were demolished for the construction, but the medieval cellars underneath were preserved. The building was completed in 1832, and a year later the synagogue was officially consecrated by the ‘Hoogduitsche Israëlitische gemeente’ (German-Jewish Community).
In 1868, a schoolroom was added to the rear. 
It was an important focal point for the Jewish community in Bergen op Zoom, which numbered around sixty people before the Second World War.

The community was severely affected during the war. In 1940, the German occupiers closed the synagogue, confiscated it, and it was sold to a private individual. This person used it as a storage place for potatoes.

A portion of the Jewish inhabitants managed to go into hiding and survived the war, but 24 people from Bergen were deported and perished in concentration camps. Due to the small number of survivors, the synagogue could no longer be used as a place of worship after the war.

The building subsequently fell further into disrepair, but fortunately it was purchased by the municipality in 1973 and placed on the monument list. A thorough restoration followed shortly after, and in 1975 the synagogue was reopened as a monument. The building was restored again in 1997 and 1998. Today, this place is a reminder of a small but significant community and stands as a silent witness to a turbulent history in Bergen op Zoom.

It is now used for activities that fit the character of the former place of worship, such as a lecture or exhibition.

The bathroom facilities on the basement level are reminiscent of ritual cleansing ceremonies and invite viewing. This can be done via the City Guides. See their website for opening hours via the link below.

www.stadsgidsen-bergenopzoom.nl

This monument is found in this city walk and a guided city walk to buy at the tourist office.

General information:

• Type: National Monument, Religious Heritage
• Built: late 18th century
• Address: Koevoetstraat, Bergen op Zoom

Photo impression.

Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagoge_(Bergen_op_Zoom)