Mrs Krystyna Rutkowska from the Museum shared with us her knowledge of the history of the synagogue in Kozle. It was built in the eighties of the 19th century, on location where today the hospital’s hotel stands. The building was destroyed during the Kristallnacht, after about 50 years of existence. The Crystal Night in Kozle meant not only the destruction of the synagogue, but also pogroms and deportations of local Jews. Many of them could have found their end in the camp of Slawiecice, affiliated to the Auschwitz extermination camp. There were not many Jews living in old Kozle, because of its citadel character and ensuing limited possibility of settling in. Most of the Kozle Jews were engaged in commerce and handicraft, and the written sources describing their activity date back to 13th century. Unfortunately that was all we have learned in the Museum, but our host suggested two publications which may be useful in our quest for the past of Kozle:

· Kedzierzyn Kozle – Monography of the city, published by Silesian Institute in Opole,

· Ziemia kozielska, published in 1963 r.: chapter: The history of Kozle until 1939;

· Churches, monasters and chapels of the old town and citadel of Kozle, by J. Gröger.


Therefore we’re not losing hope for getting more information in near future.