Author Description

A description of ca. 100 synagogues in the villages and towns of the Netherlands. Mentions the persecution of the Jews during the 14th century, the anti-Jewish policies of the Habsburgs, the refusal of Dutch guilds to admit Jews for fear of economic competition, and the negative attitude of local authorities towards the settlement of Jews until the 18th century. During World War II many synagogues were plundered or destroyed. Most of the remaining synagogues no longer serve their original purpose.