History of the Jewish community in Bohemia and Moravia after World War II (1945-1956)

Author of the presented thesis deals with a theme which has been moreless neglected by modem Czech historiography, fortunes ofthe Jewish community in Bohemia and Moravia after World War II. Work is defined by a time horizon of the years 1945 - 1956 and divided in following chapters. Chapter I depicts the period following directly after the liberation of Czechoslovakia in 1945 to the year of 1948, when the communists came to power. This era is characterised by the effort for the quickest comeback ofthe prewar workings of Jewish religious society. Besides the primary difficulties with building of new life it mainly entails the matters of property ríghts. Years between 1948 and 1956, which are the subject of chapter II, are characterized by transformation of the attitude towards Jewish community and antisemistic tendencies of the governing power, that in the end led to the famous trials of the 50's (mainly in the show-trial known under the name of Slánský and others). As a part of this chapter there is a reconstruction of the activities and working of The Council of J ewish Religious Congregations in Bohemia and Moravia and the relations between ČSR and Israel in the time observed. Chapter III called Experiences of the Jewish community in Bohemia and Moravia ln the years 1945 to 1956 presents a specific part..