History
The Jewish Congregation in Appingedam is one of the oldest of The Netherlands. Joest Muesken, born in Prague in approximately 1499, was given permission in 1563 to settle in the city for a period of 6 years. He had previously lived in Linnich and Neuss.
The possibility that this Joest Muesken is akin to Philip Joosten originating from Embden is not entirely unlikely and deserves to be researched. Philip Joosten was the first 'Rabbi' of the Jewish Congregation in Amsterdam. A few Jewish families lived in town in the first decennia of the 17th century. Predominantly they were in the pawn and slaughter business. Their presence was a thorn in the flesh of the principals of the ruling Reformed Church. Without too much success they pressed the Provincial and Local Authorities to bar Jewish people. They did accomplish to have the synagogue closed down in 1669 (probably a home synagogue).
During the 18th century the number of Jewish people increased steadily. They still had to pay as much as Joest Muesken in 1563 for the right to live in town.
In 1710 the Congregation ran to 30 souls, in 1780 to about 100 people and in 1809 130 Jewish people lived in town. The most important source of income was slaughter and trade of cattle, pawning and trade in assorted goods.
During the 19thcentury the number of Jewish inhabitants increased further: up to 285 people in 1899. Afterwards their number decreased due to the changing social and economical circumstances. In 1941 the congregation counted yet 128 people. August 1942 almost all Jewish people were deported. Five people were able to dive under and from those who were deported only one came back.
In 1985 a monument is unveiled on the square in front of the synagogue with the names of the perished Damster Jews.
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