Kežmarok Jewish community, similarly to the whole of Slovakia, was hit very tragically
by World War II. The vast majority were deported to extermination camps. Those who
managed to survive the hell of the gas chambers found their property Aryanised after the
war and left the town. Even though, it was the economically and educationally influential
society of the people that shaped the character of the town. There was a Great Synagogue,
built in the Maori style, in Kežmarok. It was demolished in the years 1961 – 1962.
The Jewish cemetery is located on the northern outskirts of the town. The oldest tomb
stone dates back to 1874. The last burial took place in 2002. The cemetery is regularly
maintained and enlarged thanks to the initiative of the local civic association “Under
standing” and the support of the Central Union of the Jewish Religious Community.