Headquarters of the Council of Elders (Judenrat) in Częstochowa

The Council of Elders in Częstochowa was established at the Germans’ order in September 1939. It served as the only official representation of Częstochowa’s Jews to the German authorities after the Jewish religious community was dissolved and its duties and documents were transferred to the Council. The Council built an extensive administration and took over the building at Aleja NMP 22 (formerly the Bank of Industrialists and Merchants) for its use, and during the ghetto period, acquired the house at Aleja NMP 11, along with outbuildings and other premises (for example, the Forced Labor Department was located at Aleja NMP 9).