SOMPOLNO (Kolo Region)

The Population figures:

In the 19^th century Sompolno was an urban settlement. The beginning of the Jewish life in Sompolno was in the end of the 18^th century. In 1823 there were imposed restrictions on Jewish settlement in Sompolno and it was allowed only under special permits. The ban was removed in 1862, in the framework of the general dismissal of the freedom of Jewish settlement in the Kingdom of Poland.

The Jews dealt in commerce, part of who were dealers of corn and agricultural products. Starting from the middle of the 19^th century, the Jews were active in the production of oil and brandy.

The independent status of the community is proven by the fact that Sompolno had its own rabbis who practiced in the small community. In the years 1905 - 1885 rabbi Abraham Icchak served as the Rabbi of Sompolno. In 1909 Rabbi Issaschar Ber Son of Yehuda Lenk was the community Rabbi. He was the author of "Pitkhei Shearim". After him came Rabbi Tzvi Meir Ber - author of "Imrei Tzvi". In the 30's years of the 20^th century, Yoel Fuks served for a short time as the rabbi of the community and afterwards, Rabbi Shmuel David Laski was chosen for this position. He was the last rabbi of Sompolno and served until liquidation during the Holocaust.

Zionist circles existed in Sompolno since the beginning of the 20^th century. In the end of WWI, "Agudat Eretz Israel" and "Zeirei Zion" organized in town and in 1918 both counted over 40 people. The following Zionist parties were also active between the great wars: Zionim Klaliim ("Al Hamishmar"), Poalei Zion (right) and the revisionist Movement. To the Zionist Congresses voted in Sompolno in 1933: 176, in 1937: 112 and in 1909: 109 people. Agudat Israel had a significant influence on the Community institutions. In Sompolno was also a branch of the Bund, very active among the workers and trade unions.