At the beginning of March 1949, the state authorities decided to demolish the synagogue. The local Sokol organization (a gymnastics club) attacked this decision intending to redevelop the building to a large gym, kindergarten, advisory bureau of postnatal care, and surgery for the gymnasts. All Jewish symbols were to be removed, the towers demolished, and the Star of David in the rosette was to be replaced by the symbol of the Sokol organization. The authorities revoked their decision, but not for long.
The demolition should have finally taken place on March 27, 1951 but due to the technological complexity of blasting the towers it was postponed till summer. A school was later built on the site of the synagogue.
This unique photograph of demolition comes from a manual for explosives experts published by the State Publishing House of Technical Literature in 1954.