VOLUME 9 NO.S MAY 2009 BHH journal jjim l^m ^ Association of Jewish Refugees

Saved by a transit visa

urprisingly little has been written described the desperate atmosphere of those about the Jewish refugees from Hitler months. He worked for a committee that Swho reached safety in Britain on chose as many emigrants as possible, transit visas, though at least 5,000 of them provided they were under 45 and had some were admitted in 1939, in the last desperate kind of documentation promising entry to a months before the outbreak of war. In foreign country, from the mass of shom- November 1938, at the time of the 'Crystal headed applicants freshly released from Nazi Night' pogrom, the Nazi authorities had camps and from those still imprisoned, rounded up some 30,0(X) Jewish men and whose cases were pressed by their relatives. detained them in concentration camps. The The agonising decisions the committee had Nazis were prepared to release detained to make were all too often a matter of life or Jews, if they had entry visas for foreign death. countries and would emigrate immediately. The view from the windows in the A problem arose, however, with visas, Reichsvertretung's headquarters in Berlin's entry certificates and travel documents that Kantstrasse underlined the urgency of the were not immediately valid: visas for situation: to the left was the bumt-out shell Making music at Kitchener Camp America, for example, were granted of the Fasanenstrasse Synagogue, a according to a rigid quota system with a Like most transmigrants, Fred Pelican reminder of the November pogrom and its strict annual limit, the result being that a stayed in Britain, serving with distinction victims in the camps, while to the right was visa granted in 1939 might only be valid for in the army. The requirement that trans­ a station, Bahnhof Zoo, where the move­ a later year, thus delaying any possibility migrants should re-emigrate from Britain ments of troop trains indicated that the of emigration. But a released Jew who was was quietly dropped, and they assumed the remaining period of peace was likely to not able to emigrate quickly faced the threat same status as refugees permanently prove short. Rosenstock paid tribute to two of re-incarceration in a camp - effectively a resident in Britain. In a circular sent to its of the men who played a key part in the death sentence. In this emergency situation, members in August 1944, the AJR was able rescue work, stayed at their posts, and were the British government agreed, after to reassure those who had arrived as later deported: Senatsprasident a. D. Richard negotiations with a group of leading British transmigrants that they need not fear to fill Joachim, head of the department in charge, Jews, to admit to Britain on transit visas in a form from the Jewish Refugees and Landgerichtsdirektor a. D. Walter Jews from Germany who had a realistic Committee that drew attention to their Sprintz, chairman of one of the two selection prospect of re-emigrating elsewhere. status; the clear implication was that the committees. Rosenstock himself only reached This device almost certainly saved the AJR had received assurances that there was Britain just before the outbreak of war. lives of the several thousand men admitted no longer any danger that transmigrants Once in Britain, the transmigrants were as 'transmigrants', plus the family members would be obliged to leave Britain. housed in Kitchener Camp at Richborough, they were then able to bring to Britain, at In 1939, Wemer Rosenstock, who served near Sandwich in Kent, a disused First least as many people again. Fred Pelican as editor of AfR Infonnation from 1946 to World War army camp. The arrangements describes in his autobiography, From 1982, was employed at the Reichsvertretung in Britain were organised by a committee Dachau to Dunkirk, how he was released der Juden in Deutschland, the only major of four leading Anglo-Jewish figures. from Dachau in April 1939, only to be Jewish organisation still functioning in Lieutenant-Colonel Julian Layton went to wamed by the SS that if he had not left Germany after the November pogrom. He Berlin to negotiate the release of the Germany within a week he would be worked in the department responsible for endangered men with the Nazi authorities. retumed to the camp, 'and this time forever'. selecting those men from the camps whose Emest Joseph arranged the accommodation. He had a ticket for a ship scheduled to leave applications for transit visas would be Sir Robert Waley-Cohen made the financial Liverpool for Shanghai (where no visa was successful, and thus he had considerable arrangements. The Jewish Refugees required), but only on 28 October 1939; first-hand experience of the scheme. (x)mmittee was jointly responsible with the cmcially, he also had the life-saving transit In an article in AfR Information in British govemment for financing Kitchener visa for Britain that enabled him to leave November 1958, on the twentieth Camp; the total cost of the camp to the Germany within a few days. anniversary of 'Crystal Night', Rosenstock I continued overleaf I

I AJR JOURNAL MAY 2009

SAVED BY A TRANSIT VISA 'Wonderful Pre-Seder' at Cleve Road Centre continued from page I

1^ Jewish community in the 18 months of its existence, from early 1939 to summer 1940, was £100,000. Professor Norman Bentwich negotiated the immigration technicalities with the British authorities. He prevailed on the Home Office to issue blocks of permits for transmigrants, which were sent to the Reichsvertretung in Berlin, where they could be issued individually to the selected applicants for emigration. In his obituary 'I am writing in appreciation of the wonderful Pre-Seder we had at the Cleve Road AJR of Bentwich, who died on 8 April 1971 aged Centre. Rabbi Stephen Katz took the service, explaining again the well-known story in the Haggadah. We had a wonderful festive meal. Many thanks to Susie Kaufman and her 88, Wemer Rosenstock recalled the unfailing capable and friendly staff and many thanks also to Rabbi Katz, who conducted the service punctuality with which the permits arrived so well and with lots of feeling.' Josie Dutch in Berlin from Bentwich's office at the Central British Fund for German Jewry. to be short. Yet Freeden also remembered Sandwich and Norman Bentwich's widow, the beauty of the Kent countryside with Helen. The AJR had taken charge of the According to Fred Pelican, the routine at some nostalgia, and he admired the novel arrangements. The inscription reads: Kitchener Camp provided only a modest This plaque is to commemorate the and daring plan that had been devised to measure of comfort: refugees were given Richborough Transit Camp (1939-1940) extricate as many Jewish men as possible where 5,000 men found refuge from Nazi sixpence a week and a postage stamp for a from the grip of the Nazis by setting up a persecution on the Continent. During the letter home and were confined to camp, a transit station in a now forgotten spot in the Second World War most of them pass being necessary for short periods of volunteered to fight for the Allied cause. - south-eastem comer of England. absence. But Pelican greatly appreciated the Erected in gratitude to the citizens of When war broke out, many of the camp community spirit among the inmates, feeling Sandwich and East Kent who, as in the past, inmates volunteered to join the two welcomed the refugees. that he had become 'part of a large family', companies of the Pioneer Corps, No. 69 and Anthony Grenville and he enjoyed the array of entertainment No. 74, that were formed there. Writing 30 on offer to inmates. He was befriended by a years later, in September 1969, Herbert middle-aged British lady from Broadstairs, ANNUAL GENERAL Freeden recalled the Rosh Hashanah service Mrs Joyce Piercey. The kindness of his MEETING that had been held in the camp after war benefactress meant a great deal to him, of had been declared. Rabbi Werner van der especially after his treatment in Dachau; he THE ASSOCIATION OF Zyl, later minister at the North Western JEWISH REFUGEES came to relish the convivial exuberance of Reform Synagogue and subsequently at the MONDAY 22 JUNE 2009 the English seaside resorts that he was now West London Synagogue, stmggled to bring 11.00 AM free to visit. dignity to the improvised setting of a huge at the Paul Balint AJR Centre The pool of talent in the camp was 15 Cleve Road, London NW6 tent dimly lit in the blackout. Almost 3,000 considerable. Organised activities included Lunch, if required, £5 payable in advance people attended the service; Freeden courses of study and team sports, as well as Agenda imagined their prayers rising and travelling a camp orchestra, a theatrical group and a Annual Report 2008 across the sea and the closed borders to meet Hon. Treasurer's Report camp joumal, the Kitchener Camp Review. Discussion with the thoughts and hopes of their dear When Mr E. Heam advertised the laundry Election of Committee of Management ones trapped in Germany. All questions for the chair should be service he ran in West London in the AfR submitted by Mon 1 June to the Head of Information of April 1955, the journal On 20 June 1971, a ceremony was held at Administration at Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middx. HA7 4RL. reminded its readers that in an earlier the site of the former camp, at which a plaque was unveiled by Julian Layton, in the ELECTION OF COMMITTEE OF incarnation his name had been Hermstadt MANAGEMENT and that he had entertained Kitchener Camp presence of a number of former inmates and The following members will be staff members of the camp, the Mayor of proposed for election or re-election to the inmates as the magician 'Hamn al Rashid'. Committee at the AGM on Monday 22 June 2009: Herbert Freeden (Friedenthal), co-editor AJR Directors Gordon Greenfield Mr A C Kaufman, Chairman, Mr W D Rothenberg, oiAfR Information from 1946 to 1950, was Michael Newman Vice Chairman & Hon. Treasurer, Mrs E S Angel, Carol Rossen Secretary, Mr C W Dunston, Trustee, Mrs D among those accommodated at Kitchener Franklin, Trustee*, Mrs G R Glassman, Trustee, Camp. His description ofthe camp, published AJR Heads of Department Ms Karen Goodman, Mrs J Millan*, Mr E Reich, Susie Kaufman Organiser, AJR Centre Mr A Spiro*, Mr Tim Schwarz in the joumal in March 1959, dwelt on the Sue Kurlander Social Services •Committee members retiring by rotation inmates' consuming fears for their relatives AJR Journal and being proposed for re-election back in Germany and on the insular atti­ Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor Anyone wishing to propose any other member Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor for election as Hon Officer, Trustee, or tudes of the inhabitants of Sandwich who, Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisements Committee member must submit to AJR's Head for all the warmth of the welcome they ex­ of Administration such a proposal signed by Views expressed in the AIR Journal are not ten members qualified to vote at the meeting tended to the newcomers, made it plain that necessarily those of the Association of Jewish and with the signed agreement of the person they expected the refugees' stay in Britain Refugees and should not be regarded as such. being proposed no later than 1 June. AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

The Budapest Judenrat and the NEWTONS Warsaw Ghetto revolt Leading Hampstead Solicitors advise on ith regard to the recent The process that led to their Property, Wills, Family Trusts correspondence in your annihilation was gradual so it was and Charitable Trusts W columns, in particular be­ possible to escape - at least in the early tween Andrew Elek and M. D. Spiro, I days - but there was nowhere to run French and German spoken am in no position to comment on to. Any who did run never got far unless Home visits arranged whether the Judenrat misled the Buda­ they were lucky enough to find a brave pest community with regard to the fate Pole willing to accept the risk of hiding 22 Fitzjohn's Avenue, of those deported. I can, however, shed them. London NWS SNB some light on events in Poland that But to openly pass for a non-Jew, as Tel: 020 7435 5351 have a bearing on this matter he refers to, was quite another matter, Fax: 020 7435 8881 Contrary to what was believed in at least in Poland. For that you needed Budapest, the Warsaw Ghetto revolt certain things in your favour: a Slavic was not triggered by news of the death appearance; the ability to speak Polish camps - the fighters had known of without a Yiddish accent and manner­ Treblinka for some time. Nor was the isms that many had; and the need to destruction of the Ghetto a result of the be in possession of good Aryan' papers, revolt - that was inevitable. The fighters though these would not stand up to J^ JACKMAN • rose up when the Germans mounted Gestapo scrutiny. One also had to con­ their final assault on what was left of tend with blackmailers - shmaltzovniks ^*-^ SILVERMAN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS the Ghetto. The assault was timed for - who roamed the streets: Poles had a 19 April 1943 to coincide with the first bent for sniffing out Jews. And finally day of Passover you needed money, and not least the Moreover, the epic revolt was not guts, to pull it off. But ail this would not about saving lives. Though armed, the suffice in the case of males - they fighters were powerless to do that. By carried their inescapable identity on this time, they were few in number and them. were resolved to go down fighting in The Ghetto revolt was the first general order to save their dignity and the uprising in Europe. It set the tone for honour of the Jewish people. It was the the Poles the following year, when they Telephone: 020 7209 5532 first revolt since Roman times and their timed their uprising to the Red Army's [email protected] heroism inspired the founding of a reaching the gates of Warsaw on 1 state! Poorly armed, the Ghetto fighters August 1944. This was not-out of held out for over four weeks and only a desperation, as in the case of the Jews, handful escaped through the sewers; but recklessness, the intention being to AUSTRIAN and GERMAN the rest perished. Furthermore, Adam keep the Russians out of the capital. It Czerniakow, the Warsaw Judenrat chief, ended in disaster for the inhabitants, PENSIONS did not commit suicide 'at the first including Jews, who lost their cover request to hand over his brethren' as As luck would have it, on hearing PROPERTY stated. He did yield to Nazi demands artillery fire my sister and I, posing as RESTITUTION CLAIMS but, on realising he could not sate their non-Jews, set out for Warsaw to EAST GERMANY - BERLIN appetite for more and more victims, he celebrate, believing liberation was just took his own life. The last entry in his hours away. Unfortunately, the uprising On instructions our office will diary reads: They demand that I kill the began that very day and we were assist to deal with your children of my nation with my own caught up in the inferno, unable to applications and pursue the hands. There is nothing left for me but return to my safe house. The Red Army matter with the authorities to die.' halted its offensive on realising the For further information M. D. Spiro suggests the Ghetto uprising was staged by nationalists and an appointment inmates could have disappeared into strongly opposed to them and let the please contact: the general population, affording them Germans put it down with a savage a much better chance of survival than vengeance. This prolonged the war for ICS CLAIMS staging revolts. I cannot always tell us by almost six months as we found 707 High Road, Finchley whether he is referring to Hungary or ourselves on the wrong side of the London N12 OBT Poland. The two were different. Poland Vistula, with the Russians on the was one of the worst places for a Jew opposite bank. The delay enabled the Tel: 020 8492 0555 to find himself in. And, contrary to what Nazis to stoke the ovens of Auschwitz Fax: 020 8348 4959 was implied, many did run in different until January 1945. Email: [email protected] directions, but few survived. Rubin Katz AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

AJR Annual Report 2008

Highlights of the year for their help in collecting names for that total, we have made some 1,500 grants In 2008 we commemorated the 70th organisation's archives. We hope to for emergency purposes. We are pleased anniversary of two historical events which arrange further holidays for our members. to acknowledge the funding from the continue to resonate today with many of Claims Conference, which has materially our members. In reaction to the events Personnel and membership improved the lives of so many of our on Kristallnacht, the British Government After a brief tenure as Head of Social members with the greatest needs. agreed to admit into this country 10,000 Services, Maisie Holland was replaced by There are also 350 survivors and unaccompanied children from Nazi- Sue Kurlander, who started work in refugees in receipt of Homecare grants occupied Europe. October. Sue previously worked for with a total cost of £882,000 during the In November last year, the Kinder- Jewish Care and for Jewish Family year The Homecare programme enables transport Committee organised the Services in the United States. She has the AJR to help maintain clients in their Celebration to commemorate the 70th many years' experience of working in own homes for as long as possible. anniversary of the British Government's social services. Additionally, we are pleased to have decision to admit the Kinder and we were Pritika Raghwani joined the AJR in paid through our Self Aid scheme delighted to welcome HRH The Prince of August as an additional book-keeper to £544,505 to 206 members with the Wales as the guest of honour assist with the increasing work of the busy greatest need during 2008. This included Hosted by JFS, the day-long event finance department. an increase in the monthly allowance of featured speeches from luminaries such At the end of 2008 the total member­ an equivalent of £10 per week over 2007. as the Chief Rabbi, Lord Janner, Lord ship of the AJR was 3,137, including 144 Attenborough and the Home Office Min­ new members. Approximately one-quar­ Regional groups and ister, the Rt. Hon. Tony McNulty MP. The ter of those who enrolled last year identify regional get-togethers event also included a klezmer band and a themselves as 'Second Generation', while The year 2008 marked ten years of panel discussion with Bertha Leverton, our regional groups programme contin­ developing the regional groups. Myrna, Edwina Currie, Lord Alfred Dubs, Lady ues to help us attract many new members. Susanne, Hazel and Esther, the group co­ Jakobovits and Linda Rosenblatt repre­ ordinators, together with Susan Harrod, senting World Jewish Relief. Social and welfare services the groups' administrator, have continued Sir Martin Gilbert gave the keynote Our dedicated team of social workers to enable members to participate in a address. The British Government, the continues to provide sound advice and variety of meetings, outings and other British People and the Kinder', and recalled support with a range of social and welfare events. his visit to Lady Thatcher to discuss her services for those of our members in need We currently have 43 regional groups, recollections of the Jewish girl to whom throughout the country. with around 16 meetings most months. she and her family gave a home in 1939. As well as making assessments for a Many of the out-of-town gatherings The commemoration also featured a number of programmes to assist those consist of both lunch and a speaker In presentation from former Kindertransport members with limited means, the social November last year alone, 21 meetings Chairman Hermann Hirschberger, who work team liaises with local authorities were organised and were attended by 429 gave a summarised report on the Kinder and works closely with colleagues from members. archive, featuring research data about the other organisations serving Holocaust Outings included visits to the Wiener Kinder, their experiences before and after survivors and refugees to exchange ideas, Library, Kew Gardens, Hatfield House and the Second World War, and their share clients and plan the provision of Bletchley Park. Theatre trips included contribution to life in Britain. future services. Winton's Children (where members We repeated our three-day visit to The social work team are also in actually met Sir Nicholas Winton and London, this time for members from the constant contact with colleagues working Esther Rantzen), Gone with the Wind, Gigi South of England, and were delighted to at the AJR Centre, on the regional groups in Regents Park, and Stealing Klimt as part welcome Baroness Rabbi Julia Neuberger programme, and at the Claims Office to of the Jewish Film Festival. as our guest speaker at a dinner at the continue to identify and assist any member The new groups set up this year were Belsize Square Synagogue. The visit who may be in need of our services. Temple Fortune (February 2008) and the included trips to the theatre and museums The social workers also make appli­ Cafe Imperial group for AJR members who and a tour of London's East End. cations to a number of programmes are veterans of the armed forces during The Annual Tea was held at the Hilton administered by the Claims Conference the Second World War Hotel in Watford in September Once with monies negotiated from, among In July 150 members from groups again, it was a great success with 400 others, the German and Austrian govern­ throughout London met for another members attending a delightful event. ments, the Swiss banks, and European regional get-together at Radlett, when we The Garden Party, with Glenys Groves and insurance companies. We also receive an were fortunate to have Esther Rantzen as colleagues from the Royal Opera House, allocation from the Hungarian Gold Train our guest speaker entertained members with 'Favourite Settlement. We were delighted to welcome Anita Operettas with Gypsy Violin'. Parmar from the Holocaust Educational In March the AJR took members from Financial assistance Trust as the guest speaker at our Scotland all over the country to Israel for the first The AJR, as the lead agency for the Claims and Newcastle get-together in Edinburgh time. This was a very successful holiday. Conference in the UK, is responsible for in July. Anita gave an overview of the Members were kept busy enjoying all the distributing grants which for 2008 Trust's work devising teaching materials sights of Israel and had free time to meet totalled a record of just over $3m. The and working with teachers and pupils in up with their families. At Yad Vashem a funds are paid to clients of five charities schools throughout the country, their special presentation was made to theAJR and administered from our offices. In ground-breaking Lessons from Auschwitz AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009 programme, and their BAFTA award- volunteers contact us via the JVN website. to be very popular, as is the loyal winning DVD Recollections. Both the AJR Centre and our regional chiropodist, while the clothes sale still Suzanne Bardgett, Curator of the groups continue to be supported by proves successful. Holocaust Exhibition at the Imperial War enthusiastic volunteers and we have a We welcomed a group of members for Museum London, gave a presentation on new partnership with Hasmonean Girls lunch as part of their three-day visit to the impact of the Exhibition at the School in which some of their sixth- London which was enjoyed immensely Northern groups gathering in Manchester formers offer a manicure service at the and, for the first time, we introduced a in August. AJR Centre. pre-Seder Lunch which was very well Overall attendances for group meetings At the offices in Stanmore we are attended. The year ended with a Kinder- rose again last year and approximately fortunate to have volunteers who offer transport Chanukah Tea Party, and a lunch 40 per cent of our members attended at invaluable administrative support as well party for the rest of our members. least one regional group meeting in as support with the translation of We use a local mini-cab company 2008. documents. extensively. We are bringing in and taking home many more of our Holidays AJR Journal members, as they are now less mobile. The AJR holidays are still proving to be The AJR Journal maintained its blend of The year 2008 saw more members very successful. There was one Northern regular features, including historically- requiring our meals-on-wheels service holiday arranged in St Annes-on-Sea oriented leading articles, correspondence and we obtained compartmentalised where members from Glasgow, Newcastle, columns, reviews (books, cinema, theatre, containers which are much easier for our Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, exhibitions, music), group reports, and members to handle. Hull and London enjoyed a relaxing week. the Letter from Israel column. The holiday-makers were joined by In thought-provoking leading articles. Kindertransport members from the Northern groups during Consultant Editor Dr Anthony Grenville As well as organising the 70th anniver­ the week to enjoy a day out in St Annes. tackled a variety of political and cultural sary Celebration, the Kindertransport There were also annual trips - to subjects relevant to readers' lives and Committee continued to produce the ever Bournemouth in July and Eastbourne in experience. An article which evoked an popular Newsletter. The Kinder continued October - where members enjoyed very exceptional response was '"Underpaid, to sell out their monthly luncheon meet­ full weeks with entertainment, trips to the Underfed and Overworked": Refugees in ings - including those with guest speakers theatre, and outings to local places of Domestic Service'. - at the AJR Centre as well as the special interest. The correspondence columns were as Chanukah Party. lively as ever As previously, the subject of Central Office for Refugee Voices and Holocaust Claims the Middle East conflict provoked the most passionate debate. education The Claims Office assisted with enquiries Gloria Tessler's Art Notes column was Agreements were reached with the following Hermann Hirschberger's as always authoritative, while Dorothea Memorial de la Shoah in Paris and the successful campaign for the improvement Shefer-Vanson's Letter from Israel pre­ Wiener Library for them to acquire of pensions paid to certain Kinder sented a fascinating everyday perspective Refugee Voices, the AJR's audio-video Advice and assistance were also given of life in that country. Holocaust testimony collection. Informa­ on payments from the Austrian General Occasional contributor Peter Phillips tion about the archive was circulated to Settlement Fund and the Euro 100m Fund had the knack of raising provocative institutions both in the UK and abroad created by the German Government to subjects such as 'God on Trial'. Humour and Michael Newman delivered presen­ make gesture payments to Holocaust too was well represented - predominantly tations about the project at meetings of survivors who worked in ghettos. in recollections by Victor Ross. the Task Force for International Co­ Although the deadlines for most Poignant memoirs by readers were also operation on Holocaust Education, compensation and restitution pro­ a popular feature. A special anniversary, Remembrance and Research. grammes have expired, the Claims Office covered in depth, was November's The AJR Charitable Trust (AJRCT) con­ continues to help with enquiries on Kindertransport Celebration. tinued its support of the AJR Holocaust pensions, dormant bank accounts, out­ Memorial Books, giving a grant towards standing insurance policies and lost the production of the South Yorkshire and properties. AJR Centre The Centre continues to serve freshly The Midlands book, the fifth publication Volunteers prepared, three-course kosher lunches alongside editions for Manchester, Liver­ Volunteers continue to play an important three days a week and to provide a range pool, Leeds and Newcastle. role in the life of the AJR. During the past of entertainment for our members. The AJRCT also gave a grant towards year befrienders have continued to visit As well as preparing the Tea at the Yad Vashem's annual Yom Hashoah our more isolated and lonely members, Belsize Square Synagogue to commemo­ commemoration and supported events to offering them company and support. We rate Holocaust Memorial Day, the Centre commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. have also consolidated our association held coffee mornings before the Israel, Despite a membership with an average with Action Reconciliation Service for Eastbourne and Bournemouth holidays, age of 85 we continue to be a thriving Peace, arranging for four students from while the Luncheon Club and Kinder organisation, assisting our members Poland and Germany to act as befrienders Lunches continued to be well attended. throughout the country as well as for our members. We were delighted to welcome two attracting many new members. Our AJR are very fortunate to have so many speech therapy students from University dedicated staff continue to demonstrate loyal volunteers. Over 15 per cent of our College London who spent three months their commitment to ensuring that we are befrienders have been visiting for over ten with us as part of their course, as well as able to provide for our members in order years and a further 20 per cent for over a German and a Norwegian student to that they may enjoy a more comfortable five years. We continue to attract work with us. life. volunteers through our members but, We introduced a music and movement Andrew Kaufman since the inception of the Jewish class and a new exercise class together Chairman, Association of Volunteer Network (JVN), half of our new with our keep fit class, which is proving Jewish Refugees AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

Report of the Treasurer 2008 Finance Report p- he year 2008 has been a very LILY FREEMAN AJR - Income and Expenditure Account difficult one financially for the AJR. invites all her friends to the Year ended 31st December 2008 TWe have been affected, as have so opening of her exhibition many other institutions and investors, by Income: 2008 2007 'HAPPY PAINTINGS' the world financial crisis. For us, that £ £ £ £ in Oils and Water Colours means that not only have we made Membership/Donations 7 May - 6-8.30 pm significant losses on our investment and Legacies 78,600 84,456 portfolio despite the best efforts of our Other 4.410 5.323 at Hampstead Museum, Burgh investment managers, but, equally 83.010 89.779 House, New End Square, importantly, our income from our liquid Less: London NW3 resources has fallen. That is because Overhead Expenses until 17 May inclusive, 12-5 pm interest rates were falling throughout Salar>' Costs 56,691 66,872 .\JR Joumal 52,704 54,487 Saturday by appointment 2008 and we are continuing to suffer .^dministration/Decredation 52.432 27,186 (closed Sundays and Tuesdayi from a further fall in 2009. Whilst the 161.827 146.545 k^ ii reduction in the value of our investments (Deficit)/Surplus: -78,817 -56,766 has no significant impact on our income, the fall in interest rates has an immediate Summary of Balance Sheet ^ HOLIDAY FOR effect on what we have to spend on our at 31st December 2008 NORTHERN MEMBERS welfare and other programmes. 2008 2007 Sunday 12 luly 2009- On a brighter note, our receipts from £ £ Sunday 19 luly 2009 the Claims Conference - both on its own Current Assets 88,047 167,316 behalf and as distributor of funds on Less: Current Liabilities 1.996 2.448 INN ON THE PROM behalf of various bodies and governments 86,051 164,868 (formerly known as THE FERNLEA HOTEL) for the assistance of Holocaust survivors 11/17 South Promenade. St Annes and refugees - have been maintained and Represented by: Tel 01253 726 726 even increased, and we have benefited General Fund 164,868 221.634 The cost, including further from the fall in the value of Net deficiency for the year •78,817 -56,766 Dinner. Bed and Breaiefast, 86.051 164.868 sterling against US dollars and euros in is £530 per person The hotel charges a supplement per which these receipts are denominated. David Rothenberg. Hon. Treasurer 01/04/2009 room for sea view or deluxe room These funds are received via the Book early to avoid disappointment Umbrella Group on which we are AJR CHARITABLE TRUST Booking form - contact represented and on which bodies acting Ruth Finestone on PAUL BALINT AJR DAY CENTRE V 020 8385 3070 - 07957 665468 y- across the entire spectrum of Jewish life Siunmary figiu-e for the year ended in Britain work harmoniously together 31st December 2008 Despite our financial setbacks, we have 2008 2007 been able to maintain, and in many cases Income: £ £ £ £ JEWISH increase, the assistance we can give to our Takings Day Centre needy members. Our object is to ensure and meals-on-wheels 80,858 74,871 MySEUM that refugees and their dependants can Less outgoings: LONDON live in dignity and comfort. We are still Salaries 93,753 96,666 Volunteer your time - finding individuals and their families Catering costs 190,285 178,497 bring Jewish history to life throughout Britain who qualify for such Sundry expenses 81.904 365.942 93,843 369.006 This autumn sees the relaunch of the help. Our thanks particulady to those far- Jewish Museum London after a fgm flung regional groups who have been Deficit funded from Charitable Trust 285.084 294.135 building project. Volunteers will help us active in bringing the AJR to the attention provide visitors with the best possible of those who previously were unaware of AJR CHARITABLE TRUST - experience. our existence. It is thanks to the work of Summary Income and Expenditure Accoimts Our visitors really value hearing firsthand Michael Newman, who has organised Year ended 31st December 2008 experiences and it would be great for AJR these groups, and our loyal and hard­ 2008 2007 members to be stewards In our religion, working social workers that our welfare Income: history and Holocaust galleries. You will work continues to be ofthe highest stand­ (;ift Aid/Donations/ have the opportunity to meet visitors in ard. We are grateful to all of them not only Claims Conference 710,630 527,190 an informal and personal way and would on our own behalf but also on behalf of Investment income 632.818 644,124 be ideal ambassadors of the museum. our many members for whom they care. Sheltered housing 29.246 35,145 For information contact Where members are considering 1,372,694 1,206,459 [email protected] making a new will, I would ask you please or telephone 8371 7361. Legacies 607.001 1.180.090 to consider a legacy to the AJR Charitable 1.979.695 2,386.549 Trust. We give special thanks to those of Less outgoings: our members who have already provided Day Centre 285,084 294,135 WANTED TO BUY such legacies to us in their wills. These Self Aid, Homecare an( German and are (apart from our investment income) the Emergency Grants 1,008,253 849,256 main source of the money without which Other organisations 283,072 243,390 English Books we could not carry on with our vital work. Administration/Depreciation 1,069.966 1,072.982 Bookdealer, AJR member, 2.646.375 2,459.763 I want particularly to commend the welcomes invitations to view efforts of all our staff, and my special thanks and purchase valuable books. to Gordon Greenfield who has done an Surplus/'-Deficiency on realised Robert Hornung excellent job as Director of Finance. and unrealised investments -3,851,085 114,875 Net Movement in Fund s -673.209 7.681 10MountView,Ealmg, London W5 IPR ^ David Rothenberg, Treasurer, -4.524.294 122.556 Email: [email protected] Association of Jewish Refugees Tel: 020 8998 0546 AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

friend in London and when, after myfirst year at an English school, arrangements were made for me to transfer to Scotland, The Editor reserves the right where my parents had arrived in the meantime, I was invited to two of their to shorten correspondence summer camps. I made good friends submitted for publication among the Guides in various places where I came to live and they were helpful in enabling me to integrate. Eva Frean, London N3 'GOD ON TRIAL' church would have led to an uncontrolla­ 'UNDERPAID, UNDERFED AND Sir - Mrs Stern's explanation (April) as to ble situation, to chaos, is thus significant. OVERWORKED'? why 'Orthodox rabbis don't want to share Jurgen Schwiening Sir - 'Underpaid, underfed and a platform' with Progressive rabbis evoked Market Bosworth, Warwickshire overworked'? Indeed. Your series of articles a minute of anger, then one of incredulity recently highlighted the plight of refugee Sir - In his patient and fair discussion of and finally pity. Perhaps such ignorance girls. What about the boys? The Reader, Anthony Grenville omits one and venom that she displays would be They were often equally underfed, of its crucial and, unfortunately, winning better marked by silence, yet I feel com­ religiously brainwashed and shamefully ingredients - its element of soft-porn, for pelled to respond. neglected and left to their own devices instance near the beginning of the book, For over 60 years I have been privileged when looking for some modicum of when Hanna Schmitz bathes the young boy. to know many rabbis from Orthodox and education, training or work. The little 'Blue This combination of soft-porn and the Holo­ Progressive communities, but never any Book' given to us on arrival in this country caust makes the book particularly offensive. who 'don't believe in anything, not even by the Refugees Committee left little doubt Nicholas Jacobs, London NWS in G-d'. As to converting 'non-Jews', I as to our future prospects in this country: cannot envisage how one can convert to 'One of the cares of the Jewish SIR NICHOLAS WINTON - THE Judaism someone who is already a Jew Committee will be the training of young HISTORICAL RECORD unless it be from gas to electricity. As the people for occupations useful to them, and Sir - I do not want to get into a slanging Board of Deputies of British Jews person their neighbours, overseas. The training match with Bea Green over her letter currently charged with furthering will be mainly: For boys - Agriculture and regarding Sir Nicholas Winton (December interfaith relations, I would hope, and Handicrafts; For girls - Nursing and 2008). However, I must repeat that I found even pray, that Jews from every 'branch' Domestic Service.' her remarks highly derogatory towards would have, and show, respect for each 'Please do not expect these young him and so did all those with whom I other's perception of their heritage. Cer­ people to be trained as doctors, dentists, discussed them. I am therefore delighted tainly, Hitler and every anti-Semite would lawyers, professors, etc ...' to hear (April 2009) that she intended to not regard their differing points of view 'The example of Palestine shows what praise him. Tom Schrecker as a hindrance to persecution. miracles manual labour can accomplish ...' Val d'Isere, France Yes, there are fundamental differences The intention of the Jewish Refugees between Orthodox and Progressive Jews. Committee was clear enough. They TRIBUTE TO THE GIRL GUIDES An agreement to share a platform does intended us to be a compliant 'Lumpen­ Sir - It may not be generally known that not imply that those who do so agree proletariat' for use overseas - Palestine was the Girl Guides were also involved in with others on that platform. It does, how­ as good as any destination as long as we bringing Jewish children to England. I was ever, presume a preparedness to share did not remain in this country to cause one of the lucky ones they helped, though views, to learn from each other, in friend­ them embarrassment or expense. I don't know of any others. Because I had ship and with tolerance. Such Is surely the £ G. Kolman, Greenford, Middx been a guide in Vienna my mother right road to our survival as Jews, just as approached the Girl Guides Association those of all faiths and beliefs talking with REREADING THE READER in London to help find a home for me. each other holds the key for all of us to Sir - My own rereading of The Reader has They were able to find the most wonderful live together in harmony and peace. led me to believe that Hanna's illiteracy foster-mother. The situation was perfect: I cannot claim that what I have written is symbolic of the inability of many of her they lived in the vicinity of the Quaker are the words of G-d. But I do believe that generation to 'read' the signs of the Nazi school where my brother had just arrived such would be His will, and would ask times and indeed to face up to their past. as a boarder and I would be able to go to your correspondent to take a deep breath Through the court's judgement she is not the same school as a day-girl. and heed them. a victim of a miscarriage of justice but of At the age of 13,1 was sent to England Jack Lynes, Pinner, Middx her own shortcomings and failings. Far on my own on the assumption that the from being exculpated, she is shown as a Guides would take care of me - which in­ Sir - 'Shallow', 'callous', 'muddled', 'ill- morally weak supporter and collaborator deed they did. On arrival at Victoria, I was informed' - that's what Mrs M. Stern called who became guilty due to her met by one of their senior officers, who me in her letter in your April edition. generation's 'lack of human orientation', took me to stay at the house of one of her Coming from her, I consider these words as Ralph Giordano put it. She is morally, colleagues, where I stayed the first two compliments. She continued in her diatribe as well as linguistically, illiterate. days. So keen to be helpful, they insisted to say that 'Progressive "rabbis" ... don't Hanna's obsession with cleanliness and on showing me some of the sights of believe in anything, not even in G-d', that orderliness is notjust a personal trait. The London before dispatching me to Middles­ they 'convert non-Jews left, right and ridding of Germany of the 'contaminants' borough, my final destination, in the care centre to their pseudo-religion', and that - Jews, Gypsies, the incurably sick, the of a kind Jewish lady who appeared to it is 'No wonder Orthodox rabbis don't work-shy and a-social, liberals, democrats, know about other refugee children. want to share a platform with them.' Mrs. communists, pacifists, socialists, intellec­ The Guides Association continued to Stern, you are very biased, and that is the tuals, etc - was a measure of hygiene, a take an interest in me, provided me with nicest word I can call you. I am sorry to cleansing action, an attempt to bring regular pocket money, and sent me very belong - in theory if not in practice - to about strength through homogeneity, nice presents at Christmas and on my the same religion as you. order, discipline and certainty. Her com­ birthday. I remained in regular contact Peter Phillips, Loudwater, Herts ment that the release of the people in the with one of them. They found me a pen- I continued overleafl AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

More Peace, in which the dictator of I.KTTKKS continued under red and white flags to realise that Dunkelstein, Cain, appeals to the racism disappearance on any scale was not a of the population, calling for purity of practical proposition. 'ANTI-ISRAEL STANCE' OF blood and forbidding marriage with for­ Rather than try to attach blame for GOVERNMENT eigners. Like Hitler, he does not need to these past tragic events, may I suggest it Sir - Why all the surprise at the govern­ force his will on his people: they willingly would be more productive to consider ment's anti-Israel actions and stance support his policies. Toller is, of course, ways in which we can prevent a recurrence, Uewish Chronicle. 27 March)? There is an foretelling Hitler's rise to power and the something which becomes ever more likely election to come in the near future and eventual Holocaust. This play was pro­ with deteriorating economic conditions? the Prime Minister and his government duced in the West End, where it was a Undoubtedly the 'new' Jew described by know there are very many Muslim votes failure. It was time to leave Britain. In Mr Levy of Wembley (same issue) will help, out there to be garnered. Incompetent 1936 he went to America, where he was but could we try to add to this? they may be - but stupid they are not. By even less successful and where he com­ George Donath, London SWl taking an anti-Israel (and, by definition, mitted suicide. There is no plaque on an anti-Semitic) stance, they are more 1 Lambolle Road, Hampstead, to com­ STOLPERSTEINE UNEASE likely to persuade these people to vote memorate the fact that Toller lived there. Sir - I appreciate the feelings of Walter for them. All this while paying lip service Dr Andras Herskovits, London WS Wolff (March) but I object to his conde­ to being concerned for the safety and scending reference to a 'small band of welfare of the Jewish population of the 'THE KING S OWN LOYAL ENEMY well-meaning people'. UK. If it were not so sad and serious it ALIENS' I was fortunate enough to leave my would make me laugh! Sir - In recent reviews Dr Helen Fry has home town, Stuttgart, early enough Mrs E. Holden, London N14 rightly been praised for her literary (1936) so as not to qualify for a Stolper­ output, but, if it is suggested that she was stein, but when I was there last November 'FAILURE OF A REVOLUTION' the first to write at length about the I was shown some of the Stolpersteine Sir- I enjoyed Anthony Grenville's article contribution of German and Austrian by one of the local organisers of the 'Failure of a Revolution' (March), in which refugees in the British forces, that is hardly project. I was deeply impressed by the he skilfully traces the history of German fair. The term KOLEA (the 'Kings Own sensitivity and understanding shown by and Austrian Social Democracy and their Loyal Enemy Aliens') was, I think, coined this guide, and his collaborators, towards links with England. I would like to draw by the late Peter Leighton-Langer, whose the probable feelings of the unfortunate attention to an interesting and important important work on the subject appeared people commemorated in this way and figure, Ernst Toller, an ardent socialist who in Germany in 1999. The first English work their descendants. To my mind, a Stolper­ also had to flee from Germany in 1934 on the subject was probably a book by stein in front of the house where my and lived in London for nearly three years. Professor Norman Bentwich, / Understand fellow-citizens - people like you and me Toller was a famous German-Jewish the Risk, which appeared in 1950. - lived is the best possible way of ensur­ dramatist whose work achieved a popu­ Francis Steiner, ing that they are not forgotten. Yes, walk larity almost unprecedented in England Deddington, Oxfordshire over these tablets, and perhaps every so for a German writer. His autobiography often a passer-by will stumble a bit, read appeared in English translation and was the inscription and remember what hap­ reviewed in publications such as The SUPPING WITH THE DEVIL Sir - I refer to Mr Spiro's letter in your pened there in the dark time of the Nazis. Times Literary Supplement and the New I was much moved by the sight of these Statesman. He engaged in public debate March issue. I don't hold a brief for Samu Stern, but to make him responsible for memorials and am grateful to the people with H. G. Wells and was translated by involved - no longer a 'small band' - in W. H. Auden. In short, he was soon the loss of thousands of lives, I find somewhat wide of the mark. setting them up in ever more towns, in scarcely less of a celebrity than he had Germany and beyond. been in Germany, where he was con­ Stern was appointed head of the Juden­ Professor Ernst Sondheimer demned to a lengthy prison sentence for rat in Budapest by the Germans. Some London N6 having been the commander-in-chief of four-fifths of Budapest Jews survived the the short-lived Bavarian Soviet Republic. Holocaust. This may not have been Stern's DER HUND MIT DER WURST doing, but he could claim credit for help­ Toller spoke also on literary subjects. Sir - In last month's issue, my sister, Marion ing to achieve a higher survival rate than In a lecture at Manchester University on Goldwater, remembered my father's words was the case elsewhere. Taking his own 'The German Theatre Today', he discussed to the 'Anvil Chorus'. I have another version life would hardly have helped anybody. the stylistic innovations of Expressionism which he sang: 'Wie kommt Spinat auf's and the opposition by right-wing political I am afraid we cannot get away from Dach, die Kuh kann doch nicht fliegen' ideology which denounced all modern the fact that those of us, even teenagers, (usw). He was obviously a prolific poet. experiments as cultural Bolshevism. who were not blinded by misguided Hans Danziger, London W4 The time Toller spent in Britain was Hungarian patriotism knew sufficiently crucial for the development of his politi­ well what going to a 'humanitarian labour WISDOM OF THE SAGES cal views, in particular on socialism, camp' meant and those who did not want Sir - The wisdom and perspicacity of our pacifism and the 'Jewish question'. His to believe the evidence of thousands of sages is legendary and the tradition revolutionary experience in Germany Eastern refugees - or, more likely, thought continues unabated. Here is an example taught him that force was inevitable, that they were superior - were unlikely to have sent to me by a reliable informant from pacifism was incompatible with political been convinced by Stern's - or anybody California. action to defend freedom. Admitting the else's - words. Their rabbi was opening his mail one inadequacy of socialism, the eponymous As a practical point, it would have morning. Taking a single sheet of paper hero of Hinkemann, a symbol of the Jew, required one-half of all Hungarian gentile from an envelope, he found written on it rejected by society, says this to himself in families to take in one Jew each to save only one word: 'shmuck'. At the next a visionary Expressionistic interlude: 'You all the Jews in Hungary. Before Kasztner Friday night service the rabbi announced: have always suffered, in every society, in rescued me and my family, we twice stood 'I have known many people who have every age and, marked by a dark fate, you at night on a street corner waiting for written letters and forgotten to sign will still have to suffer even when, in some 'friends', who took our money, to take us them, but this week I received a letter bright future, a socialist society has been in, only to have to slink back to our ghetto from someone who signed his name ... established.' house at day-break. One only has to and forgot to write the letter!' While in England, Toller also wrote No 'enjoy' a current Budapest demonstration Frank Bright, Ipswich AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

enough to be a kiddush cup. The highly decorated silver and enamel brooches are typical mediaeval ornamentation with REVIEWS garnet from India, sapphires from Ceylon, 'Grande Dame of Austrian NOTES turquoise and pearls. There are belts, chains literature' Gloria Tessler and cosmetic bottles and amulets used as Jewish symbols, such as the half-moon and THE DARK AND THE BRIGHT: star. Several examples of heraldic symbols MEMOIRS, 1911-1989 he Black Death destroyed one-third include associations with eagles, lions and by Hilde Spiel of Europe's population in the leopards. Riverside, CA: Ariadne Press, 2007, Tfourteenth century, but for surviving The coinage and silverware indicate a 444 pp. paper; translated and with an Jews a further tragedy loomed. In town after thriving and diverse economy in which Jews introduction by Christine Shuttleworth town across mediaeval Europe, the local were protected in exchange for taxes. Some he Austrian writer Hilde Spiel became populace tumed on them, accusing them of treasures may have been used as financial a legend in her own lifetime, dubbed bringing on the plague by poisoning the pledges. The remains of the Erfurt syna­ Tthe 'Grande Dame of Austrian wells and water sources. The terrified Jews gogue, once the site of a Nazi dance hall, literature' {Neue Zurcher Zeitung). In fact, hid their precious belongings before fleeing will now be a museum and the treasures her life was typical of the displaced the pogroms that followed. One thousand will shortly return there in a permanent intellectual of the twentieth century. Born in Vienna to well-to-do Jewish parents, were killed on one day alone, 2 March 1349, display. she emigrated even before the Anschluss, in the German town of Erfurt. Van Dyck and Britain at Tate Britain arriving in London, together with her (until 17 May) explores the seventeenth- husband, Peter de Mendelssohn, in century Flemish artist's influence on British autumn 1936; while revisiting her native culture, an influence due mainly to his Vienna frequently in the post-war years, patron, Charles 1. Anthony Van Dyck, she returned permanently only in 1963. known for his equestrian paintings of the During some 25 years of emigration she king, was an early devotee of Italian artists created an impressive oeuvre, including like Titian and introduced that southern novels such as Flute and Drums and The energy into royal portraiture. Fantasy, role Fruits of Prosperity (originally written in English), a biography of Fanny von play and allegory lent renewed vigour to the Arnstein, literary essays and critical works old sterile court jjortraiture, while retaining as well as numerous translations from the puritanism that would break out in the English. Her memoirs were first published Civil War. in German in two parts in 1989-90; her In these court paintings, Van Dyck translator (her British-born and educated captures the sumptuous costumes with a daughter) has combined the two volumes sensuality that vies with the tight-lipped, into one, but omitted nothing of note. hollow-eyed expressions of their wearers; the Spiel's memoirs have a European women particularly appear sexless and sweep. She moves easily between English Jewish wedding ring First half of fourteenth puritanical. Charles knighted him and gave and Austro-German culture, without century, gold. Courtesy of The Wallace losing her footing in either. She is an Collection. Pic © Erfurt treasure, TIDA him rooms at court. In retum, he was expected acute observer, revealing a keen sense of to provide the public face of divine mle and to place and of the time that defines it. Her In 1998, in the course of building work, present a cosy picture of royal life. evocation of the Vienna of the 'Stande- an exceptional hoard of some 600 items of It was far from the truth. Relations staat'Ctime of contradictions'), her mediaeval gold and silver was excavated between king and parliament were on the impressions of wartime London and her near the eleventh-century synagogue in the brink of collapse. Yet in one equestrian encounter with occupied Berlin in 1946- old Jewish quarter of Erfurt. Now these painting the king wears an other-worldly 48 - all evoke a unique historical items can be seen at the Wallace expression, while his footman gazes up at moment. Collection exhibition Treasures of the him in beatific awe. The sorrowful, aquiline There are also impressions of the Black Death (until 10 May). These stracture of the king's face is surely one of English literary world she aspired to join. poignant and personal pieces are shown our most enduring royal images. In 1937 she joined the PEN Club - an English institution neglected by the wath other jewellery, unearthed in thejewish There is a touching portrait of Charles II quarter of Colmar, France, in 1863. English but highly valued by literary as a child wearing a suit of shining armour. emigres, to whom it offered friendship, The most exciting of the items are three Van Dyck pre-deceased his patron by eight assistance 'and something that came earliest known Jewish wedding rings, deco­ years, but it was left to his successor, Peter close to a feeling of being at home'. PEN rated in the form of miniature houses, Lely, to convey the more relaxed court of introduced her to Naomi Mitchison, symbolic of both the marital home and the Charles II. The work of later artists, such as Storm Jameson and Henrietta Leslie, who Temple. Given as ritual wedding gifts by Thomas Gainsborough and John Singer became a great friend. She also describes the bridegroom to the bride, they are Sargent, proves the enduring influence of her contacts with other literary notables inscribed with the word 'Mazaltov' and Van Dyck's formal portraiture. such as Cyril Connolly, V. S. Pritchett and, claimed to be the only surviving Jewish above all, Kingsley Martin, editor of the wedding rings from mediaeval times. One New Statesman, to which she became a regular contributor. is engraved gold opaque and translucent enamel. Another has a tiny bell (which Annely Juda Fine Art Spiel has the ability to isolate the personal moment which reveals the rings!) and a single padlock. The craftsman­ 23 Dering Street (off New Bond Street) Tel: 020 7629 7578 Fax: 020 7491 2139 Zeitgeist in a way that the historian can­ ship is stxinning in detail and delicacy. CONTEMPORARY PAINTING not. Visiting Kingsley Martin's home in There are double cups used in wedding AND SCULPTURE 1945, they heard on the radio that the ceremonies and several goblets, one tiny I continued overleaf I AJR JOURNAL MAY 2009

narrative, which I highly recommend as a REVIEWS conf from page 9 thrilling read. The book contains many family photographs, including the famous Americans had dropped the atomic bomb completes his legal studies and marries one of Sigmund with two of his sons in on Hiroshima. Realising that this meant Esti Drucker, the daughter of a wealthy the uniform of the Austrian army. the end of the war, Martin observed: 'I Jewish businessman. The marriage is a Martha Blend expect you will go back to your own troubled one due to Esti's volatile country now,' voicing a general assump­ temperament, but they have two children: tion, but shattering her private illusion of Walter and Sophie. assimilating into the English world. How­ Meanwhile in Austria, political storm Invaluable personal testimony ever, it was as a correspondent for the clouds are gathering. Sigmund refuses to HIS MAJESTY'S LOYAL INTERNEE: New Statesman that she first returned to believe in the possibility of the barbarism FRED UHLMAN IN CAPTIVITY Vienna - and experienced the gulf be­ that is to follow. Two of his sons who by Charmian Brinson, Anna Muller- tween those who had emigrated and have located to Germany are more Harlin and Julia Winckler those who had not: 'a chasm [...] that realistic and emigrate to England. Only would never close again.' after repeated raids by the Gestapo and London: Vallentine Mitchell Spiel's translator, her daughter Christine the interrogation of his daughter Anna (www.vmtxx)ks.com), 2008, 166 pp. paper Shuttleworth, who is still resident in by the Nazis is Sigmund persuaded to n the early summer of 1940, nearly London, has served her well. While this leave the country where his great work 30,000 Germans and Austrians living English version is very welcome, it also has been achieved. Iin Britain were interned behind barbed prompts the question: why has it taken The fates of Sigmund's son and grand­ wire in accordance with Churchill's policy 20 years? son are less comfortable. Like many other of 'Collar the lot'. Among them were Richard Dove refugees, Martin is interned as an 'enemy some of Europe's finest brains and artis­ Richard Dove is Emeritus Professor of alien': 'Our sufferings were mental. We tic talent. One such internee was artist German at the University of Greenwich. had no communication with the outside Fred Uhlman, who kept a daily diary of world and no newspapers. We did not life in internment. On 25 June he received know what was going on outside and the a knock on the door from a policeman, a last things we had heard before we were familiar scenario up and down Britain. cut off were discouraging.' Rumours of a Uhlman was taken to a temporary camp A thrilling read Fascist takeover of the government create at Ascot before being transferred to the an atmosphere of despair in the camp - Isle of Man, where he was allocated to FREUDS' WAR but relief when a new camp commander Hutchinson Camp. It was here that he by Helen Fry permits the internees to hear the news of mixed with fellow artists, including Kurt UK: The History Press, 2009, 240 pp. the Battle of Britain. Schwitters and Klaus Hinrichsen, and with hardcover Walter's experiences are even more whom he shared a sense of betrayal at his book, by a gifted historian bizarre. Arrested while taking an exami­ being interned. of the Central European refugee nation, he was shipped to Australia on Now published with a series of articles T community in this country, is not the SS Dunera. As is well known, condi­ and letters. His Majesty's Loyal Internee about Sigmund but about his son, Martin, tions for the 2,000 prisoners on board the reproduces the diary in full and provides and his grandson, Walter Although nei­ troopship were dreadful. Once arrived in a rare glimpse of life in captivity. It also ther changed the intellectual climate like Sidney, conditions improved and the includes his later 1979 memoir, which their illustrious forbear, their adventures camp became a mini-university. In 1941 provides distilled reflections on his in two world wars make life in the Walter returned to England, where he experience in the camp. Fascinating are Berggasse seem almost uneventful. Their joined the Pioneer Corps. the comments Uhlman makes about the letters, printed here in generous extracts, Seeking out more dangerous action, intellectuals he mixed with and their daily give fascinatingly detailed accounts of life Walter joined a unit training for special cultural activities and lectures. at the front in the First World War and of operations behind enemy lines. He was The diary also records the periods of the experience of detainees and combat­ sent on a mission to Austria, which was deep 'sickening depression' which Uhlman ants in the Second World War then still in Nazi hands although the suffered, often characterised by over­ The opening chapter provides a Soviet army was fast approaching. Every­ whelming black clouds. This was deepened glimpse of the lifestyle of the Freud family thing about his parachute drop went by the knowledge that his wife was about in the good times, with Sigmund the wrong and he became isolated from the to give birth to their first child, whom he patriarch and Martha making the rest of his party. But, by sheer bravery did not see until the end of December domestic wheels go round with a and chutzpah, he persuaded the mayor 1940, when he was released. His feelings considerable army of helpers. The story of the town near where he landed to take of despair are captured in the drawings switches to Martin at university, where he him to the airport which was his target. he sketched during his time at already shows bravery in defending There, single-handed, playing on Nazi Hutchinson, some of which are repro­ Jewish students against their anti-Semitic fears of Russian revenge, he persuaded duced as illustrations in the book. There contemporaries, sustaining a physical the commander to surrender the airfield. are glimmers of hope, for example in his injury in the process. Nonetheless, when The final irony was being put up in the sketch 'Untitled, Dance of Death', where war breaks out, Martin doesn't hesitate Nazi officers' mess, where heel-clicking the girl smiles in the face of death and is to join the Austrian army. He describes in and protocol were observed 'as though not afraid. But the fact remains that graphic detail life on the Italian front: 'The the nearest Russian was in Vladivostok, although some of the images of his work whole of the valley of the Piave was a vast not fifty miles away.' He describes how remain deeply disturbing and tragic, the swamp ... In some places men sank up to one by one those present asked to speak book is one of the few surviving personal their necks ... the horses were cannier and to him privately to tell him how much they accounts from that period and as such is simply refused to go when the ground loved the Jews: 'I looked at them in their an invaluable personal testimony and became too soft.' fancy uniforms, trying to smile kindly at record of social history. Following the surrender of the Austrian me and doing their best to imitate an Helen Fry army, Martin ends up a prisoner of the impression of civilisation. They didn't even Dr Fry is the author of The King's Most Italians. He records his weight gain after have the guts to have me shot.' Loyal Enemy Aliens: Germans Who Fought a diet of spaghetti! On his release, he There is much more of interest in this for Britain in the Second World War.

10 AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

-• by '•^ Howard Spier

ocating Lord Peter Eden's home womenswear company. He made and was no problem: the enormous sold bikinis. Business was good. LBentley with its 'PE' registration in In 1959 Peter married for the first his fashionable, narrow north London time. He was 38. 'I married too young,' thoroughfare seemed from a distance he says laconically. parked almost half-way into the house. In the late 1950s-early 1960s, trade Next thing I noticed - couldn't miss in in women's fashions became difficult. fact - was the sign near the door With a friend, Peter opened a hotel, the welcoming the visitor with the distinctly Hyde Park Towers. Soon he opened a unwelcoming greeting 'Oh no, not you bistro in Bayswater, offering a three- again!' My encounter with Peter Eden course meal with wine at a price just was unlikely to be a dull one. below the psychologically important £1. As I soon discovered, Peter Eden is a Eventually he was operating a chain of larger-than-life figure, in more ways 14 restaurants. In 1973 he opened his than one: tall and imposing, genial, first brasserie. Having acquired owner­ charming and, of course, full of ship of a total of five hotels, in 1982 he humour. sold them off, buying in their place What did it feel like being a lord, I commercial properties. He began selling asked somewhat provocatively. I got the off his restaurants too. His largest humorous reply I was expecting: 'Oh, brasserie was sold just a couple of years it's OK for booking a table in a British authorities for the conditions on ago. Now he devotes time from an restaurant, though nowadays you don't board the Dunera: 'These were office at home to looking after his even need to be a lord to get a table - extraordinary days. There was panic. commercial investments. the restaurants are half-empty anyway!' Bad organisation. Things can happen.' Peter has been married to his third On the subject of restaurants Peter can In August 1941 he returned to England wife, Joy, for nine years though they speak with far greater authority than on the first ship back. He joined the knew each other much earlier. He and most. Pushed a little further, he Pioneer Corps in llfracombe and was Joy do a lot of travelling, not least to explained that it was precisely for his transferred to the Royal Engineers and their second home in Bournemouth. contribution to the restaurant and hotel Peter has two daughters. Some years trade that he had been honoured. ago, he made a pact with God that if Peter was born Werner Adolf Engel his younger daughter, Tamara (his other in Breslau in 1921 into an affluent, 'Never be sorry for daughter is named Vanita), diagnosed middle class family. His father ran a what you have done: with a large brain tumour, survived, he wholesale grocery business. The large would attend synagogue every Friday house the family lived in still stands, Only be sorry for what evening. Happily, Tamara did survive. though converted into 11 flats. Peter kept his promise. Earlier this year, As Hitlerism took firmer control, you haven't done!' Peter was one of six people who lit can­ Peter was thrown out of school at the dles at the AJR Holocaust Memorial Day age of 15. 'I was never a brilliant pupil service at Belgrave Square Synagogue. anyway,' he admits. He began an sent to Algiers and then Tunisia. At the Until 17 years ago, Peter was to be apprenticeship as an electrician, then end of the war, now bearing the name seen every Tuesday ferrying members attended an ORT course in Berlin in Peter Eden, he was sent after intensive to and from the Cleve Road AJR Centre oxycetaline welding. In 1937 he re­ training to various units in Germany, in his large car He praises the 'marvel­ turned to Breslau. The family business tracking down Nazi criminals and lous' kitchen at the Centre. He very had been taken over by the authorities. supervising security in prisons. He rose much regrets that legislation prevented In April 1939 he left for England un­ to the rank of captain. him as a volunteer from carrying on this der a guarantee given by an English Demobbed in 1947, Peter returned activity past the age of 75. couple known to his uncle living in to London. He stayed with his uncle and I put it to Peter that he really ought London. He discovered after the war took a job with a Jewish company of to write the story of such an eventful that his parents were among the first dress-makers. To this he added a job as life. But he waved aside my suggestion, Jews to be transported from Breslau to a cleaner and then a job as his boss's asking, with characteristic humour, who Lithuania. driver - the three jobs totalling £10 a had any interest in women's fashions! In Edgware Peter found a job as a week. 'It's important to have both luck and a welder for 30 shillings a week. Then, in On his boss's retirement, Peter laugh in business!', he insisted, adding: May 1940, having been interned for a became a traveller selling womenswear 'Never be sorry for what you have done. short while on the Isle of Man, he was He was a good salesman, Peter assured Only be sorry for what you haven't shipped off on the notorious SS Dunera me. I could see no reason to doubt him. done!' Difficult to think of a more can- to Australia. He refuses to condemn the In the mid-fifties, he started up his own do approach to life.

II among those present. All this was topped up move to London, where he became an Ealing by tea and cakes provided by Myrna. We councillor. In 1979-89 he was MEP for looked forward to a joyful Pesach. London North and was instrumental in Tom Heinemann getting some 'refuseniks' out of the former Next meeting: 13 May. Social Get-together Soviet Union. In 1987-97 he was also MP for Hendon South. David Lang South London: The rescue of Next meeting: 21 May. Ben Uri Gallery Hungarian Jews Director Suzanne Lewis Edinburgh Some 20 of us heard a fascinating account by 'The Jewish Museum of Berlin' Prof Ladislaus Lob of the controversial rescue Hendon: Anne Frank Trust of some 1,700 Hungarian Jews underthe Nazi Rochelle Hodes told us Anne Frank's diary regime. This was the first of our longer, but had been translated into 70 languages and less frequent, meetings, including a delicious had sold 20 million copies. The Trust lunch and time to socialise. Edith Jayne promotes tolerance and fights prejudice, among many other things visiting schools Brighton & Hove Sarid: Journey and prisons. Annette Saville through the world of science Next meeting: 18 May. Shirley Rodwell OBE Dr Sam Barsam took us on a memorable journey through the world of science. We Harrogate reports Aubrey Pomerance (seated, at right), heard of, among many other Jewish We welcomed Arek Hersh, who greatly added Head of Archives at the Berlin Jewish scientists, the microbiologist Albert Sabin to reports of experiences of long ago and Museum, described how the collection and the nuclear physicist Julius Oppenheimer more recent times. He is soon to be awarded of 4,000 artefacts when the enlarged Fausta Shelton an MBE for his work in education. RosI Schatz­ museum opened In 2001 had now Next meeting: 18 May. 10th birthday berger told us of her and her husband Marc's virtually doubled. He stressed, however, celebrations visit to London to attend the 70th anniversary that the museum was always looking for celebrations of the Kindertransport. Susanne new material. In fact, over 95 per cent Wessex: 'Steel and Schnaps ...' reported on another successful Chanukah of all material currently on display had David Lawson forged for the 22 members party in Shipley and informed us about forth­ been donated. Philip Mason present the links implied in his title 'Steel and coming events, including the annual holiday Schnaps, Sausage and Soldiers, Scrolls and in St Annes. We hope to meet again on llford: Gloom and doom at the Bank Monday 1 June. Inge Little Roger Beales of the Bank of England could Survival: The Story of Ostrava'. A lively tour of 18th-20th century Eastern Europe. offer no more intelligence to what we already Oxford: The story of Kitchener Camp Susy Ellis knew of the current financial situation. It was Prof Clare Ungerson explained the history all doom and gloom. He did, however, give Edgware: The story of Rezso Kasztner and purpose of Kitchener Camp, recounting us some tips on how to spot a dud £10 or how Jewish refugees trained there after £20 note so we leamed something. Prof Ladislaus Lob told us of the part played by Rezso Kasztner in enabling 1,700 Jews to Kristallnacht. An excellent account of the Meta Roseneil escape from Nazi-occupied Hungary to camp's history appears in the April issue of Next meeting: 6 May. Mid East update Palestine, as it then was, and of his eventual the Journal, page 7. Anne Selinger Next meeting: 19 May. Rabbi Daniela Thau Pinner: A strange affair murder in Israel. Edgar H. Ring (re-scheduled from February) To an exceptionally large audience, Prof Next meeting: 19 May. Stewart Mackintosh, Gerald Curzon described the strange 'From Broom Cupboard to Bush House' Bromley CF Social Get-together relationship between the famous philosopher Eva Byk was our gracious host in her beautiful Glasgow: Preserving the past Martin Heidegger and his brilliant student home in Bickley and Hazel Beiny did her usual There was a particularly large turnout for our Hannah Arendt. At first they were lovers and mothering of us. Discussions on a variety of spring meeting - many members arrived early a close relationship continued for 50 years topics became quite lively. Further activities clutching plastic bags containing treasured (albeit on a more intellectual level), though are planned. Robert A. Shaw he never renounced his Nazi past and she possessions. Our speaker, Aubrey Pomerance, was Jewish. AJR Life President Ludwig Spiro Head of Archives at the Berlin Jewish Mu­ West Midlands (Birmingham): gave a spirited vote of thanks before the seum, emphasised the importance of using Reassurance from neighbourhood police customary fabulous tea. Walter Weg these irreplaceable artefacts to help docu­ We met in the Hall at Singer's Hill as usual to Next meeting: 7 May. Sister Helen Jenner, ment not only the 1930s-40s but also the listen to advice from friendly neighbourhood 'Taking Care of Ourselves' contribution of the German-Jewish commu­ police representatives PC Simon and PWToni. nities to both their native country and their They were reassuringly able to calm any Liverpool: 'My Life in Germany adopted lands. A very special afternoon. worries we had about the statistics of falling during the War' Claire Singerman crime in Birmingham, in particular crimes of AJR member Inge Williams told us of her violence. Fred Austin Essex: The Jews of England wartime experiences in Germany during the Next meeting: 12 May. Outing to Moreton Susannah Alexander spoke to us about the War. Somehow the family managed to in Marsh remain in Gottingen under very difficult history of English Jewry from 1066, when conditions, but in February 1945 her father William the Conqueror became king and he Another pleasant lunchtime meeting was transported to Theriesenstadt, where he was accompanied by Jewish financiers. at East Midlands (Nottingham) died in May 1945 after it was liberated. Only Larry Lisner We welcomed the AJR's Esther Rinkoff, our very recently did Inge discover that her Next meeting: 12 May. Janette McCarthy, regional co-ordinator, as well as Susan father was deported after the liberation of 'The Bank of England' Harrod, Head Office administrator, enabling Auschwitz. Susanne Green us to thank her for all the work she does for Radlett: Holocaust Memorial Trust members and for her to meet members HGS: Waiting for the (next) messiah Shabna Marshall said the Trust paid particular outside London. Another very pleasant Rabbi Daniela Thau gave a very well attended attention to the education of young people. lunchtime meeting Bob Norton meeting a fascinating PowerPoint presen­ One of its most important activities is sending tation on the nine major, more or less sixth-formers on a visit of Auschwitz; on their Sheffield CF: The nature of fiction monotheistic world religions. Given that all return, they become excellent ambassadors At a well-attended meeting at Steve religions preach peace and love, there is for peace and tolerance in their own Mendelsson's home, we admired the newly clearly a lot of work left for the Messiah - communities. Fritz Starer published Memorial Book for South Yorkshire whenever he or she may come or return. Next meeting: 20 May. 'The Pears Family and the Midlands. We were impressed by the Laszio Roman Foundation' ambitious plans the Imperial War Museum Next meeting: 11 May. Helen Fry, 'The Visit to Welwyn GC Group, 28 May North has for using the volumes in Holocaust King's Most Loyal Enemy Aliens' education. In a discussion of 'The Holocaust Temple Fortune: The Mayor of Barnet in Fiction', the very nature of fiction proved Wembley Get-together Barnet Mayor John Marshall gave us insight controversial, but more discussions are We had a topical discussion followed by a into his public life, which began in Scotland planned. Dorothy Fleming friendly chat and an update of personal news as an Aberdeen councillor followed by a Next meeting: 14 June at Dorothy's home

12 AJR JOURNAL MAY 2009

North London: 'Women of the Bible' Cleve Road Paul Balint AJR Centre Alan Cohen's presentation of 'The Theory of 'Two Paths to the Palace' Art and Music' proved a most interesting 15 Cleve Road, London NW6 subject, enjoyed by a good audience. The theme was 'Women of the Bible', his Tel: 020 7328 0208 interpretation of the appropriate music to each painting. Herbert Haberberg AJR LUNCHEON CLUB Next meeting: 21 May. Walter Woyda, 'Two by Two' Wednesday 20 May 2009 Jo Baker Welwyn GC: An interesting discussion At the home of Monica Rosenbaum, we were Fingerprint expert from delighted to meet Sue Kurlander, AJR's Scotland Yard recently appointed Head of Social Services. Our inspirational speaker Bea Klug All present enjoyed the interesting discussion (front, second from left), who is almost Please be aware that members should not and, as always, the delicious refreshments. 89 and virtually blind, told us of the automatically assume that they are on the two great achievements of her life: the Hazel Beiny Luncheon Club list. It Is now necessary, on receipt foundation of the Wessex Healthy Next meeting: 28 May. Visit by Radlett of your copy of the AJR Journal, to phone the Living Centre in 1977 and her founding Group. Michael Anvoner, 'Where There's Centre on 020 7328 0208 to book your place. of the Anne Frank Trust UK in 1990. Bea a Will' remains the Honorary Life President of Ealing: A quintessentially English soap both organisations and for this work KT-AJR she received an MBE in 2002. A fine turnout was enhanced by Andrea Kindertransport special Cameron's talk on the history of Pears soap. David Lang interest group Founded by Andrew Pears, a barber in Gerrard Next meeting: 28 May. Judy Kelner, Street Soho, in the 18th century, this quin­ 'Desert Island Discs' Monday 11 May 2009 tessentially English soap, we learned,is now Ruth Schneider Leeds CF Purim meeting manufactured in India! Esther Rinkoff At a very full Purim meeting, Susanne Green 'Yiddish Theatre' Next meeting: 5 May. Walter Woyda, 'Milk told us about the recent visit to London and and Honey' KINDLY NOTE THAT LUNCH the ceremony at the Imperial War Museum WILL BE SERVED AT Cardiff: Magen David Adom North for the presentation of the Memorial 1.00 PM ON MONDAYS Books from Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Our guest speaker, Eli Benson of Magen David Reservations required Liverpool and South Yorkshire and The Mid­ Adom, gave us insight into the day-to-day work Please telephone 020 7328 0208 of this organisation. We learned, among many lands. We also had a quiz and afternoon tea. Barbara Cammerman other things, that volunteers have a six-week Monday, Wednesday & Thursday intensive training programme, and that they 9.30 am-3.30 pm deal not only with the effects of terrorism but ALSO MEETING IN MAY also with births and diseases. Marion Lane Norfolk 12 May. Social Get-together PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CENTRE IS Bristol/ Bath 14 May. Lunch. Speaker: Eli CLOSED ON TUESDAYS Benson of Magen David Adom May Afternoon Entertainment Cleve Road/ llford/ HGS/ Ealing 14 May. AJR GROUP CONTACTS Outing to Kew Gardens Mon 4 CLOSED - BANK HOLIDAY Bradford Continental Friends Kent 27 May. Janette McCarthy of the Tue 5 CLOSED Lilly and Albert Waxman 01274 581189 Bank of England Wed 6 Ronnie Goldberg Thur 7 Mike Mirandi Brighton & Hove (Sussex Region) Mon 11 Kards & Games Klub Fausta Shelton 01273 734 648 Liverpool Tue 12 CLOSED Bristol/Bath Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Wed 13 Anita Elias Kitty Balint-Kurti 0117 973 1150 Manchester Thur 14 Michael Heaton Cambridge Werner Lachs 0161 773 4091 Mon 18 Kards 8( Games Klub Anne Bender 01223 276 999 Newcastle Tue 19 CLOSED Cardiff Walter Knoblauch 0191 2855339 Wed 20 LUNCHEON CLUB Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 Norfolk (Norwich) Thur 21 Geoffrey Strum Cleve Road, AJR Centre Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 Mon 25 CLOSED - BANK HOLIDAY Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 North London Tue 26 CLOSED Dundee Jenny Zundel 020 8882 4033 Wed 27 Gayathrie Peiris & Bill Patrick Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Oxford Thur 28 TOP HAT Entertainers East Midlands (Nottingham) Susie Bates 01235 526 702 Bob Norton 01159 212 494 Pinner (HA Postal District) Edgware Vera Gellman 020 8866 4833 'DROP IN' ADVICE SERVICE Ruth Urban 020 8931 2542 Radlett Members requiring benefit advice please telephone Edinburgh Esther Rinkoff 020 8385 3077 Linda Kasmlr on 020 8385 3070 to make an Fran^oise Robertson 0131 337 3406 Sheffield appointment at AJR, Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Essex (Westcliff) Steve Mendelsson 0114 2630666 Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL Larry Lisner 01702 300812 South London Glasgow Lore Robinson 020 8670 7926 Claire Singerman 0141 649 4620 South West Midlands (Worcester area) Hazel Beiny, Southern Groups Co-ordinator Harrogate Myrna Glass 020 8385 3070 020 8385 3070 Inge Uttle 01423 886254 Myrna Glass, London South and Midlands Surrey Groups Co-ordinator Hendon Edmee Barta 01372 727 412 020 8385 3077 Hazel Beiny 020 8385 3070 Temple Fortune Susanne Green, Northern Groups Co-ordinator Hertfordshire Esther Rinkoff 020 8385 3077 0151 291 5734 Hazel Bemy 020 8385 3070 Weald of Kent Max and Jane Dickson Susan Harrod, Groups' Administrator HGS 020 8385 3070 Gerda Torrence 020 8883 9425 01892 541026 Esther Rinkoff, Southern Region Co-ordinator Wembley Hull 020 8385 3077 Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Laura Levy 020 8904 5527 KT-AJR (Kindertransport) Wessex (Bournemouth) llford Andrea Goodmaker 020 8385 3070 Meta Rosenell 020 8505 0063 Mark Goldfinger 01202 552 434 Child Survivors Association-AJR West Midlands (Birmingham) Leeds HSFA Henri Obstfeld 020 8954 5298 Trude Silman 0113 2251628 Ernest Aris 0121 353 1437

13 AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS AJR OUTING TO THE AJR HOLIDAY Births MEMORIAL DE LA SHOAH, PARIS IN EASTBOURNE Congratulations to Hazel and Lloyd Wednesday 9 September 2009 The AJR are doin^ another holiday Wc arc dcliglitcd to otlcr an oppcjitimitv lo in the Lansdowne Hotel Beiny on the birth of a granddaughter. visit tfie Memorial dc la Shoah, the Holocaust Museum in Paris. The Memorial, the largest in Eastbourne Congratulations to Helena and Stephen FRIDAY 17 JULY to FRIDAY 24 JULY Reid on the birth of a second granddaughter. Holocaust-related institution in Europe, comprises a .Museum, an Archive C^entre and £420 per week plus £40 per week an Education and Training Centre. sinf(le room supplement Deaths We will leave St Pancras at approx 8.30 am, to include transport from Lia Ellman nee Wermuth, daughter of retuming that evening at approx 6.30 pm. Cleve Road, lunch on outward Included in the price are retum train travel lourney. half-board, outings and Feige Goldberg and Moshe Wermuth by Eurostar and transfer by coach to and from entertainment (Nestel), born Komarow, Poland, January the Gsire du Nord to the Memorial. Book early to avoid 1922, wife of Sidney, believed sole survivor The cost will be around £75.00 but this is dependent on train availability. Bookings and disappointment of the family during the Holocaust, sadly full payment must be received by Tuesday 12 Please contact Carol Rossen or passed away on 8 October, 9th Tishri 2008. May 2009. Lorna Moss on 020 8385 3070 Beloved mother, much admired and missed Please call Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 by sons and grandchildren. Ever in one's for fiu-ther details. thoughts. AIR TRIP TO ISRAEL OCTOBER 2009 Eric Ruschin, long-term volunteer at the DID YOU ARRIVE FROM GDYNIA ON THE WARSZAWA Dates to be confirmed AJR Centre, passed away on 27 March 2009. We will be flying with El Al froin Heathrow. Sadly missed by his friend Rita Brent and ON 29 AUGUST 1939? Alternative arrangements can be made for all the Canetti and Sherman families. We are looking for Kinder who arrived at members living outside London. London Docks on 29 August 1939, the We will be staying at the Ramat Rochel Hotel day of the last sailing of the in Jerusalem. The hotel is set in beautiful Classified Warszawa from Gdynia. grounds with indoor and outdoor pools open FREE cups and saucers (London N2). Please A national paper is considering a special all year round as well as a leisure club. There feature to commemorate the arrival. call 020 8444 8351 before 19.00 hours. will be a full itinerary but also free time to see For further details, please contact family and friends. Andrea Goodmaker on 020 8385 3070 The price, in the region of £1,300, will cover Paul Balint AJR Centre return flights, transfers in Israel, half-board Chiropodist. Trevor Goldman at the accommodation, and all excursions with a Paul Balint AJR Centre Wednesday 6 May, OUTING TO BETH SHALOM professional guide. 10-11.30 am HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL For further details please contact CENTRE Carol Rossen or Lorna Moss Pamela Bloch Clothes sale, separates etc. on 020 8385 3070 Thursday 28 May, 9.30-11.45 am LAXTON, NOTTS Sunday 21 June 2009 05 per person including coach fare, entrance, vegetarian buffet lunch LEO BAECK HOUSING Coach will leave AJR offices in ASSOCIATION SPRING GROVE Merrion Avenue, Slanmore at 8.43 am CLARA NEHAB HOUSE (plenty of parking available in car park) RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME ^ RETIREMENT HOME Booking essential Small caring residential home with <>c^ 214 Finchley Road Please telephone 020 8385 3070 large attractive gardens close to local T^/i London NW3 shops and public transport \S,\lj London's Most Luxurious 25 single rooms with full \ f Entertainment - Activities (JOOH^^ Home Care en suite facilities ^•' • Stress Free Living 24 hour Permanent and Respite Care Care through quality and Entertainment & Activities provided • 24 House Staffing Excellent Cuisine professionalism Ground Floor Lounge and • Full En-Suite Facilities Celebrating our 25th Anniversary Dining Room Call for more information 25 years of experience in providing the Lift access to all floors. highest standards of care in the comfort For further information please contact: or a personal tour of your own home 020 8446 2117 The Manager, Clara Nehab House 13-19 Leeside Crescent, or 020 7794 4455 London NWll ODA [email protected] >.' V Telephone: 020 8455 2286 FillsLrCare ACACIA LODGE Qvialit\ support and care at home 1 hour to 24 hours care Mrs Pringsheim, S.R.N. Matron Registered through the National Care Standard Commission For Elderly, Retired and Convalescent Hourly Care from 1 hour 24 hours (Licensed by Borough ol Bamet) Call our 24 hour tel 020 7794 9323 Live-In/Night Duty/Sleepover Care • Single and Double Rooms. www.colvln-nursing.co.uk Convalescent and Personal Health Care • Ensuite facilities, CH in all rooms. • Gardens, TV and reading rooms. Compassionate and Affordable Service • Nurse on duty 24 hours. Professional, Qualified, Kind Care Staff SWITCH ON ELECTRICS • Long and short term and respite, Registered with the CSCI and UKHCA including trial period if required. Rewires and all household Between £400 and £500 per week Call us on Freephone 0800 028 4645 electrical work 020 8445 1244/020 8446 2820 office hours PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 020 8455 1335 other times Studio 1 Utopici Village 37-39 Torrington Park, North Finchley 7 Chdicot Road, NWl SLH Mobile: 0795 614 8566 London N12 STB

14 AJR JOURNAL MAY 2009

OBITUARIES

George Clare, 1920-2009 Stella should come joumalist at the Manchester Guardian. From y father George Clare was bom to France, they there he went to work for the Axel Springer Georg Klaar in Vienna on 21 both agreed she Verlag in Hamburg, becoming a close friend MDecemt)er 1920, the only son of a should join him in of Axel and founding the Springer Foreign family of assimilated and patriotic Jews. His France, a country News Service, the first of its kind. He became early life was chronicled in his book Last they loved. Sadly, a director of the Springer Group and moved Waltz ill Vienna, which is considered a semi­ from there they back to London to mn their office here. In nal work of Holocaust literature and won were both eventu­ the 1980s, he retired to Suffolk, where he the 1982 W. H. Smith Book Prize. He wrote ally deported to continued to write and lead the life of an it as a memoria] for his parents - to pull Ausch-witz. George found out only years English country gentleman. He and his wife them out of the anonymity of the Holocaust later that his mother's name was not on the retumed to London four years ago as his - and for his children - that they should list - she chose to go with her husband. health deteriorated. In 2005 he was granted know their history. George came to Britain in 1941 and an Honorary Doctorate by the University of George and his mother Stella escaped to joined the army, serving in the Pioneer Corps Galway for his literary achievements. Ireland in 1938 thanks to the help of their and eventually the Royal Artillery. At the For a man whose family was destroyed friends, the Hirsch family, who were opening end of the war he worked with the Allied George leaves behind four children, four a ribbon factory there, where George worked Control Commission, who 'de-nazified' grandchildren and four great-grandchildren for a time. His father, Emst, a banker, got artists including the conductor Furt-wangler - not a bad testament! He died peacefully out to France. and a troupe of midgets from the Berlin at the Royal Free Hospital, London on 26 The central tragedy of George's life is circus! This era was chronicled in his second March 2009. The cremation was held at that when his father phoned him to ask if book, Berlin Days. Golders Green Crematorium on 8 April 2009. he should try to get to Ireland or whether After the war George got a job as a Sylvia Voysy ARTS AND EVENTS DIARY MAY 2009 Frank Henderson, 1916-2009 wholesale business. Until 10 May Treasures of the Black rank Henderson was bom Friedrich In around 1960 Death Gold and silver jewellery found at Hirschfeld in the German town of Frank leamed about Colmar In the nineteenth century and at Gotha. In 1938, because he was a Jew, German compen­ Erfurt in the 1990s. The jewellery was F buried at the time of the Black Death in he was expelled from Berlin University, sation for Nazi the mid-14th century, almost certainly by where he was studying law. Retuming to victims and their Jewish families. At Wallace Collection, his hometown, he found it impossible for survivors. Having London Wl, tel 020 7563 9500 Jews to obtain work. Following Kristallnacht successfully claimed Mon 4 No lecture (Bank Holiday) Club 43 he went into hiding with his family, often for himself and his Sun 10 B'nai B'rith Jerusalem Lodge. 12th living for days without food. brothers, he devoted his spare time to help­ Annual Interlodge Supper Quiz. At Friedrich's father Yaakov decided to sell ing others achieve the same. Middlesex New Synagogue, 6.45 pm. all his possessions to buy visas for his four His son George recalls: 'He decided to Contact Sheila Hart sons. He was, however, unable to buy visas devote as much of his spare time as Mon 11 Jens Brijning, 'Der Internationale Alleswisser Paul Marcus (Alias PEM): for himself and his wife Hermione. He died possible to helping people who could not Feuilletonist und Kritiker, with Readings' at Auschwitz, Hermione at Theriesenstadt. manage to make claims for themselves. (in German) Club 43 Meanwhile, Friedrich had set sail for For more than 40 years he helped hundreds Tues 12 Anton Pelinka, 'Changing England and his brothers for Australia, of people. He had great satisfaction in Minds and Building Institutions: Sweden and Argentina respectively. fighting and winning his clients' Political Developments in Austria since 1945' At Austrian Residence, 7.00 pm. Arriving in Manchester in 1939, Friedrich compensation cases. There are many Tel 020 7636 7247. Wiener Library/ Austrian was sent to a displaced person's camp in people around today - dayanim, rabbis Embassy Lecture and Discussion Series and lay people, some of them well into Bury and later to the Cassel Fox Jewish Thur 14 Prof Atina Grossman, 'Close refugee hostel in Upper Park Road, Salford. their 80s - who survive on the pensions Encounters: Jews, Germans and Allies in He was given the option of being intemed he claimed for them.' Occupied Germany' At Wiener Library, in the Isle of Man or joining the British army. Frank's other passion was singing. 7.00 pm. Tel 020 7580 3493. University of Sussex Centre for German-Jewish Studies He chose the latter, where he was advised From the age of ten he had been a member Lecture Series to change his name to Frank Henderson. of the choir of Berlin's Great Synagogue. In Manchester, he was one of the first to Mon 18 Ken Baldry, 'Arnold Schoenberg: Having served in the Pioneer Corps at The Father of Nasty Music' Club 43 Dunkirk and in Normandy, while on leave join Fabian Gonski's choir at Higher Thur 21 B'nai B'rith Jerusalem Lodge. Frank met Viennese refugee Dorothea Roth, Crumpsall Synagogue, where he was a Raymond Sturgess, 'Life at the English who was living in a home for Jewish refugee regular attender until it became too far to Criminal Bar'. At Kenton Synagogue Hall, girls in Salford. They married within six walk from his Salford home. He was also a 8.15 pm months. member of the Manchester Jewish Male Mon 25 No lecture (Bank Holiday) Club 43 After the war Frank became an inter­ Voice Choir. Mon 1 June No lecture (hall not available) preter for German prisoners and interpreted Frank is survived by his son George; Club 43 at the Nuremberg Trials. Later he began daughters Ruth Finestone, an AJR social Club 43 Meetings at Belsize Square work as a toy salesman. He eventually worker, and Judith Abbey; and brother Synagogue, 7.45 pm. Tel Hans Seelig on established a successful leather goods Joachim of Australia. 01442 254360

15 AJRJOURNAL MAY 2009

LETTER FROM Newsround ISRAEL Teenagers 'ignorant about Auschwitz' A survey of over 1,000 British secondary school pupils aged 11 to 16 found that a quarter were unaware of the purpose of ]J)emJ5e of an institution Auschwitz. The survey was commissioned by the film company Miramax and the he demise of an institution is almost lodge is more or less independent when it London Jewish Cultural Centre to mark the as sad as the death of a person. This comes to arranging meetings, lectures and DVD release of The Boy in the Striped Tis what I felt when I attended the social activities. Annual dues are paid to the Pyjamas. meeting of B'nai B'rith's English-speaking head office in Tel Aviv and these are used Warsaw museum exhibits 1,000 Albert Einstein Lodge in Jemsalem on a cold to cover the various overheads. years of Jewish life in Poland A new exhibition by the Jewish Historical night in December. The membership of the lodges for Institute in Warsaw has brought together A handful of mainly elderly people German-speaking members, which were photos and documents depicting 1,000 gathered in the B'nai B'rith building to established throughout Israel when years of Jewish life in Poland. The exhibit is one of several efforts by Polish leaders attend the lodge's 'special annual general immigrants from Central Europe first came to fight stereotypes that Poland remains meeting', which was in fact its final and to the country, is rapidly ageing and anti-Semitic. closing meeting. Cognisant of my late contracting, yet several continue to exist. More German teenagers drawn to father's close association with the lodge, the The need for an English-speaking lodge in neo-Nazi groups current committee kindly invited me to Jemsalem would seem to be as acute today Approximately one in 20 15-year-old German attend. The invitation was accompanied by as ever considering the large number of males is a member of a neo-Nazi group, a higher proportion than are involved in the agenda for the meeting, the last item English-speaking newcomers to Israel. mainstream politics, according to a report being the resolution 'to continue and finalise But the incumbent leaders despaired of issued by Lower Saxony's criminal research the process of voluntary liquidation of the finding younger successors to take over the institute. According to the study, con­ Amuta (non-profit association)'. ducted in 2007-08, over 14 per cent of various committees and decided to close the respondents said the Holocaust was 'not The letter brought back memories of the Albert Einstein lodge. The process was not awful', while a similar number tended to days and nights my father had spent as a an easy one. Because the lodge was believe that Jews were not entirely blame­ less for their persecution. member, and later president, of the lodge, registered as a non-profit association it was dealing with its day-to-day running, subject to the supervision of a government- Dutch teenagers ordered to visit recruiting new members, persuading appointed regulatory body. The process Anne Frank House A Hague judge has ordered four teenagers existing members to join committees, and involved extensive paperwork, which was to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam generally making it his life's work after he attended to with characteristic thoroughness after finding them guilty of discrimination and my mother moved to Israel in the 1980s. by one of the outgoing committee members. for insulting Jews at a rally. The boys must prepare a report to the judge about their My father once told me that his parents When it came to the crunch, however, and visit to the museum. and grandparents had been members of the assembled members were called upon City of Vienna gives up art B'nai B'rith in Hamburg, so I imagine he was to vote on the closure, a knight in shining expropriated in Nazi Germany eager to continue the family association. armour in the form of Rabbi Raymond The city of Vienna has set a precedent for Consequently, when my parents moved to Apple stepped forward. He objected to the the restitution of artworks expropriated by Jemsalem and my sister's father-in-law, the procedure and suggested that what was to the Nazis by giving up a work a German- Jewish banker was forced to auction in late Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld, invited them be closed was the non-profit association, but 1934. The city council chose to return the to join the lodge, they did so willingly. They not the lodge itself. He put forward his painting Pappenheim's Death by Hans were immediately taken into its warm proposal for a series of meetings and guest Makart to the heirs of Herbert Gutmann though the Austrian law for art restitution bosom, acquiring many 'brothers and lectures, encountering only mild resistance covers only the period 1938-45. sisters' and making many close friendships. from the other members. His was the only voice of hope that evening. While my sister New website launched to combat The B'nai B'rith organisation in Israel Holocaust denial fulfils many functions. It extends financial and I expressed our readiness to help in this A new website aimed at curbing Holocaust and practical aid to needy groups and new endeavour, to date no one has denial includes a history of Muslim-Jewish individuals, it provides a social and approached us about this. relations in English, French, Arabic and Farsi. Among those unveiling 'Project Aladdin' intellectual framework for its members, and So it would seem that what was once were Jacques Chirac, former President of it also acts as a channel whereby newcomers tantamount to a second home in Jemsalem France, and Abdurrahman Wahid, former to Israel can be helped to integrate. As is for many English-speaking immigrants has President of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation. The initiative was the practice in B'nai B'rith worldwide, each finally closed its doors. launched at UNESCO's Paris headquarters Dorothea Shefer-Vanson and is partially sponsored by France's Foun­ dation for the Memory of the Shoah.

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