Volume XLII No. 5, May 1987 £2 (to non-members)

ew events can have been more embarrass­ can Jewish community. He wanted them to law, and it can be no defence, as some over- ing and irritating in recent Jewish appreciate that what he had done was 'not to hurt zealous propagandists have argued, that he Fexperienc e than the affair of the American the U.S. but to help both the U.S. and Israel'. In passed secrets to an ally of the U.S., not to a Jewish naval intelligence officer who was senten­ these hopes, however, he was disappointed. The potential enemy. This, whatever its morality, is a ced to life imprisonment on charges of spying for American Jews, like Israel's non-Jewish friends in specious excuse, making nonsense of the whole Israel. Here was a man, Jonathan Pollard, who, America, were profoundly disturbed, especially idea of secrets to which every State is, in placed in a sensitive position of trust, found when it became clear that Pollard had been used principle, entitled to lay claim and which every himself torn between two loyalties. He wanted as a spy by Israel Government quarters. The citizen is of course bound in honour to respect. (he said) to 'help both the United States and President of the American Jewish Congress, American Jews were not slow to rebut Israel', and so, in making his decision, he, on his Theodore Mann, could recall 'no previous Avineri's strictures. If they abhorred the 'morally own admission, "broke the law'. As he himself incident in the history of Israeli-Diaspora rela­ indefensible crime', one of their leaders said, it confessed, "I should have gone on aliyah when my tions that had caused so much anger among was not because of a galut mentality or fear of ability to discharge my functions as a member of American Jews'; a 'serious breach' had been antisemitism; the Jewish experience in America (he thought) was 'too secure to be undone by a single event,' as had been proved by the 'far more ominous episode' of the Rosenbergs 30-odd years TORN BETWEEN LOYALTIES ago. U.S. Jews would never admit that 'support for Israel could legitimize criminal action against the United States: Our patriotism as Americans The Tragedy of the American Jewish Spy need not be at the expense of our identification as proud Jews'. the American intelligence community became created not only between Israel and the U.S. but Another American Jewish Congress leader, incompatible with my emotional need to do also between the two Jewries. The chairman of Rabbi Henry Siegman, emphatically stated that something for Israel". the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, Morris Abram, expressly "Jews feel very much at home and secure in That 'emotional need' was strong. His 'fairly America . . . the freest and most open society standard Jewish upbringing' inculcated in him the defended the life sentence on Pollard. Other U.S. Jewish leaders severely denounced the 'despic­ they have known'. Of course, he said, "there is no idea of 'the centrality of Israel'. He had grown up guarantee that this sense of Jewish well-being and (he explained)*on stories of individuals who had able crime' and complained bitterly ofthe way the matter had been handled by Israel. freedom may never change. But then neither is 'performed what I call their racial obligation' — there any guarantee that the State of Israel will for for example, during the Israeli war of indepen­ The London Jewish Chronicle warned Israel ever be a safe place for its citizens. If ever the day dence in 1948 when arms were secretly shipped to that she 'can hardly be surprised if her opponents should come when the American experiment in the fighting Israelis. This was not considered and critics in the U.S. A., of which there are some religious pluralism fails and six million American breaking the law. and so he had never doubted in influential positions, do their utmost to limit Jews get to feel as insecure as some Israelis that there was 'no difference between being a future cooperation to that which they conceive to beUeve they already do, that would offer scant good American and a good Zionist'. He never be strictly in America's own interests'. Fears were comfort to Zionist ideologies'. contemplated emigrating to Israel, his parents felt that a deep shadow might fall on all those never encouraged him — "my future was here'. loyal American Jews in sensitive posts who ever had any affection for the Jewish State. Yet he was "obsessed with Israel,' and that is where 'the seeds ofhis discontent' lay, that 'inner In Israel, the criticism was badly received. In a THE DAY CENTRE dilemma', because "my heart was in the East'. He widely noted Open Letter, the well-known polit­ felt strongly about it particularly after he had ical scientist and writer Shiomo Avineri told the is moving to visited Dachau which "scared the hell out of him'. American Jews their reactions had shown that He came to reaUse that if Israel were to go down, they felt as vulnerable as French, German, Soviet new premises 'we could as a people not really live past the and Egyptian Jews; they had always boasted that in experience of another Holocaust", also that 'a America was 'not another Exile', but in fact, strengthened Israel would in the long run serve however 'comfortable' it might be, 'padded with CLEVE ROAD, U.S. interests," though he was not unaware of the success and renown', it was exile nonetheless. W. HAMPSTEAD, NW6 fact that 'Israel perhaps has interests that diverge Avineri compared the Jewish reactions in from those of the U.S.' America to those in France during the Dreyfus Having made these confessions, Pollard hoped affair. But, in fairness, this was no Dreyfus affair. See Advert on Page 5 to receive some encouragement from the Ameri- Dreyfus was innocent. Pollard had broken the page 2 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 Arguably the most interesting chapter is that WHO CARED? which deals with other so-called non-sectarian organisations. Estabhshed in part to secure wider U.S. Indifference to Christian Refugees public support for the cause of the refugees, they tended to duplicate, rather than bolster, existing schemes. Of the dozen or so 'non-sectarian' ou did not have to be Jewish to be a refugee Bolshevik godlessness, no less than of the grass­ agencies set up in the 1930s most were financed by Yfrom Nazi oppression. Indeed nearly one- roots support for the notorious Father Coughlin's the Jewish community and staffed by Jewish third of those who fled from Germany in the fanatical antisemitism, CathoHcs, too, remained personnel, while assistance was given to pure pre-war years were Christians. Relatively little indifferent to the fate of refugees, including those 'Aryan' as well as non-'Aryan' Christians. They has been written about them; and it was to close of their own faith, until 1936, when the German mostly concentrated upon help for displaced this gap that an Israeli historian undertook a piece bishops made a direct appeal to the American professional people and children. If they did not of painstaking research into this neglected field of Church's 'charity'. The response, when it came, score many overwhelming successes, their exis­ academic study. The results are published in the tended to be inspired by theological considera­ tence and the Christian support they attracted at form of a well-documented, scholarly book which tions as much as fellow-feeling and its effective­ least mitigated the severity of the refugees' pUght places on record the reception accorded to ness reduced by irrational hostility towards other and facihtated eventual cooperation between the Christians seeking safety on the shores of the rehef organisations. Although the efforts of the denominations and the ultimate flowering of 'nation of immigrants': American Apathy: The Catholic community did gather momentum in its American generosity. Plight of Christian Refugees from Nazism, by later stages, Cathohc refugees fared rather less This is an important book which contains a Haim Genizi (Bar-Ilan University Press, Ramat- well at the hands of their American brothers and wealth of information and source material for the Gan. 411 pp., with tables, bibliography and sisters than did their contemporaries of other specialist. For the general reader it has the index). Though writing from a Jewish point of faiths. fascinating story of an established society treating view, the author nowhere departs from scrupu­ The helping hand which Quakerism extended with equal indifference newcomers in need, lous objectivity and scientific detachment. Only on a genuinely non-sectarian basis stood in sharp irrespective of their race or creed, allowing its in his preface does he allow his emotions to come contrast to the reaction of other Christian estab- selfish preoccupations to override, at least for a to the surface. Ushments - although in the United States itself time, its instincts of common humanity; so that Dr. Genizi notes the weak response of the this was delayed until November 1938. The what Christian Americans achieved on behalf of League of Nations and the American govern­ Society of Friends was particularly active in refugees of their own faith as well as others is to ment's reluctance to relax its restrictionist policies connection with resettlement and absorption the credit of the few who stood out against the towards potential immigrants. But an investiga­ projects and in the field of relief for refugee insensibility of the many and thus became 'the tion of the attitude adopted by representative children and young war victims. By and large, conscience of America'. bodies of the major Christian denominations too, it cooperated well with Jewish agencies. D.L.M. shows that, at least initially, they also displayed an unfortunate ecumenism in their common lack of concern for their European co-religionists. Except for some 'cries in the wilderness', the Protestant establishment remained aloof at first. THE VATICAN AND JEWISH REFUGEES Alleged 'Jewish pressure' to react positively at least to the anti-Christian manifestations of Hit­ in war-time Italy lerism were resented or ignored as mere propa­ ganda, although the facts were not unknown. Some sections of the Church cherished the hope 'The Vatican and the Jewish refugees in Italy untimely silence to make us join in the responsi­ that by adopting a conciliatory stance towards the during the war' was the title of a long article in the bility for the lack of enlightenment nor were we 'new' Germany they would ensure that that Roman Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica. The letting unnecessary rigour harden the hearts of country's Protestant citizens would be treated English writer, Fr Robert Graham, is known for those who were walking along the paths of error more favourably than Catholics, not to mention his scholarly studies of the subject, and the and alienation from truth'. Jews. occasion for his research paper now was the SOth Graham also touches upon the policy of Mus­ anniversary of the famous encyclical Mit bren- solini who he says, while a free agent, tried to foil nender Sorge (14 March 1937). Graham joins "Anti-Communism" the German demands for the surrender of Italian issue with what he regards as the legend created Jews to the Gestapo. Anti-Communism, from whatever quarter, was by Rolf Hochhuth's play Der Stellvertreter, that not unwelcome, since it helped to 'save Christian­ the Pope (Pius XII) had failed to protest against ity' from atheistic Bolshevism. And if the growth the extermination of the Jews because he was of American antisemitism was deplored, it was concerned only for the survival of the Church. If WARSAW GHETTO HEAD'S DIARY because it was feared that it might jeopardise he had made a public protest and, in so doing, The diary of Adam Czerniakov, the head of the missionary activities among Jews, rather than for exposed himself to martyrdom, everything would Warsaw Ghetto until his suicide in July 1942, was more altruistic reasons. Paradoxically, it was only have been different, according to the legend recently published in German (Im Warschauer with the assistance of Jewish resources that the which then also assumes that after the Pope's Ghetto. Tagebuch 1939-1942. Translated from main Christian relief agency was able to under­ assassination, the Holocaust would have been the Pohsh by Silke Lent. Munich. C. H. Beck. take, first, educational tasks and then the all- stopped, the Germans would have turned against 1986. 328pp. DM39.80). It reveals the truly tragic important work of alleviating economic hardship; Hitler and made peace. situation of one condemned to act between the and even then it had only limited success in Graham beheves that a public protest by the upper and nether millstones, the Jews and the 'opening Christian hearts and purses' for the Pope would, on the contrary, have provoked Germans. His last entry, a message to his wife, purpose of settling needy Christian refugees. On further massacres. He had tried to do what runs: 'They demand that I, with my own hands, occasion, the antisemitism of the rank and file seemed to him right and practicable by giving murder the children of my people. There is impeded the leadership's efforts on behalf of active, secret aid. Certainly the Vatican's view of nothing left for me but to die'. A reviewer in the Protestant immigrants. Nazism was eloquently expressed in the encyclical Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes the Their Catholic fellow-sufferers had similar Mit brennender Sorge which had strongly denoun­ diary as 'a unique document' and 'hke the Diary experiences. Under the influence of the hier­ ced the 'myths of blood and soil' and condemned of Anne Frank one of the inextinguishable archy's blind spot as regards the ugly face of what the 'idol worship' of 'race' and 'nation'. The testimonials by people who have written German to them appeared as the righteous fight against encyclical then said: 'We were neither allowing history by recording their own'. AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 3 Evelyn Adunica This is exactly what the Ministry of Education intends for the future in Austrian schools. From 1985, in the eight years of compulsory primary TEACHING OF CONTEMPORARY HISTORY education and in the eighth and final years in the secondary schools, a full year of contemporary in Austrian Schools history teaching is planned. The authors of the existing, greatly inferior text-books, in which, for example, Auschwitz is mentioned in one ridicu­ nly since the 1970s can it be said that a children, no matter how painful it might be for lous paragraph, are at present engaged in rewrit­ Oconsistent attempt has been made to come to themselves, is the best and most effective way of ing them. Further measures are being taken in the grips with the story of National Socialism in presenting the terror and cruelty of National schools. A new multi-rnedia programme on free­ Austrian schools. Universities and in the mass Socialism. This operation is, for biological dom has just begun and it is proposed to follow it media. In the light of current events, it is a process reasons, restricted in time, and it is geographic­ by one on prejudice towards minorities. The very well worth watching. It was primarily due to the ally confined to Vienna. With these facts in mind, popular ORF documentary film series by Hugo new generation of teachers that the situation a seven-part video was produced under the title / Portisch and Sepp Riff, accompanied by three could show some signs of improvement. Previ­ was in a Concentration Camp; it is available to thick volumes, is available to schools. ously, too frequently, there was a tendency to schools. gloss over contemporary history in silence. The syllabus was vague enough for history lessons to In view of the hardening political climate, the end, because of "lack of time", with World War I Also distributed to all secondary schools in question arises as to how far future programmes at the latest. Austria and to all primary schools in Vienna were and initiatives in the teaching of political and the contemporary history project boxes, consist­ contemporary history in Austrian schools can Not until 1966 was it possible to found at ing of books, films, cassettes and reprints of maintain, unimpaired, the standards already Vienna University the Austrian Institute for posters. Further action was taken in 1985, 'The achieved. Opinions differ, but it is certain that Contemporary History. Directed today by Erika Year of Contemporary History'; brochures such there is still only a minority of teachers and, Weirzierl, this is invaluable in teacher training as 'Documents of Freedom: national and inter­ therefore, of pupils, which is progressive, open- and is now over-subscribed. At the same time, national law and the foundation of the Second minded, sufficiently knowledgeable, informed Hermann Langbein, the well known authority on Republic' were distributed to all schools and a and receptive—even if this minority is continually the holocaust, began to visit Austrian schools project, 'Pupils and Contemporary History' on growing and there is a great deal of good will. For with 'Witnesses of the Age". Since 1976 this has the theme, 'The Homecoming, 1945-55', was the remainder, it is difficult, primarily for ad­ been officially sponsored by the Ministry of initiated. This consisted of transcripts of debates, ministrative reasons, to establish contact. Today Education. It appears that the immediacy, the exhibitions and documentation, but the danger there exists neither reason for undue alarm nor depths of sensitivity, humanity and sincerity of existed that the war would be seen in relative for fulsome praise, but for the future there still the 'witnesses", who are alwavs readv to meet the terms by those who had not suffered its horrors. remains much to be done.

* The author is a non-Jewish journalist, studying Exhibitions - but no follow-up philosophy and history, especially Jewish, at Vienna University. It was further recommended that all schools bia and right-wing extremism. In Vienna in 1986, should visit the Austrian Jewish Museum in the well-produced Anne Frank exhibition attrac­ Eisenstadt. This is educationally well-arranged ted 20,000 visitors, over half of whom were and, together with Professor Kurt Schubert's schoolchildren, who often had to hold discussions CBF RESIDENTAL CARE speciahst guided tours, is often visited. The there and fill in questionnaires. The exhibition AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION catalogues to the exhibitions. '1000 Years of could be seen until the end of 1986 in Salzburg, St. Austrian Jewry" and "The Yellow Star in Austria", Polten and Bregenz and may return in 1988. seeks a are available on request. Mauthausen Concentra­ The project boxes are proving in practice to be DIRECTOR tion Camp is visited by 80,000 schoolchildren of primary value in the further education of annually, though this cannot altogether be viewed teachers. There is no central organisation in To lead a successful team responsible for the positively. Often there is no follow-up of the visit Austria, much as it may be needed, for the provision of residential care and sheltered hous­ with pohtical and educational discussions and continuing and specific further education of ing for some 270 elderly Jewish persons in five explanations concerning Auschwitz, the Holo­ teachers. There is a wider availabihty of corre­ establishments in North/Northwest London. caust, anti-Communism or present-day xenopho- spondence courses and an Anti-Fascist Seminar at The person appointed will be the chief execu­ the Institute of Contemporary History which tive responsible to the Council of Management for the day to day activities of the Association. may, though only with the consent of the Head The successful applicant will have the ability to Teacher, be attended on a voluntary basis and understand the needs ofthe elderly. He/she will JACK'S EARLY CAR which over five years has trained about 40 probably nol be above 55 years of age. SERVICE teachers annually. The institutes for pohtical Experience of residential home management will education of the three main political parties, be an initial advantage. Understanding of 959 6473 (SPO, OVP and FPO) also hold annual seminars accounts and budgets is essential. for the further education of teachers. Salary circa £18,000 per annum depending on qualifications -I- car -I- benefits. From a 1984 investigation, 'Contemporary Heathrow & Luton £13 History and the School" undertaken by a public Please write with details of your experience to date to:— Gatwick & Southend £20 opinion research insfitute on behalf of the Federal Brighton £30 Governent, it appeared that 36 per cent of the The Chairman Eastbourne £35 population of Austria showed a great to very CBF Residential Care and Bournemouth £35 great interest in contemporary history; however, Housing Association 63 per cent evinced little or no interest. It is a Central Office SPECIAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY hopeful sign that only 28 per cent of the young Osmond House EVERYONE LEGALLY FULLY INSURED The Bishops Avenue people questioned think that there is sufficient London N2 OBQ Please book in advance teaching of contemporary history, while 77 per cent plead for further time to be given to it. page 4 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 Evelyn Friedlander 'JEWISH THEATRE IN GERMANY' NOW Among Ghosts and Ruins A 'Jewish Theatre in Germany' was founded in Bensheim, Hesse, a few weeks ago. The ambi­ Remnants of Jewish Life in Rural Germany tious venture is due to the initiative of a group of German actors who wish to make their contribu- fion to the national effort of 'coming to terms with n rural Southern Germany today, one can sfill and find the roof being removed. A surprising the past'. Drawing their inspiration from the Isee numerous Jewish cemeteries, synagogues number of synagogues are still standing, though Jewish theatre that existed under Nazi rule, the and mikvaot. No Jews live here, and these they have usually been rebuilt or converted to Kulturbund, they intend to stage exclusively plays remnants of Jewish life are often difficult to other uses such as churches, schools, youth of Jewish and Israeli authors. They receive identify. The cemeteries are almost always hostels, warehouses or private homes. Other financial support from the Hesse Ministry of beyond the outskirts of the villages, hidden in synagogues have been left empty and unused. Education, also from the Bensheim town council small woods, clinging to steep hillsides or beyond With a little perseverance, access can be won and which has put a small building at their disposal. ploughed fields. Most of them are only now being intriguing discoveries made. According to the producer, William Lampert, it is rediscovered after decades of oblivion, since the hoped to 'revive in this way the once fertile few extant Jewish communities in the cities take It must be stressed at this point that these German-Jewish cultural symbiosis'. care of their own cemeteries but have scant buildings are not of great architectural merit - interest in these lost rural ones. their scale is small, in keeping with the domestic The first play so far staged has been Der architecture about them; and the exteriors lack Puppenspieler von Lodz, by Gilles Segal. It is the It is left to various individual committed ostentation. Yet old photographs give evidence story of a Jewish puppeteer who lives in an attic, Germans to preserve the remnant of that Jewish that the interiors were usually possessed of great isolated from the world, speaking only to a hfe which had flourished for over a thousand charm, with harmonic proportions and elaborate life-size doll about his concentration camp years in Germany (cf. my report on the Arbeits­ decorations. Some, like the baroque synagogue memories, until a friend and fellow-prisoner gemeinschaft Jiidischer Sammlungen in AJR being restored in Veitshochheim near Wurzburg introduces him to a new perspective of hfe. INFORMATION, January 1987). must have been exquisite gems. We know that the interiors of almost every synagogue in Germany In recent years, I have made several trips to the were destroyed on Kristallnacht, together with all The medical quarters of the West German area south of Wurzburg, accompanied by a their contents. It is less well known that quite a army aerodrome at Hildensheim were named photographer, in order to see the villages for number of them escaped demoliuon, especially in after a Jewish World War I officer. Dr. Juhus myself and to write about them. Much prelimi­ the villages, because their proximity to other, Schoeps, who was murdered at Theresienstadt. nary research has already been pubhshed (some 'Aryan' buildings which could have been The hfe and achievement of this 'Jew and of it not easy to locate), but the situafion changes damaged in the process. As a result, there are Prussian' were appreciated in a speech delivered constantly. I have visited a village synagogue and almost always remnants of Jewish life in rural by a representative of the Bonn Ministry of photographed it, only to pass by a few days later areas. Defence. His grandson. Professor Julius H. Schoeps, the philosopher, also spoke, referring to the general situation of the Jews in pre-Nazi Looking for Mezzuzah Traces Germany. They had never been accepted (he said); they always remained outsiders, not just on I set about locating these remnants by going to one can do about the natural erosion of time - a the fringes but in the very centre of society. They these areas and asking questions. On arriving in a process now being hastened by acid rain! The were regarded as aliens, as irritating intruders village, I stop the first hkely-looking person and German community does not want to appear whose presence was causing 'diffuse feelings of inquire where I can find the former synagogue. neglectful, and does discreet cleaning of the fear.' This often results in a torrent of information, graves. But sometimes one sees appalling lapses: mostly self-exoneranng, and always including the 18th century gravestones dug up and set in mandatory sentence: 'I was never in the Party!' straight lines not directly related to the graves; 'WHITE ROSE' FOUNDATION But they are usually helpful and will take me to stones cleaned with powerful waterjets which IN U.S.A. the synagogue, poinfing out any other buildings have hastened the disintegration; high walls of Jewish interest on the way, such as a slaughter­ conceahng total neglect - a German community A 'White Rose' Foundation was established at house, mazzah bakery or former Jewish home with few Jews to give advice is often helpless Washington in memory of the German anti-Nazi (Judenhaus) or school (Judenschule). The Ger­ confronting these shadows of the past. resistance group. The ceremony at the White man language itself gives a special dimension to House was attended by German and US par­ such a statement. I look for mezzuzah traces - Recently, the walls of the early Gothic church liamentarians, the German Ambassador and rep­ small indentations in the door-posts which must of the St. Mark Cloister in Wurzburg had to be resentatives of the American Jewish Congress have been purposely left by subsequent owners; demolished. As they broke apart, they revealed which was largely instrumental in launching the inscriptions (often in Hebrew) over doorways, early Jewish tombstones from the 13th century: project designed to foster good relations between and at cellars that may once have been mikvaot. the daughter of the rabbi Yaakov Halevi, the West Germany and US Jewry. young man Ephraim son of Isaac - remnants of Then, I try and see the mayor of the village to ask In a speech, the Democrafic Senator Pell said what plans there are to preserve the synagogue, if the community before the pogrom of 1298. Christian stone masons had used these stones for Americans were not entirely without blame for commemorative plaques are to be affixed, and Hitler's crimes as they had failed to act in time. whether the local archives might yield material of building, had cut them apart so that they are incomplete; but they have re-emerged as a The former U.S. Ambassador in Bonn, Burns, interest to me. Finally, I pay a visit to the thought that today 'loving mercy' was needed to cemetery. memorial to individuals and a community. Rabbi Akiva Eger (in his commentary to Yore Dea help maintain peace. What can one do in a cemetery? How can one 376.4) reminded the Jewish community of his The chairman of the 'White Rose' Foundation deal with the fallen memorials, the ivy and time that grave stones are set up 'so that the is Rabbi Henry Siegman who said he had lost all hchen-covered stones? The community does not memory of the dead will not depart out of hearts.' his family in Germany; it was only the sacrifice of know. Should one prop up the stones which are The synagogues and homes and overgrown the 'White Rose" leaders, the Scholl brother and about to fall, or raise up those already sinking into cemeteries of the rural communifies in Germany sister, that made it possible for him to set foot on the ground? Tradition may say one thing, senti­ say the same to us today. German soil again and promote German-Jewish ment might dictate the opposite. There is nothing dialogue. AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 5

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PLEASE CONTACT OUR VOLUNTEERS CO-ORDINATOR AJR 8 Fairfax Mansions, London NWS 6LA Telephone: 01-624 9096/7 or 01-624 4449 page 6 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 ( Ruth Rothenberg Kafka Lived around the Corner SCROLLS WITH A PAST Those of us who had picked Prague as the first stage of our journey into exile, expecting to find Researching into Czech Jewry's Legacy no more than a provincial backwater, were surprised to discover a unique atmosphere, a curious interlacing of Czechs, Germans and Jews. he bizarre nature of the Nazis' congenital but in 1964 they were finally brought to England by It is this phenomenon of 'old Prague' which has at Tdeformed beaurocratic habits has led to some Mr. Eric Estorick, an American art dealer of last found its chronicler who himself belonged to strange twists of fate. In Czechoslovakia, for Russian-Jewish parentage. it, Bedrich (Frederick) Rohan, a Jewish journal­ instance, the Gestapo's director of Jewish mat­ From their new resting place in Westminster ist, now living in London. ters, the notorious Adolf Eichmann, ordered the Synagogue, many of the scrolls (those in good His paperback, entitled Kafka wohnte um die collection and safekeeping of the sifrei Torah (the condition) were distributed to Jewish communi­ Ecke (Herder, Freiburg, DM 7.90), is a splendid Torah scrolls) from the synagogues of the com­ ties worldwide. One synagogue which applied for guide through a place that no longer exists - it munities which were being destroyed. These were scrolls was the Northwood and Pinner Liberal ended when the Nazi jackboots tramped up the intended to form the nucleus of a future Jewish Synagogue, then in its early days. The synagogue Wenzelplatz in March 1939. Rohan calls his old museum - designed to show the world the received two sifrei Torah which were used with­ Prague a conglomerate of social and linguistic 'degenerate' nature of the people annihilated by out further comment or curiosity for the next 13 groups that hved and worked together though the Nazis. years. often disliking and despising, yet still enriching As a result of Eichmann's grandiose ambitions, Then, following the interest expressed by a and fertilizing each other, and thereby creating a 1,564 scrolls were collected from Bohemia and teacher in cheder, the minister of the synagogue. cultural enfity embracing Egon Erwin Kisch and Moravia, the westem provinces of Czechoslo­ Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, made the scrolls the Franz Werfel, Rabbi Low's legendary Golem and vakia. The scrolls were meticulously recorded and subject of his Yom Kippur sermon. (We are now the immortal Schwejk, the Prager Tagblatt and carefully stored away in Prague. in 1978.) En passant. Rabbi Goldstein suggested President T. G. Masaryk. Social life centred Ironically, the other Jewish artefacts collected that, if a member of the congregation happened largely on the coffee-houses, each the habitual by the Nazis, mostly silver ornaments and tex­ to be visiting Czechoslovakia, it would be a nice haunt of a circle of friends according to their tiles, can be seen now at the State Jewish Museum idea to go to one of the towns from which the professions and politics - and each with a corner in Prague - but very few scrolls. TTiese lay scrolls originated. where the students were swotting, consuming no untouched and mouldering for over 20 years until more than one cup of coffee per head during the whole afternoon. Only one circle of companions met at a private home each Friday evening: in A Voyage of Discovery Karel Capek's house, usually with President At which point a synagogue member, Breslau- Jews of Kohn, confined to their homes under a Masaryk as a modest guest. bom Mr. Michael Heppner, got drawn in. Mr. welter of all-pervasive restrictions, to play cards Heppner, who came to Britain as a toddler with in his restaurant for something like an hour a Yes, Kafka lived around the corner from his parents in 1939, now visits Czechoslovakia two week, surely a practically unheard-of relaxation Rohan's family home, and around another was or three times a year for his engineering import of the rules. He took the last Jewish survivor of the Prager Tagblatt with Max Brod, Kafka's business and thought that following up the rabbi's Kohn to meet her old friend in the next town, and friend, as its theatre critic. Kafka asked Brod to throwaway remark would occupy the otherwise witnessed a joyful reunion between these two destroy all his writings after his death - they 'boring weekends'. What began as a harmless women in their eighties. should never be published. Fortunately, Brod diversion is now an all-absorbing mission. disobeyed and arranged the publication of his He also found that the last Jew left in Trebon dead friend's momentous works. Brod's col­ On his next visit the following spring, Mr. was an elderly veterinary surgeon (whose mother league at the Tagblatt was one of the Feigl Heppner took the train from Prague to the small Dut not father was Jewish), who had been brothers. Ernst, who created the 'humanised', town of Kolin in East Bohemia, armed only with a assigned to dispose of the Jewish community's entertaining law report; Fritz Feigl was a painter, piece of paper on which was written in Czech the assets after their deportafion to Theresienstadt in who emigrated to London, where he had much message: 'Take me to the Jewish cemetery'. Not 1942. The vet himself had finally been sent to the success. surprisingly on a raw Sunday in March, the streets camps but the war was then nearing its end and he were dead and the few people out and about was saved by the Allied Liberation. Unlike the Perhaps the most typical example of Prague's looked askance at him - especially as Mr. Kolin folk, he refused to open up this part of his Jewish-Czech symbiosis was the 'Liberated Heppner does not speak Czech although he is life or have anything to do with Mr. Heppner's Theatre", founded in the 1920s by two students, competent in the next most useful language there, research beyond pushing yet another bundle of the Jew Jiri Voskovec and the Czech Jan Werich. German. papers into his hands. Their saucy, witty musical revues were immensely Yet despite this inauspicious beginning and a popular - until Voskovec had to emigrate. In the host of other misadventures, he eventually dis­ Michael Heppner feels that having one of these U.S.A. he became a sought-after character actor covered some local people who were prepared to sifrei Torah is like 'finding a bottle on the beach (he was one of the 'Twelve Angry Men'), and in help him trace the Jewish background to the with a message. The message reads: I am the last the Anne Frank drama, which was also staged in town. As he made further visits to Kolin and surviving Jewish remnant of a 500-year-old com­ London, he played Anne's father. Even today, Trebon, the two towns which had housed and munity - Revive me!' the 'V -I- W revues are still regarded as an used his synagogue's scrolls, museum curators important chapter of Prague's theatrical history- The synagogue is now also linked with old showed him documents stored away in the backs no less than that httle old villa, the Bertramka, Czech Jewry by a handsome carved wooden arch, of cupboards; officials found keys to open up where Mozart lodged in 1787 when his Don transferred in 1981 from the prayer hall of the deserted synagogues and cemeteries; private Giovanni was premiered. We can sfill see the KoHn Jewish cemetery to the synagogue ark at citizens reminisced with him over names from the table on the garden veranda at which he was said Northwood. To Michael Heppner, that arch past. to have completed the overture only one day symbolises the continuity of an old congregation before the first night. He leamed of a non-Jewish restaurateur who that died and which, phoenix-like, has been had prevailed on the Nazi authorities to allow the reborn in a young English community. EGON LARSEN AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 pagel GERMAN JEWS IN SOUTH AMERICA Black man's search for identity Argentina Grande in January 1939. They had to overcome Nazi persecution brought about 40,000 German- the uncertainty as to whether they would be Caryl Phillips, author of The European Tribe, speaking Jews to Argentina. From the arrival of allowed to land or perhaps be refused entry, hke (Faber & Faber, 1987, £7.95) writes as a twice the first wave onwards they tried to create a the passengers of the St Louis off Cuba a few transplanted man. When he was a baby his framework for organised Jewish life, inspired by months later. About 300 had settled in Uruguay parents brought him from the West Indies to the task of building new synagogues and commu­ between 1934 and 1937; their number grew to London; later his talents took him from a council nifies to replace those that were being destroyed about 6,000 between 1938 and 1942. estate, via grammar school, to Oxford. Becoming in Europe. The fruit of their resolve was the The early story of German Jewish refugee life a writer thereafter he earned critical acclaim but Nueva Comunidad Israelita (N.C.I.) - so called, in South America is told in the AJR publicadon failed to gain a sense of contentment. He was a in the words of their present leader. Rabbi Hanns Dispersion and Resettlement, 1955, pp. 37-56. black man in a white environment which, for all Harf, because 'we were all newcomers to the the advantages it held, still seemed to be deeply country, we wanted to be a community and we unwelcoming. were Jews'. Its orientation was that of a German- Jewish Einheitsgemeinde comprising the entire In and out of South Africa To probe the roots of his rootlessness he spectrum from Orthodoxy to Reform, and could undertook a tour of Europe, matrix of the white Many South African Jews are now leaving their civilisation that had transformed the world and best be described as Conservative Judaism in the country and the destination of most of them American sense of the term. with it the hves of his forebears. His year-long appears to be Austraha where their number has travels - from Spain to Russia, and from Italy to Having started in a private house, they now been estimated to be between 10 and 12,000, in a Norway - resulted in The European Tribe. Alas, have a beautiful synagogue of their own. This is total Jewish population of 85-90,000. long stretches of the book read like snippets of part of a community centre with facihties for According to official statistics given in the S.A. travelogue with race-conscious overtones. Like reUgious instruction, youth club, women's group, Parliament, a total of 2,164 professional people many Jews sensing antisemifism in the most adult education. Third Age and social work. emigrated last year, as against 1,025 who immi­ unhkely places, Phillips contrives to detect Nueva Comunidad is represented on all special grated. In Austraha, the destination of many of evidence of anfi-black prejudice wherever he goes agencies of Argentinian Jewry and maintains the emigrants, the Government is under pressure - even inside the Arctic Circle. Such prejudice friendly relations with other communities. from ami-Apartheid groups to bar S.A. profes­ undoubtedly exists, but one wishes the author had The membership - about 700 families - has sionals on the ground that 'they will be needed flavoured his account with the sort of humour a remained fairly steady over the last years, with desperately when the country gets black majority Jew can muster in confronting antisemitism (as natural decrease offset by a slight excess of births rule'. when he detects the SS guard's glass eye by the over deaths and the intake of new members. The In a recent letter from South Africa, a former kindly gleam in it). composition of the membership has changed over Jewish refugee writes: 'With all the restrictions the years. Though sons and grandsons of the for S. Africans, hfe is becoming quite compli­ Othello and Shylock founders are still on the committee, the congrega­ cated, especially for parents having children in The book does however improve in the section tion now includes East European- and Sephardi- Australia and Canada. I know hardly a family on Venice. Here the author reflects on Othello descended Jews. This is part of the evolufion of without children overseas, and here - as we know and Shylock as archetypes of the Negro and the Argentinian Jewry within which the German- the story from Germany in our young days - Jew in European literature. He quotes Karen Jewish element will steadily diminish. Meanwhile parents are waiting for mail'. Blixen's account of how she told the Shylock story the hfe of the community goes on inspired by the to her African houseboy who, to her 'Christian' twin goals of tradition and renewal. amazement, fully endorsed the Jew's insistence on receiving his pound of flesh. Phillips focuses on Uruguay Othello and Shylock as part of an underlying Another N.C.I., Nueva Congregacion Israelita, perception of Jews as the black men of Europe. exists in Montevideo, Uruguay. It recently cele­ While this smacks of oversimplifcation — he brated its 50th anniversary. It came into being in himself differentiates between the economic the wake ofthe November 1938 pogrom, after 330 rafionale of slavery and the irrafionahty of the refugees arrived on the German hner Conte Holocaust — it gives a strong emotional charge to BELSiZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE his writing. Descriptions of visits to the Anne 51 BELSIZE SQUARE, NW3 Frank house in Amsterdam and to refuseniks in Moscow are very moving. We offer a traditional style of RICHARD GRUNBERGER religious service with Cantor, Choir and Organ

With best wishes from Further details can be obtained JJai(£femai from our synagogue secretary Telephone 794-3949 associates VICTORINOX Chartered surveyors, Minister: Rabbi Rodney J. Mariner valuers and estate agents Cantor: Rev Lawrence H. Fine Swiss Knives of Quality 26 Conduit Street Regular services: Friday evenings at 6.30 pm, London Wl R 9TA Saturday mornings at 11 am Telephone 01 -409 0771 Telex 881 4861 Religion school: Sundays at 10 am to 1 pm We buy sell let value survey and manage Space donated by Pafra Limited commercial property for Clients page 8 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 Lutz Becker TWO PAINTERS Joe Rose The Art of Erna Pinner His eyes sparkle with a keen and piercing look, but you never know precisely what lies behind Book Illustration, Puppets and the Study of Animals them. Is he looking behind you into a cruel and disturbing world? Behind the relative calm of city Hfe does he always recall the horrors of man's he artist and writer Erna Pinner died on with the printer and typographer Pepy Wiirth of inhumanity to man? An exhibition of Joe Rose's T5 March in London aged 97. She was born in Darmstadt with whom she produced from 1923 recent work will be at the Ben Uri Art Society's Frankfurt, the daughter of a well known surgeon. onwards ten books in limited editions. Gallery (7-23 May). It will be opened by the Hon. Lovis Corinth, a friend of Geheimrat Pinner, During the 1920s and early '30s Erna Pinner Greville Janner QC, MP at the Private View (6 invited Erna. then 18, to study with him in Berlin. travelled with Edschmid around the world, to May 6.30-8.30 pm). Between 1911 and 1914 she completed her studies Africa and South America, Arabia, and several Joe Rose was born at Waldenberg (Germany) at the Academic Ransson in Paris under Maurice times to Greece, Spain and Italy. These years of in 1915 and incarcerated in Sonnenburg Denis. At the outbreak of war she returned and travel and adventure are reflected in the books Concentration Camp in 1933 for anti-Nazi began her systematic study of animals and animal Edschmid and Pinner made together, richly activities and again in 1938 in Buchenwald. In behaviour at the Frankfurt Zoo. illustrated with lithographs and etchings. Eine 1939 he escaped with his wife to England and In 1917 her life-long friendship with the expres­ Dame in Griechenland (A Lady in Greece) 1927, served in the British Army throughout the war. sionist writer Kasimir Edschmid began. Erna and Ich reise um die Welt (I Travel Around the After the war he obtained a diploma in art and, Pinner entered the circle of young expressionists World) 1931, combine her lively texts with a after a period as a display artist, took up a of the Darmstddter Sezession. Her studio became wealth of illustrations. Here she developed a full-time artistic career and worked in Australia the meeting place of the group, including the strong graphic style achieving the balance where he was awarded the British Empire Medal poets Theodor Daubler and Else Lasker-Schuler, between naturalistic observation and linear for services to art. He now shares his time the writers Carlo Mierendorf and Rene Schickele, abstraction which gave her work precision and between London and Austraha. Joe Rose has also the philosopher Theodor Adorno. atmosphere. Annual exhibitions of her work were received many awards for his work, has held 24 In 192() she contracted polio, the after effects of held at the Flechtheim Gallery in Berlin and her one-man exhibitions (including Jerusalem in which handicapped her for the rest of her life. articles and illustrations appeared in the maga­ 1986) and has participated in innumerable group Determination and self-discipline became the zines Die Dame and Der Querschnitt. shows. Despite his many successes, Joe Rose is source of her courage and great energy. She This stream of creativity was interrupted by the never satisfied and is always seeking new ways to survived the turmoil of the inflation years through Nazi persecution of the Jews. In 1935, Erna express his ideas about humanity and human the creation of near life-size puppets, often Pinner was able to settle in London. Her entire experience. The exhibition comprises 40 jKirtraits of her friends. Some of these famous oeuvre which she had to leave behind was paintings in mixed media, both surrealistic and creations are illustrated in Das Puppenbuch (The destroyed. portraits, as well as some Jewish scenes. Book of Puppets) published in 1921 At 45 she started her second career. The For the publisher Erich Reiss in Berlin she Director of the London Zoo, Julian Huxley, who illustrated Das Blumenschiff (The Flower Boat) knew and admired her German work, helped her by Klabund in 1921 and her own picture book Das to get commissions to write and illustrate books Walter Nessler Schweinebuch (The Book of Pigs) in 1922. on natural history. Meeting Henry Moore in 1936 Particularly fruitful became her collaboration gave her much needed artistic encouragement. Born in Leipzig, Nessler lived in Dresden and was Her drawings changed towards a more natural­ involved with a group of anti-fascist artists before istic style, the animal figures acquired more coming to London as a refugee in 1937. Shortly volume, detail and texture. Her wood cuts and before the war he married a daughter of C. R. ALFRED FLECHTHEIM hthographs of that period show the high degree of Ashbee, the artist, architect and craftsman who her artistic and technical abilities. was involved in the Arts and Crafts Movement JAHRZEIT Her collaboration with the zoologist G. M. with William Morris and Roger Fry. Interned at The SOth anniversay of the death of Alfred Vevers and the ornithologist Ludwig Koch led her the outbreak of war, Nessler served in the Pioneer Flechtheim, the art dealer, was commemorated in towards more scientific work based on her own Corps, both at home and overseas, from 1940-46, the weekly Die Zeit where Stefan von Wiese observations of animals in the wild and in but this did not stop his painting. After the war he retraced the achievement of one who had turned captivity. Two books summarising that research studied for a time in Paris where he became art dealing into an art itself. Flechtheim, a native were pubhshed by Jonathan Cape, London - in acquainted with Picasso, Giacometti, Cocteau of Miinster (1878-1937), may be said to have 1951, Curious Creatures and, in 1955, Born Alive. and Sartre. He now lives in Hampstead. discovered Klee, Barlach, Picasso, Hofer and These works were again beautifully illustrated by As a man Walter Nessler is filled with the especially French modern artists in whom he took Erna Pinner and translated into many languages. horrors of war and the accompanying degradation a particular interest, such as Braque, Gris, Together with her friends in exile, among of mankind. His large canvas Premonition 1937, Derain, Leger, Laurencin. With his involvement others Richard Friedenthal, Gabriele Tergit and painted in 1937, envisaged the destruction of in art not just as a trader but rather as a promoter Elias Canetti, she joined the PEN Club of London with the dome of St. Paul's, as in the and generous patron, he launched a new type of German authors in exile. With them she was one event it turned out, rising above the ruins. In 1981 joumal - Der Querschnitt (1921) - which presen­ of the first to reach across to Germany after 1945. the artist presented the picture to the nation and it ted art combined with literature, theatre, sport Her correspondence with Gottfried Benn at this now hangs in the RAF Battle of Britain Museum. and society life in a manner not always free from time bears witness of her great humanity and In 1982, following the same theme, he held an snobbery but sufficiently stimulating to attract understanding. exhibition in London called 'Man's Favourite men like Joyce and Hemingway. The Nazis of Erna Pinner lived long enough to see the Pastime', showing the degradation of life and the course had no time for the 'Jewish art Bolshevik'; achievements of her generation reinstated and futility of war. they exhibited him in their 'Degenerate Art' show given a place of honour in German culture. In Nessler is a powerful artist. He has produced (1937). By then Flechtheim was already in 1960 she received the Bundesverdienstkreuz. She many beautiful and striking pictures which not England where he made desperate efforts to carry still continued working and writing until she was only stimulate but also convey an awesome on his work. He did not succeed and died, aged 90. Only her last seven years she called her message. On his 75th birthday we congratulate 59, in a London hospital, lonely and in a wretched 'retirement'. Her great age was a gift not only for him, may he long continue with his work. condition. herself but to her friends as well. ALICE SCHWAB AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 9 S. B. 's Column PETER HERZ Peter Herz who has died in Vienna, aged 92, was A PRIMADONNA'S STORY virtually the last of the Austrian 'Silver Era' hbretto writers having collaborated with Lehar. Eysler and Nico Dostal. He was instrumental in Galina, life story of the Ex-Primadonna Galina favourite of his faithful audiences. - Gustav invenfing the Austrian Schlager song; after his Wischnevskaja of the Moscow Bolshoi theatre, Frohlich, also 85, started in Fritz Lang's classic first success Verzeih'n Sie, ich stottere in 1926, he (published by Gustav Luebbe Verlag, Bergisch- Metropolis and became film hero in the Thirties continued to write lyrics for nearly 60 years, with Gladbach) is less a biography than an accusation. during the dme of his marriage to Hungarian music frequently supplied by Hans Lang and She is outraged by the 'Feasts of art' to which the soprano Gitta Alpar. - Carl Raddatz, honorary Hermann Leopoldi. Whether it was the sentimen­ Bolshoi members were summoned like slaves. member of the Berlin Schillertheater, was 75. tal Wenn zwei aus einem Glaserl trinken. or the The much admired soprano tells how, badly led Like Willy Birgel (his teacher) he was given his March song Zwanzig, dreissig Jahre jiinger miisst' by one of her teachers, she lost the high pitch of chance at UFA film productions where he man sein. whether Schon ist so ein Ringelspiel or her voice and at the peak of her career had to became a top star. Now a mature character actor, the more modern Pizzeria song, Peter Herz re-train as a Mezzo. Despite that change, she was he sfill delights Berhn fans with his versatility and seemed to hit the mood of the moment. Every hailed as the Russian Callas during the Fifties, the rich stage experience. German-speaking radio station regularly includes time when she married Rostropovitch, the cellist some of his songs in its programmes. and conductor, with whom she was permitted to Obituary carry Soviet art to Paris and Milan, also to the During his years in London. Herz entertained United States. Whilst abroad, the couple were The death of Anny Ondra at 84 brings back us all at the 'Blue Danube Club" in Finchley branded as pursuing anti-Soviet activities and memories of a period when cinema-going was Road. In 1954 he returned to Vienna where deprived of their citizenship. This Russian book, pure entertainment, jolly and light-hearted. having been made an honorary professor, he brilliantly translated, will please all those who are When, in the early Thirties, Anny Ondra starred resumed writing songs and operetta libretti. His interested in contemporary music as well as in Anny macht alles, Kiki or Mamselle Nitouche, autobiography, published on his 90th birthday, experiencing a glance behind the Iron Curtain. partnered by Georg Alexander, Oskar Karlweis Gestern war ein schoner Tag, is a journey into or Hermann Thimig, she was loved by a wide sentimentality, clinging to a world of yesterday in which the Austrian past is glorified. One chapter Birthdays audience. She came from a Czech background (then a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), is dedicated to his experiences in London as Heinz Ruehmann, the German comedy actor, started out as a dancer, made her first film in 1926 cabaret author and actor. In 1961 and 1963 Herz now 85, can look back on a long career which was and retired after a relatively short career. She returned to London, appearing last in a little often quite adventurous as when he piloted his abandoned films when she married boxing cham­ revue called Do you remember? Full of humorous own plane to location scenes. Originally a stage pion Max Schmeling in 1933. scenes recalhng the first years of emigration. His actor, engaged by Max Reinhardt, at various hfe, active until shortly before his death, was times member of provincial theatres, he is best based on Vienna but a secret nostalgia for Swiss known by his numerous films in which he rep­ Nathan der Weise had its French Cottage remained. It is here that many of his old resented the charming, often helpless or slightly Premiere! friends will remember his highly individual perso­ timid type of tragi-comic characters. From Drei nality, his unquesfionable talent and his unique von der Tankstelle to the TV sketches of the Odd though it may seem, Nathan le Sage has sense of humour. STEFAN BUKOWITZ Sixties and Seventies, he has remained a firm never been staged in France. Lessing's play, translated into French in 1783, had its premiere in Paris last March. Delayed performance, inciden­ tally, has also been the fate of Emilia Galotii and Recent Work by Remember Minna von Barnhelm. Lessing is actually being JOE ROSE discovered by the French - 'incredible", was the 7-28 May 1987 Israel comment ofthe Paris daily Le Monde. This shows Monday-Thursday 10am - 5pm how effective the Kulturaustausch is, remarked the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. which also BEN URI ART SOCIETY So Israel may remember you appeared intrigued by the thought that such plays 21 Dean Street Wl can, or perhaps must, be discovered by the Tel: 437 2852 If you wish Israel and Jewish French today. Organisations to benefit by your Will, why not consult us? We have a special knowledge of the problems and needs of THE FRIENDS OF AKIM Jewish Clients, and can help you n'piY or your Solicitor to carry out your U.K. Charity Commission Registered No. 241 458 intentions. ISRAEL ASSOCIATION FOR THE REHABILITATION For further information and OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED advice, without obligation and free of charge, please apply to: ABEQUESTTOAKIM

Mr H. Rothman (Director) Would perpetuate your name In Israel and reduce the tax liability of K.K.L. Executor & Trustee Co. Ltd. your estate. AKIM is non-controversial and non sectarian. 100% of any bequest goes to Israel: there are no deductions whatsoever. Harold Poster House, Kingsbury Circle, Details from Hon. Treasurer: Leon Gamsa, 45 Brampton Grove, London NW4 4AH London, NW9 9SP. Telephone: (01)202 4022 Telephone: 01-204 9911, Ext: 36 (Space donated by Aldersgate Engineering Co. Ltd.) page 10 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 John Rossall AJR DAY CENTRE HEINRICH BOLL - Dissident Entertainment for May As usual the morning activities include Keep Fit: The late Heinrich Boll illuminated the post- Young Heinrich was fifteen years and six weeks Various Card Games; Chess; Scrabble; Bingo; Second World War scene of Germany as no other old on 30 January, 1933. And looking back on this Discussion Group; Art Class. writer of fiction native to that country, and at the some 50 years later, he can remember all the same time he also broke through the curtain of savour, or stench, of the Hitler era, but he The afternoon entertainment is: Anglo-Saxon reluctance - by means of the excel­ confesses that he cannot always, from memory, Wednesday 6th Musical Entertainment with lent translations of Leila Vennewitz - to appre­ co-ordinate the exact historical date to the 'feel' Melanie Lobel. ciate the ruthless critic of the new Germany and of the events. So what the reader gets in the Thursday 7th Gerard Tichauer's 'Request its political and cultural metier. His two greatest Memoir are feelings, not history, although the Concert'. novels, "The Safety Net' and 'The Lost Honour of awful history shines through only too luridly. For Katharina Blum' paint a gloomy picture of the once one gets here a German who was not just Wednesday 13th 'Off the Record': A musical uses and abuses ofthe newly won freedoms in the anfi-Nazi, or a repentant half-Nazi, but no Nazi at entertainment with Susi and Federal State. Both deal with terrorism, and that all. He loathed them from the word go, and so did Amold Horwell. subject gained the author the attention of the his family. His mother called Hitler 'turnip head' Thursday 14th Jack & Rita: The Singing Duo. world. But he is a very idiosyncratic writer. He when it was no longer safe. It emerges that Boll Wednesday 20th Happy Branston & Guest sees only the absurdity of the threat this phe­ was a rebel then as he remained to the end of his nomenon poses. His terrorists are half-baked days. The power of the State revolted him, and Thursday 21st Marguerite Tury: Painist. plotters or inadequate fugitives from justice; his ther Nazis' bloodstained absolufism revolted him Wednesday 27th Tea Dance with music by Les sardonic strictures are reserved for the new State absolutely. He never joined any Nazi organisa­ Brown & his Music. and its kow-towing to overreacting security agen­ tion. Hitler Youth or otherwise. In his isolated Thursday 28th Russell Scott entertains for cies and a conscienceless popular press. loyalty to his own brand of Catholicism he dancing. sometimes resembles Jewish juveniles of the early In 'The Safety Net' the tycoon, ironically a Nazi years. War overwhelmed Europe and the newspaper proprietor, whom 'security' is world, and Hitler's Army gathered Heinrich in. VERSATILE TRIO 'protecting' has so many restrictions on his own But before that, in this Memoir, as in several of Geoffrey Strum, a member of the A.C. J.R. and a hfe that it is no longer worth living. In his other works, he consummates a love affair highly versatile tenor, entertained members of 'Katharina', the terror phobia destroys two with the city of Cologne. He was a child of the the AJR Day Centre last February. He chose people captured in a ridiculous siege in a love nest Altstadt, and the Rhine flows through his alle­ songs ranging from Gershwin to Opera, from ... an Army deserter and a doting housekeeper gorical abstractions. Lennon and McCartney to popular modern stan­ whose connection with terrorism was precisely dards. He too compered the show. Johnnie nil. Walton played classical pieces, and several people The Scene is Babi Yar in the audience commented on his polished Now two relafively recent examples have And that brings us to 'The Casualty' (Chatto & performance. He also accompanied Strum. The become available in English. "What's to Become Windus, 189 pp. £9.95). Here we have Boll the third performer, Ron Gray, was an instrumental­ of The Boy?' (Seeker & Warburg, 82 pp. £7.95) author again, no longer the real Heinrich, but, to ist, showing his virtuosity on the tenor saxophone may have been, one assumes, the hurriedly paraphrase Stendhal, the arfist who holds up the and the clarinet. The trio will play again for the pubhshed first instalment of a projected autobio­ mirror to time, place and personality. There is a AJR Day Centre on 11 June. This will be a 'Tea graphy. It is described as a Memoir. further point; this collection of short stories is Dance and Cabaret'. posthumous, and it is said that, like Kafka, he had not wanted them to be published. As in Kafka's case, the author's wish was not honoured, fortu­ nately for the reader, for many of the tales are PALESTINE 1935-41 CLUB 1943 Bollishly good. Unfil one of his characters, a in pictures heutenant in the German army, a kind of Boll Meetings on Mondays at 8 p.m. A kind of photo history of Palesfine 1935-1941 The Meetings Room (ground floor) figure, comes up against an 'action' which is was pubhshed by a German-born Jewish photo­ Swiss Cottage Library almost certainly modelled on the Babi Yar mass grapher, Walter Zadek, who in 1933 managed to 88 Avenue Road kilhng of Jews. The lieutenant is billeted on a emigrate to Palestine via Holland (Kein Utopia London NWS Russian family, not three miles from the diabol­ . . . Araber, Juden, Engldnder in Palastina. Ed. ical event - but, of course, he knows nothing Hanno Loewy. Beriin. 1986. 156 pp. DM 24). It about it. It has nothing to do with 'real' lieu­ 1987 shows, as well as the violence in 1936-39, the 4 May. Bank Holiday. No Lecture. tenants. good neighbourly relations between often poor 11 May. Dr. E. Seligmann: Vom Erfolg der So, the lieutenant remains ignorant and Jews and Arabs which encouraged 'dreams of a Juden im Geschaeftsleben. Part 1 Unsere innocent - until his Russian 'host' is grabbed and just form of society,' though the illegal arrivals Klicke in America. dragged into the murderous maelstrom by already cast dark shadows. One striking photo 18 May. Dr. E. Seligmann; Part 2 Die Gevat- shows a former Stuttgart judge of appeal plying ternschaft in England. minions so disgusted with their beastly task that 25 May. Bank Holiday. No Lecture. they are drunk on the job. The lieutenant, urged his trade as a cobbler in the Jaffa Road, 1 June. Dr. E. Seligmann: Part 3 Einzel- by his despairing landlady, descends into hell to Jerusalem, 1937. gaenger, wo Immer. save his 'Aryan' protege. He is too late, but for 8 June. Dr. A. Hobart: Gods and Goddesses auld lang syne the drunken executioners let him in sacred Indian Dance (with slides). have the corpse. He takes him, with a flicker of CAMPS 15 June. Walter Lewis: Confrontation or Com­ hope, to a German field hospital, but all the INTERNMENT—P.O.W.— promise, an Israeli Experiment. FORCED LABOUR—K2 22 June. H. Witwell: From Pekin to Pakistan medical bureaucrats can state is: 'Cause of Death: (with slides). Hooked Nose.' At that point, of course. Boll's I wish to buy cards, envelopes and folded post- 29 June. V. Stern, MA.: The Island of Grenada irony emerges; but it was touch and go. nnarked letters from all camps of both world wars. and its History (with slides). Please send, registered mail, stating price, to: His literary greatness was recognised; his hfe 14 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 was crowned with the reception of the Nobel PETER C RICKENBACK Prize. AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 11 TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS WANTED at Heinrich Stahl TEACHERS FOR SPOKEN GERMAN On 19 January I found myself sitting in a minibus of music and readings, we spent a good hour with three other members of my school. We all talking to the residents and listening to the stories Some members of staff at Osmond House happen to go to the same synagogue, and the they had to tell of their own musical talents. would Uke to learn conversational German in person leading this talented group was the mini­ Finally, once Mr. Dunston had eaten up every order to facilitate communication with some of bus driver and our school teacher, John Dunston. cake in sight, we departed, leaving behind us our Residents. Is there anyone who would like The reason for our journey was to entertain the happy people, who, we hope, would remember to volunteer for this most worthwhile service? residents at the Heinrich Stahl House in Bishop's our visit throughout the following weeks. Please ring or write to Matron at Osmond Avenue, an event which is organised about every House, The Bishops Avenue, London, N.2 six weeks. JANE DALTON (tei. 01458 1186). Our small group consisted of Alan Dorn LORE STEIN Wagner at Osmond House? Chairman of House Committee (clarinet), Marianne Freedman (violin). Heather When the residents of Osmond House recently Loebl (flute) and Jane Dalton (mouth). Our first sang Hort ihr Herrn und lasst euch sagen, uns're item was Handel's Sonata in D played by Glock' hat zwolf geschlagen, they were not Marianne, which was followed by some excellent singing Richard Wagner (Meistersinger), but TAPES OF THE LONELY AND flute playing by Heather. Later on the audience joined Hans Freund in a potpourri of old folk­ HOUSE-BOUND were to delight in Heather's playing again when songs, which included this 400-year old ditty sung she performed Le petit Negre by Debussy. I by the Cologne night watchmen as they walked Irene White who, in the November 1986 issue, followed Heather with an extract from Dickens' the streets with their lanterns. described her collection of tapes for the lonely novel Our Mutual Friend, and then Alan took the and house-bound, has prepared a classified cata­ Several guests at this afternoon concert re­ floor playing two pieces on the clarinet, I know he logue of the topics she covers. They include Light marked how the residents, not so young any impressed the audience because I could hear Music and Entertainment; Opera, Operetta and them humming the tunes after the performance! serious Music and Choirs; Religious Subjects; Then it was me again with four poems, and finally Reports from Poems and Talks; Extracts from AJR INFOR­ we were lucky to hear Marianne again, playing MATION; Lectures, especially on Cities of Exile, Mazurka by Wieniawski. The residents appeared The Bishops Avenue also over 100 Cassette Tapes from the Leo Baeck to enjoy this, and were very impressed at the high College Library. standard Marianne had reached at such a young age. more, came to hfe as they once again joined in melodies which most of them had not heard for After we had all performed our various pieces many, many years. 1 specialise in capital investments To give the audience a rest from singing, and (which have returned 20-30% in STAMPS safisfy the opera lovers among them, the Soprano recent years) savings plans, endow­ Collections, individual items Giselle Ansell sang the Witches Aria (El Trova- ment mortgages and commercial accumulations, postal history tore), Vissi D'Arte (Tosca) and a few other songs. loans. BUYING/SELLING Rosa Butwick at the piano gave full support to the For further details please contact everything in the way of philately soloists and the community singing. Altogether Daniel Levy B.A. (Oxon) an unusual musical afternoon, and thanks are due ERIC ELIAS, 58 GREENACRES, on 459 2830 to the artists, also to Hans Freund for organising LONDON N3 (01) 349 1610 and leading it.

WALM LANE NURSING HOME HILLCREST LODGE Walm Lane is an established Registered Nursing Home providing the 40 Shoot-up Hill BELSIZE SQUARE highest standards of nursing care for all categories of long and short- London NW2 3QB GUESTHOUSE term medical and post-operative surgical patients. Lifts to ail floors. All 24 BELSIZE SQUARE, N.W.3 rooms have nurse call systems, telephone and colour television. Choice HOME FOR THE ELDERLY Tel: 01 -794 4307 or 01 -435 2557 of menu, kosher meals available. Licensed by Brent Health Authority Beautifully furnished Double and and as such recognised for payment by private medical insurance schemes. Single Rooms at Reasonable Rates. Qualified Nurses For a true and more detailed picture of what we offer, please ask one of MODERN SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY your fellow members who has been, or is at present here, or contact always in attendance. ROOMS, RESIDENT HOUSEKEEPER MODERATE TERMS Matron directly al Please telephone Matron; NEAR SWISS COTTAGE STATION 141 Walm Lane, London NW2 Telephone 4508832 452 6201

R _ f^ (ELECTRICAL , —-, ANTIQLE . Ot U. INSTALLATIONS) LIU. SPRINGDENE NURSING HOME FLRNITLRE 199b Belsize Road, NW6 AND OBJECTS 624 2646/328 2646 We olTer excellent 24 hour medical BOLGHT nursing care. The food is first-class and Members; E.C.A. * Look no further * kosher food can be provided. We offer N.I.C.E.I.C. a range of luxurious rooms, some with Good prices given bathroom en suite. We have two spaci­ ous lounges, two passenger lifts, a hy­ drotherapy pool and a landscaped 55 Oakleigh Park Nth, garden. Facilities for in-patient and PETER BENTLEV MANOR HOUSE BOOKSHOP out-patient physiotherapy treatment. ANTIQLES We buy Jewish and other Whetstone, Licensed by the Barnet Area Health quality books Authority and recognised by B.U.P.A. London N.20 and P.P.P. Special rates available for Best prices paid 22 Connaught Street, London, Wl TeL 4462117 long-term care. Tei: 01-7239394 Phone 445 4293 80 East End Road London N3 page 12 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 MARGARET JACOBY IS 105 OUTSTANDING SERVICE Congratulations from the AJR Club TO THE COMMUNITY 'Within the framework ofthe AJR, the AJR Club ongratulations to you, dearest Mrs. Jacoby, on your 105th Birthday on the 22nd May! Keep holds pride of place. It provides a "home from C well! You have a great many well-wishers. You are praised by all - all. For what you are, home" for many in our midst. Therefore the for what you have done, and for what you are still doing. Executive of the AJR has special reason to You are the lady of the radiant smile of warmth and kindness. It is your spirit of caring that convey its congratulations to Margaret Jacoby brought this Club into existence and has left its mark on it. That spirit is what you stand for. and to thank her for her unflinching services to our community. May she go on with the undimin­ To all of us who have taken root at the Club, it is a place to care and be cared for and where we ished miraculous vigour for a long time to come'. can feel we belong. It is you to whom we owe the support we can give to each other. As well as many other pleasures the Club provides. We are deeply grateful. These words were written by Werner Rosen­ stock five years ago on Margaret Jacoby's 100th There are few chairmen still active at 105, and few who have been beloved chairmen for 31 Birthday. They are still true to-day, as we years. Happy Birthday, dear Chairman! Keep it up! celebrate her miraculous 105th. The Club still holds - with the newly founded Day Centre - pride of place in the framework of the AJR. A Reminiscing Letter from Arnold Horwell Margaret Jacoby, though hampered in walking by the effects of a fall suffered several years ago, is Dear Tante Gretchen still the Chairman and takes as great an interest as ever in the daily life of the Club and in each of its Your achievements over so many decades have tained a newspaper holder, divided according to individual members, assisted by the able Vice- been praised elsewhere, and additions to your the days of the week, where one could catch up Chairman, Lotte Saenger. biography would fill many more columns. May I. with the past week's events, just as Anton A few words on the early history of the Club as your nephew-by-choice, add only a few foot­ Kippenberg's immortal Schiittelreim described it: would not seem inappropriate here. The Club was notes? first accommodated in one room at the N.W. Am besten sich die Zeitung liest London Zion House in Eton Avenue which soon Our family relationship goes back some 60 am Ort wo du die Leitung ziehst. years. It is rooted in your and your late husband became too small for the ever-growing member­ Martin's friendship with my parents. For many There were two annual events where the ship. It was at Margaret Jacoby's intense urging years you were the chairman of District Group Horwitz family and the Jacobys were specially that the AJR Charitable Trust decided to acquire West of the Jiidischer Frauenbund, Berlin, and close to each other. One was the termination of the house at 9 Adamson Road and to convert it for as many years my mother, Jenny Horwitz, was Yom Kippur, when the men — your husband, my principally for the use of the Club. And it was its Schriftfiihrerin — ah, well. Secretary — and I father and I — had to walk back from the Margaret Jacoby, working for some years in only remember the happy peals of laughter which synagogue LUtzowstrasse to our flat, whilst you harmonious tandem with the late Gertrud accentuated your 'business' sessions. What the and my mother were allowed to use tram no. 76: Schachne, who created the happy and peaceful subject of your laughter was (or should I have said which was to a good purpose, though, for a atmosphere for our elderly or lonely. They are all its objects?) will forever be a secret for me. These steaming cup of coffee was ready by the time the deeply grateful to Margaret Jacoby and so are all sessions took place in the flat of my parents or in men reached our base at Liitzowplatz. the members of the AJR who convey to her their your cultured home in the Derfflinger Strasse; The other annual occasion was the Seder, so warmest congratulations and sincere thanks for amongst its art treasures and trinkets there was beautifully conducted by my father. Both these the outstanding services given to our Community. your portrait, that of a beautiful young woman, traditional reunions were continued in this F. E. F. which seemed to me the apotheosis of female country — for years you were your niece-by- beauty and dignity. choice Susi's and my guest for Anbeissen here in A Wonderful Friendship London, and I have the privilege to conduct the However, now I can confess what impressed Seder in your presence at your own AJR Club Dear Margaretchen, me most in your flat. It was the smallest room of which, since its foundation, you have chaired with It is exactly 50 years that we first met at the the house (forgive this euphemism) which con­ an ivory hand in a velvet glove — a Seder which offices of the Jiidischer Frauenbund. You, 'Frau recalls all the tunes and customs so familiar to us. Professor Jacoby,' were then the deputy chairman Then, there were happy birthdays, celebrated of its Berlin branch, and I was delegated by the jointly, and adorned by your poetic tributes — my Reichsvertretung to help Hannah Karminski with the ever growing task of the emigration of fer Verband Berlin 25th in your own home, a celebration which you des Jiidischen Frauenbundes & V. prepared for me in loco parentis, and subsequent women. erlauht sich, die Gruppen ones in this country where happily we both found It was due to your initiative that a much greater Grunewald, Mitte, S50., Schoneherg und Wilmersdorf refuge. number of Jewish girls and women were able to am I. Mdrz 1938. abends 20.15 Uhr punktlichit Not only friendship united us — it was above all find refuge in England than would otherwise have in die Hula der Josef-Lehmann-Schule, joachimstaler Str. 13 our common endeavour to contribute to the been the case. It was also thanks to you that by emzuladen. welfare of our Community. It began in the introducing household examinations and issuing .Margarete jacoby thirties, and the invitation to a meeting of the certificates to those who passed, they arrived in Bencht: England much better prepared for the duties Die frauenauswanderungsheratungsstelle Jewish Women's League, which appears on this des Judischen Frauenbundes. page, bears witness of unity in purpose to expected of them. I remember how untiringly and Vortrag: alleviate the fate of German Jewry during its selflessly you worked. You have saved many Dtpl-Volkswirt darkest hours. In this country we found a com­ lives. Dr. Amold Horwitz mon cause in devotion to the work of the AJR the When in 1956 the AJR Club was founded, it vom Hilfsverein der Juden tn Deutschland aims of which are directed to the care of the same was my good fortune to work with you again right Veberseemanderung people whose fate was our concern before leaving from the beginning. Our working relationship has Probleme und Ziele Germany. always been a most harmonious and happy one. Bertha Falkenberg Margarete Jacoby My wife, Susi, our Son, David, his wife and our Out of it has grown a wonderful friendship and on three admiring grandchildren join me in the this, your 105th birthday, my heart is filled with Caste, die der fudisth. Cememichaft attgehoren, smd herzlmh miUkommen. happiness and gratitude for this precious gift. V/tr bitten nm Vormttsung der MitgUedskarte. Lnkosten-BeitTag 20 Pfg. heartfelt wish that this relationship may continue ad meah we'essrim shanah. DORA SEGALL AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 13 TO THE AID OF SOVIET JEWRY 'THOUGHTS ON THE 'THANK YOU, BRITAIN' LECTURE Sir - I am grateful to you for the comment you Sir - As one of the founder members and made in reply to Professor Wohlfarth and would HOLOCAUST' contributors to the 'Thank you Britain' fund, I like to add that not only have I been connected feel deeply disappointed that our sincere original with the work of the National Council since its Sir - For the sake of a constructive dialogue, 82 intention - that of expressing our gratitude to the foundation but I have also acted for a number of years of life time taught me to listen to any British people for the generosity, help and years as Chairman of that organisation. Other controversial point of view. However, please friendship they showed towards us refugees - former German and Austrian Jewish refugees allow me to state that I find Mr. B. V. Slater's seems to have been completely forgotten. When have and are still acting in leading positions ofthe article 'Teacher's Thoughts on the Holocaust' it was decided to hand the large sum of money we National Council and they have for many years absolutely pointless. I cannot see anything con­ had collected to the British Academy, this was been the backbone of the campaign. Obviously, structive in it from the point of view of preventing apparently done without attaching any guidelines we would hke to see many more members of the another holocaust or showing the way to a better about the causes for which we would have liked to whole community participating in this important and peaceful world. Mr. Slater would have done see it spent. As a result, some thousands of work for our brothers and sisters in the Soviet better with an article in the Telegraph, the pounds went to the author writing a biography of Britain's fascist leader. Sir Oswald Mosley; and """• ARIEH L. HANDLER Express or the Sun devoting some analysing now we have been treated to a lecture on Chairman thoughts to the situation in Northern Ireland. 'Strategy in the 20th Century" by Field Marshal National Council for Soviet Jewry What gives his schoolmaster-mentality away Lord Carver. I think that those of us who have 4a New College Parade, are his claims that 'idealism necessarily involves experienced 20th century strategy in action at Finchley Road, London N.W.3 an object of hatred' and that 'class-hatred pre­ dominates with the Left'. As a matter of fact, in least in one or even two world wars, this is about the last thing we want to be lectured on for our JEWISH WOMEN REFUGEES my own experience as a refugee in 1933, contrary to his thoughts, what has saved my soul, mind and money. Sir - We are preparing an exhibition about Jewish physical welfare and made it possible for me to EGON LARSEN women refugees from Nazism who came to this settle down secure in this country and restored my 34 Dartmouth Road country before and after the holocaust. This will faith in my fellow-men - whether Gentile or Jew - NW2 4EX form a continuation of our exhibition Daughters ofthe Pale which some of your readers may have Editorial comment: The 'Thank you, Britain' seen when it was shown at Swiss Cottage Library. lecture given by Field Marshal Lord Carver on 11 We are particularly interested in obtaining .March, can be said to fall well within the terms of photographs which refugees may have brought reference under which the fund was handed to the with them, both of Jewish life in Germany, British Academy in November 1965, namely, that Austria and the other countries affected, and of J^att^i:6 the subject should relate to human studies, widely refugee life during and after the war. We are not interpreted, in their bearing upon the well being of asking for donations of precious personal photo­ to the Editor the inhabitants ofthe United Kingdom. While the graphs - merely the opportunity to make copies of subjects of some earlier lectures may be held not them for possible use in our exhibition, at our easily reconcilable wilh the spirit of the donation of expense. the fund, such criticism cannot be maintained in was most certainly thanks to those helpful If any of your readers would care to share their relation to the lecture delivered by Lord Carver. 'idealists' and 'leftists' I was lucky to meet over photos with us, we would be most grateful if they here and to work with them on the shopfloor. The analysis of the strategies of the major could contact us. KAREN ADLER From them I learned not what Mr. Slater calls powers during the present century and their effect Researcher 'class-hatred' but - the exact opposite to any form on the outcome of two world wars is a worthy, if Jewish Women in London Group, of hatred - working-class consciousness and for many of us a sensitive, subject for human Southbank House, self-respect and most importantly, linked with it. study. Lord Carver illustrated the successes and Black Prince Road, S.E.I 7SJ the solidarity and love of mutual good will failures of the strategies pursued by different towards my fellowmen whatever their nationality nations, and we refugees have every cause to be THE REIMANN BALLE or religion. grateful for the ultimate success of the strategy of Sir - I read with interest and appreciation the the allied powers. R. BAER article on "Albert Reimann's School' in your 52 The Ridgeway, March issue. Those of us, hke myself, who knew Watford, Herts. Albert Reimann personally, are aware that he BAD SEGEBERG RESEARCH was a man of many talents. I am puzzled however Mr. Slater writes: Fm deeply sorry that I have Sir - I am engaged in research on the erstwhile to learn of a new one. namely that of ballet upset R. Baer. Racial discrimination is, of course, Jewish community of Bad Segeberg. 1 would be dancing (or perhaps having been a choreographer worse than class discrimination, since one can grateful for any information that any of your for that matter). Could there be a confusion change one's class but not one's race. However, it readers can give me about the history of individ­ between 'Reimann Ballets' and Reimann Bdlle seems to me that revolutions tend to consume their ual families and/or reminiscences of those who (Reimannn Balls)? These were indeed, besides best and most idealistic supporters - 1 think stayed at the local Jewish Children's Home. the Presse Ball and Opern Ball, the major social mainly of the Russian revolution - and I cannot events of the season in Berlin at the time. Tickets think it right to condemn whole groups of people to FRIEDRICH GLEISS Lindenstrasse 22 for the yearly Reimann Ball were always hard to deportation or death merely on the grounds of their 2360 Bad Segeberg come by. It might also be of interest to readers class, as happened in, say, 1917 and in the early that part of the receipts were used to provide Thirties, particularly in the Ukraine, and also in scholarships for gifted but poorer applicants to the Baltic area in 1941.1 know members of families GERMAN AS SHE IS NOT SPOKE the school. The highly artistic and colourful decor that suffered in this way. Sir - The front page of the Hampstead & Highgate in the halls and many of the unusually original Nor can I idealise the 'working-class', though I Express (Ham & High) of 13 March 1987 carried costumes were designed and made by the students come from humble origins myself. Heroism and an estate agent's advertisement in several lan­ themselves, many months ahead. cowardice, goodness and evil - such qualities are guages one of which pretended to be German. It not distributed along class lines. EGON E. BRENT read: Wie konnen finden Sie ein HauslWohnung 19 Ormesby Way The unspeakable Pol Pot is perhaps the clearest zu mie ten. Harrow, Middx. example of a man obsessed with the dream of RUTH CEMACH * Mr. Brent is of course quite right in pointing out ushering in a golden age of happiness through the 27 Clarence Terrace, an error for which we apologize. torture and death of 'class enemies'. London, N.W.I page 14 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987

lse Joseph's life (1899-1986) contained ele­ Mission of Peace But Ilse Joseph burst through the pattern of Iments of classical tragedy. Bourgeois, person­ Greek tragedy which a malign fate had imposed able and musically gifted, she spent a privileged on her life. She did so by making music! She, who childhood in Berlin. In the unstable 1920s she had once entertained war workers, now became a married and had two daughters; later she in the chemical industry, while she contributed to worker for peace by playing at concerts to divorced her husband. The slump forced her into the war effort by playing at concerts before promote reconciliation between German and various occupations far removed from her audiences of munition workers and soldiers. Jews, Israelis and Arabs, between Ulster Protes­ beloved music. After the advent of Nazism she Having spent the war years in agonised uncer­ tants and Catholics. Her ceaseless work earned contrived, at the cost of heartrending separation, tainty over the fate of her daughters, she drew recognition in Britain, Germany, Israel (where to place her daughters in the supposedly safe renewed hope from a 1945 press photograph of she endowed a Youth Aliyah music scholarship) haven of the Amsterdam Jewish orphanage. She liberated camp inmates showing two girls with and at the Vatican. married again, only to have her husband carried similar features. All subsequent enquiries, When she grew too infirm to appear on the off to a concentration camp after the Kristall­ however, proved unavailing, and in the 1960s she concert platform she distilled her memories into a nacht. An Englishman helped to get him released discovered incontrovertible evidence - the daugh­ book - Playing for Peace. A Survivor's Mission. and they came to the U.K. shortly before the ters had been gassed at Auschwitz. With her (Temple House Books, 1986, £3.95). Sadly, she outbreak of war. husband's death shortly after it seemed as if total died before publication. Use's husband did work of national importance nemesis had overtaken her. R.G.

FAMILY EVENTS 1948 and with which she remained CLASSIFIED Personal Entries in this column are free of associated for 35 years. Her friends, The charge in these columns is SOp for WIDOWER, 70 years old, from the charge, but voluntary donations would including her fellow members of the five words plus £1.00 for advertise­ Continent, would like to find a be appreciated. Texts should reach us AJR Club, extend their cordial con­ ments under a Box No. To save pleasant-looking lady between 5' and by the 10th of the preceding month. gratulations to her. administrative costs, please enclose 5'3", aged 50-65, warm-hearted, who Reimann:—Mrs. Elly Reimann, payment with the text of your adver­ is interested in all kinds of entertain­ Birthdays widow of Professor Albert Reimann, tisement. ment, theatre, music, art and travell­ Blumenfeld:—Lotte Blumenfeld, of 11 Hillcrest Avenue, London Miscellaneous ing. I am able to look after her and give her security. I am a car driver. who recently celebrated her SOth NWll, will celebrate her 95th birth­ BLIND BUT FIT lady, visiting Swit­ Box 1119. birthday, was the longest serving day on 8 May. All her family and zerland for a Music Festival in staff member of URO, which she friends wish her many more happy August, seeks congenial lady, 40-60 Information Required joined shortly after its inception in years in continued good health. to accompany her. Fares and accom­ Stern:—Erna Stern, of 'Rosemount', modation paid. Separate hotel room. SCHINDLER. Hanne Mueller and 17 Parsifal Road, NW6, celebrated Box 1118. Lilly (nee Schindler) born in Pod- her 95th birthday on 17 March. RE'VLON MANICURIST. Will visit mokly, last heard of in Wood Green. your home. Phone 01-446 2915. Please contact Nelly Smart (Srcka) Deaths ELECTRICIAN. City and Guilds nee Schindler, lllA Courtlands Hagler:—Bertha Hagler, beloved sis­ qualified. All domestic work under­ Drive, Watford, WDl 3HZ. ORIENTAL ter of Gisella and aunt of Margaret taken. Y. Steinreich. Tel: 455 5262. and Andrew, died on 30 March. FOURTH PLAYER wanted for a RUGS Deeply mourned by her family and friendly game of Bridge. Temple Sweet Piano Music many friends. She was a founder Fortune/Edgware area. 959 1257. Bought, and member of the AJR. for all your functions Sold STATE REGISTERED Nurse has Kahane:—Bruno Kahane passed vacancy in her home for pensioner to Barbara Jacobson • Saturdays and Wednesdays away suddenly on 9 March. Deeply live as family. 328 6631. Resident Pianist, Holiday Inn Stalls outside York Arcade, mourned and missed by his wife, his 80 Islington High St, Nl. Situations Vacant (Opp Jet Liverpool Rd and son and family in Paris, and his Phone 449 1883 Upper Street) sister-in-law in New York. HOUSEKEEPER required by • Sundays Nelki:—Ruth Nelki, widow of Dr. elderly gentleman. Live in, own bed- Stalls outside 21 Chalk Farm sitting room with TV. Golders Green Road, NWl. Fritz Nelki, died peacefully on 11 FOR FAST EFFICIENT FRIDGE area. Box 1116. • Mondays, Tuesdays and March mourned by her son and & FREEZER REPAIRS Fridays daughter, grandchildren and sisters Personal 7-dav service Visit our stockrooms any time and brother-in-law. by arrangement. I AM LOOKING for a gentleman All parts guaranteed Strimpel:—Paul Strimpel, of Via DETAILS companion with a lifestyle compat­ Moretto 11, Sorengo, Lugano, Swit­ 01-267 1841 ible with mine. I am an attractive J. B. Services zerland, died on 22 March, aged 72. 5-9pm or redhead, early 50s who loves the arts, Tel. 202-4248 Deeply mourned by his wife and until 9 pm music, theatre, bridge and travelling. before Sam family. Box 1117. 'SHIREHALL' ANTHONY J. NEWTON Licenced by the Borough of Barnet Home for the elderly, convalescent and &C0 incapacitated * Single rooms comfortably appointed SOLICITORS 22 Fitzjohns Avenue, Hampstead, NW3 5NB * 24-hour nursing care SALES & REPAIRS * Excellent cuisine Television - Videos - Aerials - Radios - INTERNATIONAL LAW AGENTS * Long and short-term stay Stereos- Electrical Appliances with Offices in: Europe/Jersey, USA NEW & SECONDHAND TV's,VIDEOS Telephone: FOR SALE SPECIALISTS in all Legal Work: Matron 01-202 7411 or Tel: 01-909 3169 Answerphone ConveyancingA/Vills/Probate/Trusts/Company Administrator 078 42 52056 AVIS TV SERVICE and Litigation 93 Shirehall Park, A. EISENBERG Hendon NW4 Telephone: 01 435 5351/01 794 9696 (near Brent Cross) AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 page 15 THE ASSOCIATION OF CHILDREN our 'parent' organisation. Anyone in their twen­ ties or thirties, single and a child of Jewish refugee OF JEWISH REFUGEES parents, who would like to hear more about the ACJR, should please contact the Administrative The ACJR (formeriy the DJR Club - Descen­ well as being shown round the Bevis Marks Secretary, Anne Salinger, on 01-579 9906. Any dants of Jewish Refugess) was formed in August Synagogue and the Wiener Library. Recently our parents of ACJR members wishing to receive a 1985. It was the idea of Lilly Allen, a member of first musical soiree was held. A large group regular copy of the Newsletter as Associate the AJR. who wanted to bring together people of attended the AJR Self Aid Concert in November, Members of the ACJR are also invited to contact the next generation, those born here, but whose and a number of members entertain from time to the Secretary. JOHN DUNSTON parents had fled from Nazi persecution. It proved time at the AJR homes in the Bishop's Avenue or ACJR Chairman the right idea at the right time, and numbers grew at the Day Centre. In February some of our at each successive meeting. Although the activi­ members heard a talk by Claude Lanzmann on his ties now organised by the ACJR are many and film Shoah, having seen it a few weeks before. A belated Birthday Message varied, one regular focal point was immediately One ofthe most valuable activities has been the established: the third Saturday of each month was series of discussions enabhng members to talk reserved for a buffet supper and social, an about their background, how their families came TO THE HON. TREASURER informal occasion which for many has been their to this country, how they had been brought up, Dear Ludwig first glimpse of the ACJR. On the whole, what what they felt as children of Jewish refugees. Everything important has been said, they have seen has encouraged them to return. These have been unforgettable occasions for Everyone has sensed the real warmth of the those who took part, and were keenly described I therefore just want to add: occasions, and the genuinely relaxed friendliness in Ian Rosmarin's article 'Intimacy with a which comes directly from our shared background Stranger' in the February AJR INFORMA­ DUM SPIRO SPERO* as children of refugees. TION. (A quote from Julius Caesar or was it Pharao?) Since the early days of the ACJR, nearly 60 It is in fact through this journal that the great Lore Stein functions have taken place. We have had distin­ majority of our members have first heard of the guished speakers to address us, and seen many ACJR, and we hope to continue to foster the link * For non-classical scholars a rough translation plays and films (not only on Jewish themes), as with what, in more than one way, could be termed might be 'Have no fear while Spiro's here'!

BELSIZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE ENGLISH-BORN DAUGHTERS 51 Belsize Square, London, N.W.S Our communal hall is available for cultural Bernice Rubens day he died. He was buried in English soil - a and social functions. For details apply to: Bernice Rubens who has just published her novel Rupert Brooke reversal - in a corner of an Secretary, Synagogue Office. Our Father (Hamish Hamilton £9.95), is the English field that for me would be forever Tel: 01-794 3949 English-born daughter of a Jewish refugee from England. On that day, I ceased to be a guest. Tsarist persecution who would have gone to New With my father's grave, I could claim entitlement York, if a dishonest ticket tout in Hamburg had to roots. That grave - and all that is symbolises - not shoved him on to a boat going to Cardiff keeps me in England'. where he remained. She married a man who had been a child refugee from Germany. 'Thus (she Rabbi Julia Neuberger writes in a Sunday Telegraph Magazine article) Israel's my children are accidental Britons. I stress this In the same magazine, another daughter of a accidental aspect because it does affect one's refugee, Rabbi Julia Neuberger, wrote about her ' Very finest Wines attitude to one's accidental home. My father, experience of listening to the voices of various during his long English lifetime, always con­ German-Jewish great aunts, with their strong SHIPPED BY sidered himeslf a guest here, and his influence on accents - "Loverly vezzer vee are having in our me in my growing-up years was overlaid by his country'. Their 'gratitude to the adopted country guest syndrome. And that feeling of being a guest meant appalling English, with German never in someone else's home stayed with me until the spoken at all. It leaves me all too often with the HOUSE OF sense that we have not been nearly so generous, Rita Streich who has died aged 66, was one of or so open-hearted, to those immigrants and HALLGARTEN the best-loved sopranos. Of Russo-German paren­ refugees who have come here since'. Others tage she studied in Augsburg and Berlin: her might also have been left with a little more engagements took her all over the Continent, also sympathy for the 'strong accents' which were to Glyndebourne and San Francisco. She sang in bound to add to the pains of refugee life. May YARDEN and GAMLA London with the Vienna State Opera in 1954 and Rabbi Neuberger be spared the experience of'the AVAILABLE NOW gave many recitals and talks about her life which stranger in a strange land', condemned to an was totally dedicated to music. 'appalling' accent and made fun of by the native. Please write or phone for full information The HOUSE OF HALLGARTEN LEO BAECK COLLEGE 53 HIGHGATE ROAD concludes its 30th Anniversary celebrations with a jubilant LONDON NWS IRR concert of Jewish Music performed by the Zemel cihoir on 01-267 2041 Tuesday 9 June at 7.30pm Venue 1 The Manor House Champagne & Smoked TicketsJ N3 Tel 349 4525 Salmon Reception page 16 AJR INFORMATION MAY 1987 Hairdressing and the Study of Antisemitism COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS What a life! We sit and sigh, The Interests of Vidal Sassoon Wring our hands and wonder why Others laze while we alone Work our fingers to the bone. Hairdressing need not necessarily be associated prejudice there was around at that time, es­ And for what? It makes no sense, with antisemitism, and even the accomplished pecially in the poor districts where things were Just to gain a few odd pence ladies' and gents' hairstylist who calls himself pretty desperate'. Which depart on nimble feet Headmaster, does not have to know what goes on So in 1981 he was hit by the idea of developing, And can never make ends meet. inside our heads. But there are exceptions, and at the Hebrew University, the International Vidal Sassoon who is probably President and Centre for the Study of Antisemitism and Related After all, we don't ask much, Prime Minister among hairdressers may claim to Bigotries, which now bears his name. He wants its As our simple tastes are such be different in this respect. It is of course relevance to go 'way beyond Judaism . . . and That we would be satisfied well-known that he created great changes in the extend to anyone who is concerned with prejud­ With a sapphire mink and ride In a Rolls to save the fares hair industry until eventually he was worth $100 ice, or wants to understand how it has shaped the And champagne to drown our cares. million. This much every schoolboy, and es­ world. Or deranged it". He does not claim to have pecially schoolgirl, knows. What they don't know acted from any religious experience: 'It was We're not greedy, surely not, is that Vidal, a Jewish East Ender, born in 1928, simply that I was part of history and belonged to If we want a little yacht was aroused by the horrors of Auschwitz and the the human race'. And a paltry miUion for (albeit shortlived) Mosley revival to the point of The Centre's 30-odd research projects deal Bare necessities — no more. joining the Israeli army in 1948 and thinking hard with the situation in Argentina, Belgium, Cuba, But alas, we reach too high: about that main curse of his generation - anti­ Egypt, France, Germany, Soviet Russia and Fortune seems to pass us by. semitism. U.S.A., also with antisemitism in relation to the As a comfort we are told: 'Quite honestly (he said), until that time I had Cathohc Church, the Arab world and the reaction Count your blessings, not your gold, felt very much a foreigner in Britain, even though of Jews. For the greatest blessings He I'd been born here. People forget how much In the things we cannot buy. p „

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Published by the Association of Jewish Refugees in Great Britain, 8 Fairfax Mansions, London NWS 6LA. 'Phone for Office, Administration and Homes Department: 01-624 9096,7; Social Services Department; 01-624 4449 Printed in Great Britain by Black Bear Press Limited, Cambridge