Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts

VOLumeAJR JOURNAL 12 NO.1 jajanuarnuaryy 2012

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts imeo Danaos et dona ferentes’ to that country by the Eurozone states number of political issues, are very much ‘ (‘I fear Greeks even when bear- provided an object lesson in the un more difficult to manipulate and are Ting gifts’), warns the Trojan priest democratic potential of referenda, in the longer term a far more reliable Laocoön in Virgil’s Aeneid, in a vain unless employed in a manner properly reflection of the democratic process. attempt to deter the citizens of Troy defined by a democratic constitution. The first political leader in modern from accepting the wooden horse Greece had not had a referendum for times to rely on referenda was Emperor that the besieging Greek forces have 37 years, and then only in the wholly Napoleon III, whose French Second seemingly left as a gift, but which is exceptional circumstances of the coun- Empire (1852-70), in effect a form of in reality intended to bring about the try’s return to democracy after the plebiscitary dictatorship, was ‘constitu- destruction of the city. The ancient collapse of the military regime of the tionally’ founded on referenda. Having Greeks bequeathed the concept of ‘Greek colonels’ in 1974; the people been elected president of the Second democracy to the world, but their mod- were called on to vote on the future of Republic in 1848, Louis-Napoleon ern counterparts have recently helped Bonaparte carried out a coup d’état in to give currency to a more questionable December 1851 and seized dictatorial popular (not to say populist) device, the powers. He then had the coup approved plebiscite or referendum. by the French people in a referendum, in Forms of parliamentary self- which his regime cynically exploited the government, in which the people nationalist-militarist aura surrounding entrust their elected representatives the Bonaparte name. In December 1852, with the responsibility of government, a second referendum was engineered have always sat uneasily alongside to approve the abolition of the Second forms of more direct popular self- Republic and its replacement by the expression such as referenda. But what, Second Empire, with Bonaparte ruling one might ask, could possibly be more as Emperor Napoleon III. This exercise democratic than asking the people to in political manipulation by means of express its democratic will directly on a referenda enabled Napoleon to strip given issue by means of a referendum? the elected parliament of the Second How can one deny the democratic Republic of its power and establish his legitimacy of the will of the people, own brand of authoritarian rule. directly expressed through a single-issue Napoleon III, Emperor of France 1852-1870 The German sociologist Max Weber vote (and thereby dispensing with those (1864-1920) distinguished between grubby little parliamentarians and their the Greek monarchy, which had been three types of political leadership, fiddling of their expenses)? badly tainted by its association with each requiring its own legitimisation. The answer lies, obviously enough, in the colonels, and decided to abolish it. Traditional forms of leadership like the potential that referenda offer govern- This was the kind of constitutional monarchies were legitimated by ments, press barons, well-funded interest issue suitable for a referendum; it principles such as feudal concepts of lobbies, nationalist tub-thumpers and had precedents, notably in the Italian heredity, while modern Western states other powerful, unscrupulous groups for referendum of 1946 that resulted in were legitimated by the rule of law and manipulating the outcome of the vote. the end of that country’s monarchy, by rational systems of administration As any number of historical examples fatally identified with Mussolini’s Fascist and government (among which one may shows, the phrasing of the question, dictatorship. The referendum on the here include elective democracy). The the timing of the ballot and all the EU bailout, by contrast, was a piece of third type was the rule of the charismatic other conditions determining the vote transparent political sleight-of-hand, leader, which scholars like Ian Kershaw allow for a very considerable degree of conjured up out of nowhere by the have applied to the dictatorship of inappropriate influence to be brought then prime minister of Greece, George Adolf Hitler. It is easy enough to see in to bear on a single-issue plebiscite. The Papandreou, as a desperate measure Napoleon III an early prototype of the recent referendum on the alternative vote to shore up his party’s legitimacy, and charismatic leader/dictator, since he system in this country, where emotive dumped unceremoniously as soon as it had neither traditional nor democratic and personalised arguments were allowed became unviable. That cannot be done legitimacy; his legitimacy, such as it to obscure the real issues, demonstrated with parliamentary elections, especially was, was provided by referenda, backed this with depressing clarity. under a system of fixed electoral terms. by coercion and manipulation, and The fate of the short-lived proposal Parliamentary elections, involving a underpinned by the skilfully propagated (October/November 2011) for a refer- variety of parties and politicians, a mystique of the Bonapartist myth. endum in Greece on the bailout offered system of constituencies and a large continued overleaf

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Beware of Greeks cont. from p1 It is no accident that both Hitler and AJR Holocaust Memorial Day Service Mussolini, Napoleon III’s successors in Belsize Square Synagogue this respect, employed referenda to Monday, 23 January 2012 at 2 pm legitimate their policies. In Italy, the one- party state was institutionalised by the The AJR will be holding a service to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day electoral law of 1928 and parliamentary at 2 pm on Monday 23 January 2012 at Belsize Square Synagogue, 51 Belsize elections abolished; instead, the Grand Square, London NW3. Council of Fascism, now the supreme Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg has kindly agreed to lead the service and will give constitutional authority, selected a sin- an address on this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’. gle list of candidates that was approved The service will also include an address by a representative from Action by plebiscite. Musso lini’s example was Reconciliation Service for Peace. followed by such unsavoury dictatorships The service will be followed by refreshments. If you wish to attend, please as the regime of the Greek colonels, call 020 8385 3070 or email [email protected] whose leader, Colonel George Papado- poulos, used a referendum in 1973 to Members may also wish to attend two further Holocaust Memorial Day events, legitimate his abolition of the monarchy for which admission will be strictly by ticket. These are: and the establishment of a presidential A service at City Hall hosted by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, at 12 noon republic under which wide-ranging pow- on Tuesday 24 January 2012 – please telephone Lydia Volans at City Hall for ers were vested in the president (himself); tickets on 020 7983 4067. and the Chilean dictator, General Pino- The National Event, organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, at chet, employed the National Plebiscite Northumberland Place, London on Thursday 26 January 2012. The event will of 1980 to give his bloodstained rule a start at 4 pm. Transport can be arranged for members in the London area. fig-leaf of popular legitimacy. To reserve a place, please call AJR Head Office on 020 8385 3070 or email Hitler held four plebiscites, all [email protected] cynically manipulated to legitimate his regime and its policies. The second and most constitutionally significant of That weakening of republican democ with other Western European states. these took place following the death of racy and its replacement by the Nazi The leader of the German National- President Hindenburg in August 1934. regime was materially assisted by the ists (DNVP), Alfred Hugenberg, set up Hitler immediately promulgated a law referendum demanded in 1929 by the a committee to promote a plebiscite whereby the office of president was anti-republican right on the Young combined with that of chancellor (an Plan, the successor to the Dawes Plan office he had assumed in January 1933) of 1924 that had regulated Germany’s The AJR and the presidential powers transferred reparations payments to the Allied Pow- Paul Balint Centre to ‘the Führer and Reichskanzler Adolf ers. Both helped to integrate Germany Please note that as from Hitler’. The plebiscite of 19 August 1934 into the wider economy of the Western Tuesday 3 January 2012, duly approved Hitler’s assumption of world. But it was that process of the the AJR Paul Balint Centre absolute power, thus enabling him peaceful integration of Germany into will relocate to to claim that he ruled as dictator by the post-1918 framework of Europe Belsize Square Synagogue, the direct will of the people – the key that the German right so bitterly op- London NW3. feature of referenda. In stage-managed posed. For it meant accepting the reality demonstrations of national enthusiasm, of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Nazis also secured the ratification imposed by the victorious Allies on against the Yo ung Plan, and invited Hitler by plebiscite of Hitler’s decision to defeated Germany in 1919, and the to join it. The alliance with the conserva- withdraw from the League of Nations resulting strategy, pursued especially by tive DNVP and the Stahlhelm, the war (1933), to send German military forces Germany’s outstanding Foreign Minister veterans’ organisation, was a boon to to occupy the Rhineland (1936), and to Gustav Stresemann, of ameliorating the then electorally insignificant Nazi annex Austria to the Reich (1938). the Versailles conditions by a gradual Party, legitimating Hitler’s rabble-rousing But perhaps the most telling ex- process of renegotiation that aimed at tactics and giving free rein to just the kind amples of the use of referenda to defending German interests within the of extreme nationalistic demagoguery undermine a democratic state occurred overall framework of friendly relations that would turn voters towards his party. in Germany before 1933, as part of the The Hugenberg committee’s ‘Liberty Law’ campaign by political extremists of both AJR Directors (‘Freiheitsgesetz’) assailed the Young Michael Newman right and left to destroy the parliamen- Carol Rossen Plan in the wildest terms as it rested, tary democracy of the Weimar Republic, David Kaye they claimed, on the betrayal of Germany in power since Germany’s defeat in the AJR Heads of Department to foreign interests; they even demanded First World War. In 1926, the cynical Susie Kaufman Organiser, AJR Centre that German ministers who signed such Sue Kurlander Social Services agitation that accompanied the Commu- treaties with foreign powers should be AJR Journal nists’ attempt to launch a referendum on Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor committed to prison as traitors. Though the emotive issue of the expropriation of Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor the referendum failed, the frenzy of na- the former ruling houses in the various Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisements tionalism it helped to unleash bore fruit German states (the Fürstenenteignung) in 1933, when Hitler comprehensively had shown the potential that such votes Views expressed in the AJR Journal are not outmanoeuvred Hugenberg and the held for destabilising the still fragile Ger- necessarily those of the Association of Jewish DNVP and assumed total power. Refugees and should not be regarded as such. man democracy. Anthony Grenville

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‘Double exposure’ project in Vienna he exhibition ‘Double Exposure: the former refugees whose story it tells NEWTONS Österreichische Emigration nach had fled after 1938. The exhibition SOLICITORS TGroßbritannien ab 1938’ opened continues at the Literaturhaus until 13 in Vienna on 17 November 2011 at the January 2012. Our experienced team Literaturhaus (Seidengasse 13, Vienna 7), The book Stimmen der Flucht (‘Refu- will give you expert where the film of the same name gee Voices’), published by Czernin and personal advice was given its Austrian premiere in a Verlag in Vienna, is as yet available only 22 Fitzjohn’s Avenue shortened version. This followed their in German. It is the first study yet written London NW3 5NB successful launch in London in June, that focuses specifically on the Austrian under the title ‘Double Exposure: Jewish component of the Jewish emigration to Tel: 020 7435 5351 Refugees from Austria in Britain’. The Britain, covering in detail the period of Fax: 020 7435 8881 [email protected] showing of the film and the opening of their settlement in Britain in the post- the exhibition, both created by Dr Bea war decades. Taking advantage of the spring grove RETIREMENT HOME 214 Finchley Road London NW3 London’s Most Luxurious

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Dr Bea Lewkowicz (left) with Dr Ursula Seeber in front of ‘Double Exposure’ exhibition panel featuring the late Richard Grunberger JACKMAN . Lewkowicz, took place at the same time wealth of information to be found in as the launch of the book Stimmen der the 25 interviews with former Austri- SILVERMAN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Flucht: Österreichische Emigration nach ans in the ‘Refugee Voices’ collection, Großbritannien ab 1938, written by Dr the book provides a detailed and vivid Anthony Grenville. All three form part picture of the life of the Jews of Austria of a project on Jewish refugees from before 1938, under the Nazis, and as Austria in Britain, based on material refugees in Britain. By setting the life from the AJR’s ‘Refugee Voices’ archive stories of the 25 interviewees in the of filmed interviews with former victims overall context of the history of Austrian of Nazi persecution, with additional Jewry, the book interweaves the fate of Telephone: 020 7209 5532 material from the ‘Continental Britons’ individuals with that of the community [email protected] exhibition (Jewish Museum, London to which they belonged. The book (261 2002). pages, ISBN 978-3-7076-0395-8, hard The launch concluded with a panel cover) is available from Czernin Verlag, discussion in which the participants were 4, Kupkagasse, 1080 Vienna, at €24.90, switch on electrics two of the interviewees who appear in or on the internet from Amazon, or can Rewires and all household the film, Elly Miller and Otto Deutsch, be ordered through bookshops. electrical work and the former Austrian Ambassador in Thanks are due to the AJR, which PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 London, Dr Gabriele Matzner-Holzer, as funded ‘Refugee Voices’, to the Mobile: 0795 614 8566 well as Dr Lewkowicz and Dr Grenville. Literaturhaus (Dr Ursula Seeber) and to On 19 November, the full-length version the Nationalfonds der Republik Österreich of the film ‘Double Exposure’ was shown für Opfer des Nationalsozialismus, the at the Admiral Kino in the Burggasse Zukunftsfonds der Republik Österreich, Annely Juda (Vienna 7), which had before 1938 been the Kulturabteilung der Stadt Wien Fine Art owned by the parents of Henry (Heinz) (MA7) and the Gesellschaft der Freunde 23 Dering Street (off New Bond Street) Ebner, an AJR member who appears der Österreichischen Exilbibliothek, Tel: 020 7629 7578 Fax: 020 7491 2139 in the film. This concluded the highly which supported the project ‘Double successful introduction of the project Exposure’ in Austria. CONTEMPORARY PAINTING in the Austrian homeland from which Anthony Grenville AND SCULPTURE

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Righteous Gentiles remembered

ith another anniversary of the in mind that we had no telephone in referred to as ‘the two angels’. terrible events of Kristallnacht Vienna, Uncle must have gone to a lot In September all the boys in our Whaving just passed, it is of trouble to arrange the call. It was house, apart from me, went to school. I appropriate that we remember, and primarily to assure our anxious parents was left at home with shopping lists and honour, the many wonderful people that all was well with us. Mother, of instructions on how to prepare some of who – in the short space of ten months course, wanted to know what we ate for the food for supper. I spent my spare before the start of the war – helped breakfast, if we had enough to eat, what time reading the Daily Telegraph and 10,000 children, and others, to escape our accommodation was like, all about quickly improved my English. to Britain. Our thanks are due also to the other boys, and lots more. If Uncle In April 1940 the war began in the countless families who made the was paying for the call, we felt obliged earnest with the German occupation refugee children welcome, provided for of Denmark and Norway, followed in them and arranged for their education. May by the invasion of Belgium, Holland My late brother Gerhard and I arrived and France. at Victoria Station in London at 11 pm Gerhard had been enrolled at the on Sunday 9 July 1939, an exhausting 36 Northern Polytechnic in Holloway Road, hours after leaving the Westbahnhof in a ten-minute walk from where he lived, Vienna. We were met by the Reverend to study Radio Communication. In April George Arthur Parry, a Baptist minister I was given the opportunity to join the who was the General Secretary of the same course, which I readily accepted. British Society for the Propagation of It had the great bonus of seeing my big the Gospel among the Jews. brother every day. He drove us to his house, at 62 By May 1940 the internment of Carolina Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, German-speaking ‘aliens’ was in full where we had our first taste of English swing. This included any refugees over food – cold sausages. It was well after the age of 16 with German passports. midnight and we were starving, having Fortunately I was overlooked, but survived on sandwiches and snacks since Photo taken in 1940 of me and four other Gerhard was sent to Canada. leaving Vienna. boys looked after by ‘Uncle’, who gave some On 18 September 1940 our house of us nicknames (I have no recollection of The next morning at breakfast we their actual names). was made uninhabitable by a land were introduced to four other refugee (From left) A boy from Vienna named mine dropped by the Luftwaffe which boys, also looked after by ‘Uncle’, as the ‘Sausage’ – I have no idea why (I think his exploded two streets away. Mercifully Reverend liked to be called. The choice family name was Davids); ‘Ginger’ – I had nobody in our house was injured. red hair; Kenneth, the youngest – as he was of cereals, followed by egg and bacon, German, this is unlikely to have been his The boys had to be relocated. I had was a welcome surprise, especially as real name; ‘Moke’, seldom used slang for the good fortune to sample the wonder- we were still hungry after our long Donkey; Günter, a German boy – I believe it ful care and attention of Mrs Lambotte journey. was his real name and Daisy. A few weeks later, after Uncle The house was very crowded, with had moved into a really nice new house six boys in two bedrooms and Uncle to keep the call short; if our parents were at 28 Arterberry Road, Raines Park, all the occupying the third. He was unmarried paying, we knew they couldn’t afford it. boys were reunited. The 15-mile journey and had no housekeeper so we were So sadly we kept it short, not realising from the new house to the Polytechnic all allocated jobs in order to share the it would be the last time we would ever was often difficult, due mainly to the housework. speak to our parents. damage done to the roads and transport As far as the aim of the Society – the The war started exactly seven weeks system by the German bombs. propagation of the Gospel among Jews – after our arrival, by which time we Gerhard had been released in early was concerned, no pressure was ever put had moved to a larger property at 64 1941 and returned to England to resume on us to convert. We were expected to Chestnut Road, West Norwood, London his studies. He received a great welcome go to evening service on Sunday. I found SE27. Strange as it was, my brother from Mrs Lambotte at the house in St the language in the sermon difficult to Gerhard had already been relocated to John’s Villas. follow, but the singing was pleasant another property of the Society, only two We both passed our Final Examination and some members of the congregation or three weeks after our arrival. in May 1942 and were ready to look usually chatted to us at the end of the Gerhard had a nice room in a much for employment. It is interesting to service. larger house at 43 St John’s Villas, record how easy that was. I saw an Our parents, who had arranged to London N19, at the northern end of advert in a trade paper, telephoned and send us to England, would have been Holloway Road, near Archway. This requested an interview. They ascertained aware that we were going to be in a property must have accommodated what qualifications I had and asked non-Jewish environment and had most ten or more refugees, of both sexes, when I could start work. Encouraged, sensibly and courageously decided to including two pensioners. I mentioned that my brother had the send us away, almost certainly saving In charge at St John’s Villas was a same qualifications as I. They again only our lives. Belgian lady, Mrs Edith Lambotte, ably needed to know when he could start One week after we left Vienna, on our assisted by her companion Daisy. They working for them! first Saturday in England, Uncle called were a remarkable pair, treating all their As we now both had jobs, it was time us to the telephone, where our parents charges with affection and love. They for us to pay our own way. The Society were waiting to speak to us. Bearing in turn were greatly loved and often continued opposite

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This morning I woke up in Vienna … he sun is shining and the city is on Kristallnacht, the lives of many of the them. From her lecture, they will be able buzzing with people going about ‘assimilated’ might have been saved if their to see a ‘real’ person’s experience and Ttheir business, hurrying to work, Jewish origins couldn’t have been traced. understand how a thriving community taking the children to school. I want so After the service, we had a delicious dinner was wiped off the face of the earth. We much to hate this place, but find myself at the Alef Alef kosher restaurant. take the tram to Blindengasse, where Hilda alarmingly comfortable and ‘at home’. I This morning, we visit the Zigmann’s worked part-time during her studies for look out of my window. Across the canal, Meyers Store with her friend Finy. It was I can see Taborstrasse. It’s exactly as I had outside the store that she was made to imagined from the stories my mother scrub the street. told me of the wonderful childhood she Our next stop is Brigittenauer Schule enjoyed in Vienna until it was taken from on Karajangasse, where Hilda’s brother her. Hansi went to grammar school. We see It’s the first time here for us – my sister the memorial in the basement and later Laureen, cousin Chantal and me. We are discover the existence of Hansi’s school meeting Elisabeth Ben David Hindler to see reports, signed in our grandmother’s the Stolpersteine of our uncle Eric Weiss’s beautiful Gothic script. We learn that family – parents Adolph and Gisela, sister school records for Hilda’s younger sister Lisl and baby brother Egon – in Leopolds Serina have probably been destroyed gasse and to arrange for the stones to (From left) Elisabeth Ben David Hindler, as they would have attended the be set outside our grandparents’ home Laureen Hart, Chantal Ghozland, Sue junior school. We show them Serina’s Rutherford in Heinzelmanngasse. The Weiss’s elec- Stammbuch. trical shop former home in Heinzelmanngasse. We It is here that we keep our appointment in Leopolds enter the building and my heart is in with Lilly Axter, whom we met through gasse is now my mouth. It is undergoing restoration search notices in the AJR Journal when an internet so we are able to view the interior’s we were both seeking people with a café. We take original splendour as it is stripped back in similar family name. Our relationship has a picture preparation. We climb the spiral staircase grown through emails, but this is the at the spot to the second-floor apartment. These are first time we are face to face. Although where his sto- the steps my mother, Hilda Mazin (née our backgrounds are poles apart – I, the len youth is Zigmann), described when telling me ‘second-generation’ survivor, she the frozen in time how she tripped on the stairs and broke grandchild of members of the Nazi Party on a beautiful her thumb hurrying home as a frightened – we have become very close friends. Lilly black-and- teenager after going to the cinema to is still seeking the family who lived in her white snap. see Phantom of the Opera. I imagine my apartment before it was ‘aryanised’. She Perhaps this mother running up the winding staircase, becomes our guide for the rest of our visit was his last opening the large oak doors and falling and we see a more light-hearted side of photograph into the open arms of her ‘mama’. She present-day Vienna. She treats us with before he talked of the apartment building so often the utmost respect and our friendship is escaped to Eric Weiss with girlfriend in and with such fondness for her happy early forged in spite of the madness of the past. France at the Leopoldsgasse c 1938 childhood. I feel I have known this place We visit the Prater in the afternoon and, tender age of all my life. What would it have been like again, I remember my mother’s stories 18, the only member of his entire family to know our grandparents – Laura and of happy summer days spent in the park. to survive. Isador – and visit them at weekends or The final visit of our trip takes us to We arrived last night, on Erev Rosh after school? Grosse Sperlgasse, where our grandparents Hashana, and went to the Stadttempel, We have lunch in the Wallenstein were herded together with our great-aunt which I had imagined would hold a few Restaurant, savouring the Schnitzel, Regina and her family (husband Willy and old men in a dreary synagogue – not the Kartoffelsalat and Gurkensalat before we children Ernst, Edith and baby Rosie) to young, flourishing, beautiful congregation visit Hilda’s college in Staudingergasse. await deportation. The building is grey I discovered within. The lovingly restored We are so proud that Elisabeth will be and grim. We can sense the horror and temple, saved from destruction in order giving a power-point presentation to the desperation oozing from the very walls. to keep archives of births, deaths and children using Hilda‘s dress design sketch We step outside into the bright sunlight marriages intact, is once more a happy, books to emphasise the effect on the and notice an Orthodox family on their vibrant tribute to the resilience of our shattered lives of the Jewish pupils who way to synagogue …. people. Ironically, had it been destroyed attended the school many years before Sue Rutherford

’Righteous Gentiles’ continued make sure we could manage, the Society In conclusion, if anyone who reads found splendid accommodation for us generously paid the first week’s rent for the above tribute was also helped by with the Denham family at 34 Highbury us, £1 10s each! the Society – or maybe their relatives Place, near Highbury and Islington We had been kept, cared for and were – could they possibly contact me Station. We had two rooms with full educated for two years ten months by via the Journal or at the email address board. The wife cleaned and did the the Society and their many wonderful below? Perhaps we could arrange some washing and ironing. Her husband helpers and officials. suitable commemoration to ensure these worked at the local baker, bringing Sadly, Uncle died a few years later of wonderful people are remembered. home bread and cakes, a welcome cancer. I visited him in hospital and was Bruno Muller bonus as food was strictly rationed. To shocked to see how ill he was. [email protected]

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in Europe right up to the time of the Shoa. And even the intensity of Jewish migration to the Americas prior to the Shoa did not alter the picture significantly. The Shoa cannot therefore be said to be directly related to the Roman-driven Diaspora. Correspondence on the subject in the AJR Journal and other journals always ducks this question by blaming only the Nazis or seeming to blame the entire German nation – even today the LUDWIG SPIRO, event than all the other persecutions presence of an additional underlying cause AN OUTSTANDING PERSON being commemorated. This is because is treated by many with far too much Sir – Ludwig Spiro, and Anna before him, the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the ‘delicacy’. played important roles in our lives. I can- persecutions in Eastern Europe and the The godless Nazi Party and many, not remember when we first got to know Holocaust would not have taken place had many Germans were most certainly them. A major step occurred after my we not been exiled from our land.’ guilty – but surely not they alone. Many mother’s death in 1990. Ludwig saw in me His argument is intriguing and I certain- guards in the death camps were of East a likely candidate to become a member of ly accept his simple conclusion – that the European stock and nationals from the Heinrich Stahl House Committee and Shoa could not have occurred in Europe Nazi-occupied countries frequently co- he duly lassoed me into joining the group. had such a large population of Jewish operated in securing the initial arrests Our friendship developed over the years, people not been living there at the time. and in the subsequent operation of the continuing after Ludwig stepped down Yet sadly, that is not the real issue at all. death transports. Had the history of from office. He continued to show great The difficulty with the earlier sequence those days been somewhat different, interest in the welfare of the residents. of events which Mr Schragenheim posits the entire evil process might, in part at I found later that the concept of house is that the Diaspora triggered by the least, just as possibly have happened in committees was unique in the environ- Roman destruction of the Temple and its European countries other than Germany. ment of residential care homes because aftermath was not as total as he implies. The overwhelming difference between we could draw our recruits from persons The event certainly directly affected Jews Germany and other possible culprits of with similar backgrounds and experiences. from Jerusalem and surrounding areas, that period was that Hitler alone had the The homes continued to function well until but not so much those from wider Judea. immediate means. there was a change in the financial climate. For example, the dispersal he speaks of The underlying reason for this tragedy We remember Ludwig as an outstanding was probably on a smaller scale than that is that much of Christian Europe – Catholic person, infinitely kind and interested in of the exile to Babylon, though both were and post-Reformation Protestant – had other people. We were honoured to be undoubtedly major tragedies. been riddled with anti-Semitism for able to count him and Anna as our friends Moreover, the Jewish people had been hundreds of years since the Middle Ages – and we shall miss them both. We wish spreading out from Israel and Judah long the sin that even today ‘dare not speak its Ludwig’s family a long life. before the Diaspora – witness Alexandria, name’. And the Holocaust became possible Dr Victor and Mrs Rosalie Simons, the largest of all Jewish cities and almost not just because of the wickedness of the London NW3 totally Greek-speaking. Many Jewish peo- Nazis, but also against this more precise Sir – I met Ludwig Spiro when my mother ple had been traders since before the time historical background – anti-Semitism in was admitted to Heinrich Stahl House. of Christ. That in itself would have taken varying degrees had become prevalent She said that a nice gentleman had visited them, and their dependents, to foreign throughout most of Europe. her and told her to tell him if there was parts, resulting in their occupation of To my knowledge, the only Christian anything she needed. This was typical of trading positions throughout the Roman person of note to go some way towards his hands-on approach, as was getting Empire, and even beyond the Empire into public admittance of the problem was down on the floor to sort out the wiring in Russia, and where Jewish and other trad- Pope John Paul II. But until this link is her room. I came into closer contact with ers in those areas were to a limited extent more widely acknowledged throughout him and Anna when I was asked to join encouraged and frequently flourished. Christianity and in our broader society, and the House Committee, which he chaired. Also, we have the no small matter of even in our school history books, there can These were not so much committee Jewish proselytisation, spreading from surely be no final reconciliation. I say this meetings as briefings, but one could Israel and Judah and resulting in the crea- as a Christian, deeply aware that Jesus, forgive him as he was so concerned for the tion of Jewish communities in other lands, his family, and most of his friends and ac- residents and committed to their welfare. right up to the time when the practice was quaintances were undeniably Jewish. And He had many good ideas, e.g. giving each banned by Emperor Constantine. Christianity surely owes the Jews and Juda- committee member a number of residents And then there were later events that ism more than has ever been admitted. to chat to and listen to their concerns. also brought Jews into Europe, e.g. the Peter C. Landsborough, Woking, Surrey In later years, after Ludwig had moved conquest of Jerusalem and the Holy Land by to Northwood and Anna had died, I Islam. And not forgetting those Jews who Sir – In my local library there are four books brought him from time to time to my later fled pogroms in the Russian Empire, in the children’s section on the Holocaust house, where he enjoyed his conversations and the migration into Europe of ‘oriental’ and all four blame the Nazis for this great with my husband and arranged for him to Jews from North Africa and other Arab crime. There is no mention of centuries give some lectures to AJR groups. lands before and during the 19th century. of persecution by the Christian church, Stella Curzon, Ruislip Thus, Jews came to Europe for a without which the Holocaust could not variety of reasons other than the so-called have happened. Many people think the ‘THE SIN THAT DARE NOT Diaspora which followed the Romans’ sack Nazis were a separate tribe. Children must SPEAK ITS NAME’ of the Temple and Jerusalem. And, despite be taught the whole truth. Sir – In a recent letter, Henry Schragenheim frequent persecution, there was always a Mary Rogers, Wigston Magna, described Tisha B’Av as ‘a more tragic significant non-Diaspora Jewish presence Leicestershire

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TO PROVOKE OR NOT TO PROVOKE prayers. If left to people like you, this comes before being British. Sir – Regarding Peter Phillip’s November whole concept would have been forgotten The first part of Betty Bloom’s letter is article ‘To provoke or not to provoke’: centuries ago.’ My words were greeted true. The German Jews did try to integrate 1. Mr Phillips laments the fact that the with stunned silence. but were killed as readily as those who Orthodox do not fraternise with those The Liberals and Reformers in Germany didn’t. However, is this really an argument factions which openly question or attack deleted all references to Jerusalem and against integration? Also, I do not believe authentic Judaism, but makes no secret Zion from their prayer books. Israel that if there were no laws of kashrut and of the fact that he hates the ‘frummers’, was not the brainchild of Herzl and the shechita there would be no Jews. I do as he calls them. So he is just as divisive. Zionists, as Peter Phillips states. not believe in either but, of course, I am 2. He hates ‘so-called faith schools’ for (Mrs) Margarete Stern, London NW3 Jewish. Bob Norton questions what right I Jews, arguing that we are British and Jewish have to denigrate kashrut and Orthodoxy. only by religion. Moreover, if, in his opinion, Sir – Peter Phillips asks why the Chief Free speech, Mr Norton! Rubin Katz – we are Jewish merely by reason of religion, Rabbi did not attend Hugo Gryn’s funeral. please do not ‘almost’ agree with me. In how come he disbelieves in kashrut and Interviewed in The Times some weeks ago, an article in the Jewish Chronicle, Profes- shechita etc – all of them part and parcel he said that it was like the effect of Diana’s sor Arnon Soffer says he believes there will of the Torah? If he chooses to discard those death on the Royal Family – they realised be a religious majority in Israel within 40 laws which do not appeal to him but retain very late that they should be in London, years. If so, Israel will be no different from those that do, then his Judaism can at best which they caught up on after a few days. its Muslim fundamentalist neighbours. be defined as a ‘Jewish-style’ Judaism – just Sadly, the Chief Rabbi realised too late Margarete Stern has not understood as some Americans describe the food they that he should have attended the funeral. anything I wrote! I do not believe in sell as ‘kosher-style’. Also in The Times, where he writes the the Torah. It is as simple as that. Yes, I However, Mr Phillips seems proud to be occasional article, he is described only as believe that Judaism is as much a race as a Jew and to be part of the Jewish people, the ‘Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogue’. a religion. Also, I cannot think of anything which means he regards it as a race. In that John Löwenhardt’s article in the same more alien to me than yeshivot. I want case, he can’t argue that Jewish schools issue of the Journal reminds me of my Israel to be a secular state, not a religious are bad as we are British, but Jewish only distant cousin Daniel Simon, who was one. Furthermore, Mrs Stern, you are by religion. murdered in Auschwitz at the age of four, wrong yet again when you claim it was It is arguable whether we are a ‘pure’ together with his mother, father and grand- the Orthodox who kept alive the concept race since we do accept converts into our father. Fortunately, we have a grandson of a Jewish state. It was Zionism, however ranks and, with the Reform and Liberals, called Daniel. Rudi Leavor, Bradford much you dislike ‘isms’! And the excuses even more so. So, if we ditch most, or even given by Rudi Leavor and Herbert Stanton some, of the basic tenets of the Torah, Sir – The reason the Chief Rabbi did not for the absence of Rabbi Sacks from the what are we left with? Neither a religion attend the funeral of Dr Hugo Gryn is funeral of Rabbi Gryn are pathetic. Your that his presence there might have been nor a race – and you don’t need to be an Chief Rabbi is very ready to go to churches misunderstood as recognition of the non- Einstein to work that one out! but not to the synagogues or burial places Orthodox as a valid, alternative brand of 3. As for his type of Zionism, the loss Judaism – which they are not. They pick of Progressive Jews. What humbug! of which he bemoans, the proof of and choose which commandments to the pudding is in the eating. It has not observe and which to discard. MINDLESS DESTRUCTION withstood the test of time and many of Mr Phillips also wrote: ‘I think our Sir – Dorothea Shefer-Vanson rightly com- its adherents have left the Land of Israel kashrut laws make no sense – that they plains (November) of those who chose for greener pastures. At the same time, are outdated and that shechita probably to disrupt concerts in London given by Orthodox Jews keep sending their sons causes anti-Semitism.’ Does a Scotsman Israeli musicians and likens those disrupt- and daughters to yeshivot and seminaries wearing his kilt cause anti-Scottish feeling? ers to the August rioters in English cities. in ever-increasing numbers, and many an Herbert Stanton, London N15 However, she misses one vital difference: elderly couple goes on aliyah as theirs is why were none of the disrupters at the a real and genuine love of our Promised Peter Phillips replies: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) concert Land. History has not stood still since Sir – In response to the 12 letters (11 arrested for breach of public order? Herzl’s days. Communism, Zionism – all printed, 1 sent to me privately) following Surely it is time Anglo-Jewry woke up to the various ‘isms’ – have changed their my latest Point of View article, first let me the fact that those who practise mindless form over the decades. congratulate Marianne Laszlo, B. Bow, vocal barracking deserve treatment no As a young girl, I once attended a Maureen Dreyfus and G. M. Dickson for different from other forms of mindless meeting with my parents at Zion House agreeing with me and Marc Schatzberger destruction. As it is, on their recent tour in north-west London, my mother having for ‘broadly’ agreeing with me. What the IPO visited about 20 other cities joined the Pioneer Women – she who had intelligent folk you are! and nowhere was there any behaviour led a very assimilated lifestyle in Germany, This means five for and seven against. remotely as bad as that which greeted with no Zionist leanings whatsoever. Hitler David Harris defeats his own arguments. them in London. Hardly an acceptable and the Nazis had made her aware of He claims that in his Jewish school pupils precedent for how the Israeli Olympic her Judaism. The people at that meeting are educated to be aware of their dual roles team may be greeted in London this year. came across as very anti-Orthodox. The as Jews and British citizens. However, his Peter Simpson, Jerusalem refreshments served were obviously not letter focuses on visits to Holocaust sites, kosher. One of the speakers attacked the Israel, the Gateshead Yeshivah (why?) and A VERY WITTY EMIGRANT Orthodox, accusing them of being anti- the Gateshead Seminary (again, why?). Sir – This happened in my ‘second native Zionist. I must have been the youngest An example he gives of his pupils’ roles as country’ – South Africa. One of the person present and naturally very shy, but British is that they march with AJEX at the wholesale merchants there was trading I spoke up as follows: ‘It is solely through Remembrance Parade! ‘They raise funds in their joint company’s name Weil the Orthodox that the concept of Zion for Jewish homes in Ukraine,’ he adds, and (pronounced Veal) & Aschheim. A very and a Jewish state have been kept alive ‘they compete in the Maccabiah Games’. witty emigrant promptly translated the through the ages. It is they who keep Mr Harris, you have proved my point. To name: Kalbfleisch und Tocheshausen. referring to it many times daily in their you, and to your pupils, Judaism obviously Fred Jonas, Macclesfield, Cheshire

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that surpass it. Two paintings of society beauties have the instantly recognisable REVIEWs status of the Mona Lisa. Both are portraits Courage and soul-searching of Ludovico’s mistresses at different times. in reliving the past The two have aroused drooling remarks WE REMEMBER: CHILD SURVIVORS from art critics – one even mused how OF THE HOLOCAUST SPEAK he would have thrown himself into the published by the Child Survivors’ river (he can’t swim) to save them! The Association of Great Britain – AJR nscrutable, enigmatic, ethereal: exquisite semi-profile of the 16-year-old Troubador (www.troubadour.co.uk/ these are the faces of Leonardo da Cecilia Gallerani, better known as The matador) 2011, 224 pp. paperback, IVinci’s paintings. Hailed as a genius of Lady with an Ermine (metaphor for purity), £9.99 ISBN 978 184 876 7874 invention – not only of art – he may have reflects the beauty, wit, scholarship and or most members of the AJR, the produced only 20 paintings in his lifetime, poetry for which she was famed. Her terrible events of 1938-45 affected but each is an icon of time, formalism and perfect serenity conveys both youth and Fthem or their families and are still spiritual beauty. understanding; it is typical of the artist that a vivid memory. For their children and Nine paintings appear in the National he brings this spiritual dimension to his grandchildren, there is fortunately no Gallery’s much lauded landmark work, demonstrating how a painter can direct experience, although many will exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: Painter capture a beauty destined to be destroyed know something of what happened to at the Court of Milan (until 5 February by time. their families. Those survivors who still The other portrait – less give talks in schools are always received surreal, more knowing – with great courtesy and interest but features the opposite semi- they know that for the great majority profile of an older mistress, of pupils, and even for their teachers, La Belle Ferronniere, who the events of those years are now a part might have been the Duchess of history. Sforza herself. Studied closely, Inevitably, within a few years there both share the Renaissance will no longer be any witnesses to tell features of wide eyes, stern of their experiences and, for that reason, this excellent compilation of personal regard and small mouth. testimonies is to be greatly welcomed. But this one, loaned by the The book, published by the Child Louvre, has a totally different Survivors’ Association of Great Britain – expression. There is evidence AJR, which was formed about 20 years here of Leonardo’s rigid and ago, has as one of its aims to provide mathematical view of beauty a memorial for members who have but he also absorbs the rhythms died. It was decided that this should of nature and harmony into his take the form of a book which was first work. published in 2005, mainly for members We see this in his two and their families. The importance of paintings of the Virgin of the the project led to this new and enlarged Rocks – at both ends of one publication, which includes the moving gallery. The one loaned by the introductions to the original edition. Louvre (commissioned and The 30 stories related in the book paid for 25 years later by the were collected by the Association and Confraternity of the Immaculate reflect the numerous ways in which children managed to survive in almost Cecilia Gallerani – ‘The Lady with an Ermine’ Conception after a dispute over fees) is darker, portentous, unbelievable conditions. In some cases, 2012), sponsored by Credit Suisse, while the second, recently restored and the survivors are able to rely on their own memories, while in the case of accompanying his many sketches and the belonging to the National Gallery, is the youngest children the stories are works of students and contemporaries. more luminous. Here Leonardo contrasts based on what they learned from This is the first time in 500 years that all the murky depths of the cave with the surviving relations and friends and on nine paintings, garnered from galleries blue light from sea and sky beyond, documentation. In all cases, it must around the world, are seen together – an reflecting the Madonna’s blue dress and have taken a great deal of courage and unrepeatable experience. All nine derive etiolating her face and those of the child, soul-searching to relive the past. from his time as a court painter to the John the Baptist and others. Although the basic theme of each Milanese ruler Ludovico Maria Sforza in A much restored painting of Christ account is survival, each account is the late 15th century. as Salvator Mundi has an almost eerie unique in how this was achieved and the Leonardo was concerned with power. A full-scale copy of his nearly traumas experienced. The testimonies perfection, the ultimate symmetry of destroyed wall-painting The Last Supper are varied in length and style, but each feature. He would tamper with his work to is in the Sunley Room with some of the relates experiences such as no child improve on the model. But some ineffable 590 drawings connected to his paintings, should ever have suffered. These include spirit began to move him to generate, not including 33 sketches loaned by the existence in concentration camps, sur- just mere beauty, but the soul qualities Queen. vival in hiding or with false papers, and

8 AJR JOURNAL january 2012 life in the ghettoes – but all have the Towards centrality in in internment, disagreements between common factor of daily fear of death. British history various German and Austrian social- In spite of this, the authors mostly man- ist groups did not cease, as shown by POLITICAL EXILE AND EXILE POLITICS ages to write in a factual and objective Jennifer Taylor. This certainly did not IN BRITAIN AFTER 1933 manner and are eager to pay tribute to help convince the British government edited by Anthony Grenville and those who helped them. Many of the that the exiled German and Austrian Andrea Reiter writers cover not only the traumatic socialists constituted a viable opposi- period of the Shoah, but also put this Institute of Germanic and Romance tion. However, reading the volume in in perspective by describing their earlier Studies, University of London: The the 21st century, one has to remind childhood and also their postwar recov- Yearbook of the Research Centre for oneself of the extraordinary pressure all ery. In a review it is not possible even German and Austrian Exile Studies, refugees were under in the 1930s-40s. to attempt to discuss all the individual Vol. 12, 2011, 220 pp. paperback, The interrelationship between the stories, and it would be invidious to give ISBN 978-90-420-3377-1 British secret service and political the names of some writers while ignor- ithin exile studies in Germany, exiles is another subject given atten- ing equally important others. political exiles were the first tion in this volume. Again, operations While the dominant theme is the Wgroup to be investigated post- were never straightforward: internal unbelievable brutality of the Germans, war. British exile studies, which started squabbles and prejudices against it is sad to see that some people out much later, could already build on Jewish exiles (Peter Pirker) perhaps in the occupied countries could be established research regarding political hindered progress. Richard Dove skil- equally vicious and only too happy to exiles in Britain and thus perhaps never fully uses recently released MI5 files to denounce escaped Jews to the Nazis. gave the field sufficient attention. This is illustrate the involvement of a number This was particularly evident in France, one reason why we can still make signifi- of refugees in political intelligence. where the authorities often proved to cant discoveries in the field of political Susan Cohen and Tony Kushner be as dangerous to the Jews as were exile and exile politics. Another reason investigate the subject from the British the Nazis. The behaviour of the Swiss why those exiled to Britain have not been perspective. Cohen focuses on the work authorities towards those who had given the prominence they received in of Eleanor Rathbone and her tireless managed to reach their borders does other countries is that none of them campaigning on refugee matters before little credit to them. On the other hand, played a major part in East or West Ger- and after the outbreak of the Second there were Germans who risked their man government after 1945. Had there World War. In this extremely well- lives to help and there were numerous been among them a Walter Ulbricht researched and detailed article, we acts of bravery in all the occupied – exiled to the Soviet Union – or a Willy learn, for instance, how Rathbone is countries. Brandt – exiled to Norway and Sweden misled by government officials who A disturbing feature in some – things might have been different. have no desire to set a precedent on recollections relates to the time after As Andrea Reiter points out in her intro- immigration from Czechoslovakia and liberation. Not all authorities were as duction to this volume, we are looking not refuse her request for additional visas helpful and generous to survivors as only at political groups and institutions, while writing letters permitting officials should have been expected, and there but also at the ‘continuation of politics to use their discretion. This is clearly were cases, fortunately a minority, by other means’. This becomes clear as symptomatic of a certain attitude in of sheer bureaucracy even in Jewish a number of articles focus on writers, the British government of the time. organisations. scientists (Wolfgang L. Reiter) and Kushner’s article looks at ‘refugee voices’ The book shows the depths to which journalists. – autobiographical writings by refugees humans can sink in their behaviour but Several contributions are devoted to – in their historical context and what this it also has a more encouraging side in individual exiles. Charmian Brinson has subject says about the nature of bringing out the courage and goodness investigated the activist and journalist Englishness/Britishness. This is a complex in many people even when suffering Rita Hausdorff, outlining the role one question which clearly requires further themselves. It is this latter aspect which politically active woman played in vari- attention if the subject area of this vol- is an important and uplifting part of ous exile organisations and making the ume is to become less marginal and more the stories. important point that leading positions central to British history. This volume The book concludes with ZACHOR in these organisations were filled almost successfully contributes to this process. – REMEMBER, a section in which the exclusively by men. Marian Malet inves- Andrea Hammel authors remember and name the tigates another female figure, Irmgard relatives who were victims of the Shoah. Litten, author of the widely reviewed and Hopefully this book will help to keep well received autobiographical account A very remarkable woman alive the memories of individuals who A Mother Fights Hitler. This article shows THE NAZI OFFICER’S WIFE: suffered so much and contribute to that the British media and public of the HOW ONE JEWISH WOMAN ensuring that nothing similar could ever time were interested in developments SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST happen again to any group of people on the Continent. Another case study, by Edith Hahn-Beer with Susan Dworkin simply because they are ‘different’ in by Bernhard Kushey, focuses on Walter first published in New York by Harper some way. It is not a book which can be Wodak and outlines in great detail Collins in 1999; published by Abacus read lightly, or at one sitting, but it is the complexities of Austrian left-wing 2001, reprinted 2008, really worthwhile to do so and to pass it refugee politics. These complexities are ISBN 978-0-349-11379-1 on to children and adult grandchildren. further illustrated by Günther Sandner, came across this book on the recom- Tragically, the stories of one and a half who quotes Otto Neurath’s complaint mendation of an American friend million other Jewish children will never that one ‘cannot distinguish the various Iwhilst on holiday in the USA and be known. cows and calves’ – certainly an impres- subsequently met Angela, Edith Hahn’s George Vulkan sion the reader can identify with. Even continued on page 10

9 AJR JOURNAL january 2012

reviews continued from page 9 daughter, who went to a great deal of and was deeply attached to Vienna had assumed a different identity. trouble to piece together her mother’s (including a longstanding relationship When the war ended, Edith was story. This is a very readable book and, with a boyfriend), she felt she had to get able to confess to the then Russian at times, almost unbelievable. It is ex- out. This was eventually made possible authorities about her false papers. After tremely well documented, the original when a childhood friend offered her much bureaucratic wrangling, she came documents having been deposited in identity papers, endangering her own to England with her daughter. the Holocaust Museum in Washington and her family’s life. In fear of being All through this book one feels Edith DC. It is not surprising that it took Edith recognised, Edith left Vienna for Munich was a very remarkable woman, both some 50 years before she was able to and was able to live as a young single highly courageous in what she tackled talk about the effect of the trauma in woman like many others. There she and ingenious in the way she overcame her life during the Nazi period. met Werner Vetter and was charmed all her problems, all the time living in fear The book tells the story of a young by him although she knew he was an that she might be found out. She was Jewish woman from Vienna who had officer in the Nazi Party, which gave very concerned not to forget the many just completed her law studies at the them certain privileges. Eventually she people who helped her and very keen time of the Anschluss. While she had agreed to marry him. He overlooked the for her daughter to tell the whole story. many Jewish and non-Jewish friends fact that she was Jewish and that she Eva Frean

ARTS AND EVENTS DIARY Information – true or false? january he times when one could trust the improvements, others prophecy doom, media, official statistics, banks, and the Governor of the Bank of To 2 March 2012 A is for Adolf: Tpolice and the government are England forecasts two more years of Teaching German Children Nazi long gone. Can one have any confidence recession, which, he says, has reached Values The Wiener Library’s first in organisations when they accuse bottom. His past visions of the future exhibition puts on public display each other publicly? Would you trust were worse than that of the weather for the first time some of its unique the figures emanating from official forecasters. At least they are right 50 collection of children’s books, games sources? How much credence can one per cent of the time, but their antics, and toys to illustrate the depth give to forecasts from high-powered flailing their arms about, make me want and complexity of propaganda individuals? Are politicians trustworthy to call Michael Fish, pleading ‘Please targeted at young children under when they say one thing when they come back, all is forgiven!’ Can anyone the Nazi regime. Library opening are in opposition and then say the believe the official rate of inflation, with times: Monday to Friday, 10 am to precise opposite when they are in or without including properties? And 5.15 pm Admission free. Tel 7636 power – and vice versa? When given who buys a house every month anyway? 7247 professional advice on money matters From pots to potatoes, from insurance which turns out to be a disaster, would to income tax, it’s all lies. To make up you repeat that mistake? It is all due to for this, we had an increase of 25 pence continuing to fight in Afghanistan is misinformation, disinformation or no in our pensions! to protect this country from terrorists. information. The misinformation and the hidden That’s disinformation. Were it not for Would you hand your money freely truth on the disaster that is enveloping the British presence in the Middle East, to a robber? Of course not, but you this nation will eventually sink in, but we would not have British terrorists chose a political system which allows will the future generations ever forgive here! When British and foreign bankers, your money to be taken from you the present one: The sins of the fathers being deliberately misinformed, without your permission! By this means shall be visited upon their sons. sank fortunes into American bogus the low-paid working class, which The country is now passing through ventures, indebting them for $18 produces the goods we all need, is a cloud in which much information is trillion, the worldwide disaster erupted. hardest hit by the systematic increase hidden from view. This phenomenon Rather than repeatedly propping in prices of everything. The middle has given rise to endless enquiries – chat up bankers, the government should classes are struggling to pay ever shows in fact. As very little is ever put have supported stranded companies more in taxes as well as for goods. In to paper, it is necessary to quiz ‘alleged’ directly. Interestingly, all the countries contrast, the income and wealth of wrong-doers, which we all know they that were affected are washed by the the top fraction of society increases are. They just ‘can’t remember’! But Mediterranean waters. But there is out of all proportion to their useful the law, made by the worst culprits – one country, which stands head and efforts to the public – a classic case of still in power – must be satisfied! The shoulders above all the others – Israel. Robin Hood in reverse. The few at the enormous cost of these shows is borne It did not take part in that financial top of the income ladder own most of by the tax-payers of course. The latest gamble. That’s why its rate of exchange what those on the lower rungs produce. one deals with hackers, who have acted against other countries is more than Wrong information does not affect in the most despicable way to increase 30 per cent higher! We don’t hear them – in fact, some of them own the their own wealth and that of their anything about that! means of disseminating it, keeping the newspapers, disseminating even more Fred Stern rest in ignorance. misinformation – in the most atrocious The writer, a Chartered Engineer, was Pick your choice from the following. English. involved in Information Technology at Our Chancellor of the Exchequer predicts The reason why our PM insists we are its inception (Ed.).

10 Marriage at Kitchener Camp: Further information sought

obtained from Gisela Haber witnessed by J. and Banks. I must this photograph of her confess that though by far the wedding to Josef Haber, simplest the Wedding ‘feast’ in the I evening, with poems to the young which took place on 21 June couple, music, speeches including 1939 at Kitchener Camp (the one by the Director and evening a first marriage there, I am told). Dance by the Bride and Bridegroom Behind the groom is my is was one of the nicest. I phoned father, Hermann Diamant. London in the evening and asked He and Josef Haber went to Mr P. Goldberg (J. Sec. United medical school in Vienna and Synagogue) if it would be in order the families remained friends to marry them again on Sunday until the deaths of Hermann in the Camp Synagogue by the Camp Rabbi so they can have the and Josef in 2001. Gisela died satisfaction of also being married in July last year at the age of according to Jewish Law. He was 94. not certain and intended to phone Gisela told me: ‘We married the Secretary of the Chief Rabbi, in the town, just outside for must have the Chief Rabbi Kitchener Camp, following Marriage certificate at a Jewish which there was a big celebration in the brother of Jonas May, the director of the English Wedding. camp. I picked my own bouquet from Kitchener Camp, was the Entertainments 22 June. J and I were on to London and Margate synagogue and completed all and Welfare Officer and kept a daily diary an adjacent field. Who had money for arrangements so that the young couple can be anything?’ of his time at the camp. The entry for this married under the chuppah in our synagogue If any readers have any further wedding reads as follows: on Sunday afternoon .... information at all in connection with this 21 June ... We had a strange job to do this So there were two weddings – one in evening but my dept are always prepared to photograph, could they kindly contact me Ramsgate, one in the camp. And all the at PO Box 1234, Koloa HI 96756-1234, USA tackle the most difficult tasks. This was the ‘grub’ for a Wedding feast in one of the huts. spelling and syntax mistakes are Phineas’s or at [email protected]. A young Doctor had a visa to america and his very own – he was a hopeless speller! Michael Diamant MD Fiancee to whom he has been engaged to a Professor Clare Ungerson is writing a book long time also has a quota number to america Clare Ungerson writes: but it is ever so far down the list. The only way on the Kitchener Camp and would very I have looked at the entries for June 1939 she would be able to go sooner is as his Wife, much like to hear from men who were in the diary of Phineas May (the diary is so permission was given for the marriage at there and/or their descendants. Please held by the Wiener Library). Phineas, the the Ramsgate Registry Office this afternoon contact her at [email protected].

Arbitration Panel for ‘in rem’ restitution ast February I suddenly received a Lessing. I told the large audience how letter asking me to come to Vienna my parents sent my sister and me on a L in October and talk about my father, Kindertransport to England in January Professor Dr Karl Wahle. As my father 1939 and how they themselves, as racially died 40 years ago, this was totally un- Jewish, were hunted by the Gestapo from expected. The writer of the letter was May 1942 until the Russians fought their Professor Dr Josef Aicher, the Chairman way into Vienna in April 1945. With God’s of the Arbitration Panel for ‘in rem’ res- help and their own resourcefulness, they titution. The General Settlement Fund of managed to survive as so-called ‘U-boats’ the Republic of Austria for the Victims in Vienna for three whole years. of National Socialism would meet all my My father at once resumed his work as travel and accommodation expenses. a judge, presiding over the Commercial Naturally I was very touched. Court and eventually becoming first The occasion, as Professor Aicher ex- President of the Supreme Court. plained, was to mark the tenth anniversary From the other speeches it was clear of the Panel’s work and the publication of Father Francis Wahle at the podium how much effort members of the Panel the fourth volume of its decisions. He felt it community and introduced to Hannah made to treat claimants as individual appropriate to link this with the Supreme Lessing, Secretary General of the National persons and not just as ‘cases’, even when Restitution Commission set up after 1945 Fund of the Republic of Austria, Sir Franklin their claims had to be rejected. as the final court of appeal for claims by Berman, Chairman of the Claims Commit- On the way back to the airport, I took Nazi victims for the return of property. My tee, and several members of the Panel. the opportunity to admire the memorial father was a member of this commission Afterwards, I was invited to join them for to the Kindertransports recently erected at from 1949 to 1957. lunch. I was particularly touched that Mrs the railway station from which the trains I was made to feel extremely welcome, Eisenberg, the wife of the Chief Rabbi, left Vienna. A young lad, the grandson of even being met at Vienna airport by came too, although she could not eat one of the ‘Kinder’, acted as model. members of the staff of the Arbitration anything as it was not a kosher restaurant A memorable and wonderful visit! For Panel, who drove me to my hotel. (she works part-time on the Panel). further information on this event, please I was interviewed by Ms Alexia Weiss In the evening the commemorative see www.en.nationalfonds.org. for the magazine of the Vienna Jewish meeting took place, chaired by Hannah Father Francis Wahle

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NORTHERN KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION

Ealing Links between art and sound Alan Cohen showed us paintings and sculptures of biblical scenes by artists from different eras, each with their own interpretation of the event, and followed this with music which provided a unified interpretation for each scene. A most enjoyable afternoon, rounded off with a discussion on links between art and sound. Leslie Sommer Next meeting: 10 Jan. Winter Warmer social get-together

Oxford Jews and the Regency period The theme of Jews from all over Europe who came to London during the Regency period bringing their diverse trades with them was vividly brought to life for us by David Barnett – for which many thanks. Anne Selinger (Left to right) Back row Caroline Moher (3rd gen.), Tania Nelson (2nd gen.), Emma Harris (2nd gen.) Barbara Price (2nd gen.), Ron Ibbitson (2nd gen.), Hans Rose Front row Hannah Next meeting: 24 Jan. Details to be sent out Goldstone (3rd gen.), Ad Sterberg, Italo Calma, Sonja Sternberg, James Smith, Gisela Feldman, Susi Linton Front Sara Kraus ANNUAL LONDON TRIP Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 March 2012 AJR Northern Groups commemorated Kristallnacht with an audience of over 80 We are pleased to announce our annual at the War Museum North in Manchester. Guest of Honour Dr James Smith, co- 3-day trip to London. founder and Chairman of the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre, spoke about that The trip will include visits to the organisation’s efforts to educate youngsters about those terrible times. He referred in Royal Courts of Justice; Westminster particular to The Journey, an exhibition in which children from nine upwards can feel Synagogue Museum; the newly opened for themselves through hands-on exhibits what it was like more than 70 years ago. Wiener Library; a behind-the-scenes tour In a short, fascinating film of My Journey, Beth Shalom Director Helen Whitney related of the world’s most famous department some of the heart-rending stories experienced by children separated from their parents, store, Harrods; a trip to the theatre; and often never to see them again. The event was again excellently chaired by Joy Wolfe, a tour of the East End of London. herself not a Holocaust survivor but she felt a great affinity with those who had been The trip will also include an oppor- through the trauma of the Holocaust. James expressed sincere thanks to the AJR for its tunity to meet the Israeli Ambassador, continuing generous support for the Centre. Werner Lachs His Excellency Daniel Taub. Accommodation will be at a London hotel for members based outside London. walks of life, trying to establish in as PC a Members living in London can Pinner Friend of the famous way as possible their Jewish background. participate in the daily events. Dennis Hart, who spent a working lifetime as a photographer with both the Evening Laszlo Roman For further details, please call News and the News Chronicle, became Next meeting: 9 Jan. Winter Warmer social Susan Harrod at Head Office a friend of many famous people – film get-together on 020 8385 3070 stars, politicians, society, nobility. A highly entertaining afternoon. Paul Samet Essex (Westcliff) Ilford A dream comes true Next meeting: 12 Jan. Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen, A small group of ladies Guide Val Alliez gave us a marvellous ‘Genesis in Poetry’ Just a small group of ladies. Esther Rinkoff resume of how Sam Wanamaker’s dream told us about a young lady from Germany of re-creating the Globe Theatre finally Glasgow Pre-Chanukah Lunch who came to work at the AJR in her gap came true. We learned that only one Over 30 members gathered for a delicious year, which led to us talking about our lives modern crane was used in the building lunch at the Glasgow Reform Synagogue, before coming to England. work and that the actors wear Elizabethan with entertainment by our local celebrity Linda Fisher clothes which have to be held up by soprano Lynne Harvey-Allan (aka Lynne Next meeting: 10 Jan. Winter Warmer various means as there are no zips or Lewis), who sang a mainly classical social get-together velcro. A most enlightening morning. programme for us beautifully, but included Meta Roseneil some specifically Jewish numbers. She was Welwyn Garden City No meeting in January (bank holiday) accompanied on the piano by Alastair A thought-provoking morning Sim. The success of the afternoon was due Each of us talked about a person who has Hull ‘The Idle Wind’ entirely to the meticulous preparation, had an influence on our lives. A deep and We discussed forthcoming AJR events, in including a raffle, by Agnes Isaacs. thought-provoking morning. particular next year’s London visit. One Halina Moss Hazel Beiny of our members read the first chapter Next meeting: 19 Jan. Social get-together she is writing about her mother’s life HGS The Anglo-Jewish Society at home of Monica Rosenbaum entitled ‘The Idle Wind’, prompting other The aim of the Anglo-Jewish Society is to members to speak about their parents offer financial help to Jewish university Temple Fortune Mesmerised with and what had happened to them. A students. Julia Samuel, the AJS’s only gadgets from the past splendid afternoon tea followed. paid employee, gave a light-hearted talk Master of Victoriana Maurice Collins Rose Abrahamson about the delights and pitfalls of dealing mesmerised us with gadgets from the Next meeting: 29 April. At home of Veronika each year with 80-100 applicants from all past. A skirt lifter, nail buffer and glasses

12 AJR JOURNAL january 2012 to wear when lying down – these were just Herald newspaper, told us about his book a few of the items that kept us guessing. ‘Treblinka Survivor: The Life and Death Meals-on-Wheels A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. of Hershl Sperling’. Hershl survived five To order Meals-on-Wheels please telephone 020 8385 3075. This number Esther Rinkoff concentration camps but took his own life will be manned on Wednesdays only. Next meeting: 31 Jan. Winter Warmer 50 years later: Mark traced his footsteps social get-together from Klobuck to Treblinka to Glasgow. Agnes Isaacs Edgware Serving in the British army The AJR Mel Faber gave us a very interesting Sheffield The Holocaust Exhibition Paul Balint Centre at account of his experiences while serving at the IWM Belsize Square Synagogue in the British army in WWII, including his The Imperial War Museum’s Suzanne involvement in the D-Day landings. He also Bardgett gave us a riveting talk on the 51 Belsize Square, London NW3 4HX told us about the three service medals he Holocaust Exhibition she and her team was wearing. created between 1995 and 2000. Some Ernie Goldman 700 visitors a day still come to see it AJR LUNCHEON CLUB Next meeting: 17 Jan. David Lawson, ‘Eve and all are overwhelmed by the graphic Thursday 19 January 2012 Erben’s Holocaust story’ reminders of the terrible events of the Reliving history: Café Imperial 1930s-40s. The meeting, a moving Professor Eric Moonman OBE occasion, took place in the comfortable outing to RAF Museum ’The Health Service‘ lounge of Kingfield Lodge, a new venue Our band of merry men went to see ‘Those for us, courtesy of one of our members, PLEASE NOTE THAT SPEAKERS Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’. Rachel Hunter. Inga Joseph START AT 12 NOON Our lovely guide, Sylvia Briggs, took us Please be aware that members should through the history of the aeroplane, Brighton & Hove Sarid The shopping not automatically assume that they are during both world wars in particular. An centre of the world on the Luncheon Club list. It is now enjoyable morning reliving history. David Barnett gave us insight into the necessary, on receipt of your copy of Susan Harrod economy of the Regency period, showing the AJR Journal, to phone the Centre on 020 7328 0208 to book your place. Birmingham ‘It’s a Wonderful that London was regarded as the shopping centre of the world. The numerous shops World’ created wealth and employment for a KT-AJR A Desert Island Discs-style afternoon, large part of the population. Kindertransport special with Philip Lesser playing the role of Ceska Abrahams interest group Roy Plomley interviewing Fred Austin. A Next meeting: 16 Jan. Winter Warmer most memorable account of Fred’s life social get-together Tuesday 10 January 2012 interspersed with beautiful classical pieces Robert Feather and finishing with Louis Armstrong’s ‘It’s A privilege and a pleasure – a visit a Wonderful World’. to the Royal Courts of Justice ‘The Dead Sea Scrolls‘ Esther Rinkoff Our visit was a privilege and a pleasure please NOTE THAT LUNCH – we learned so much. The magnificent WILL BE SERVED AT 12.30 PM Holiday Diary Dates buildings were built on a 5.5 acre slum Reservations required Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth site bought from Middlesex County Please telephone 020 7328 0208 Sunday 20 May to Sunday 27 May Council for £1.4 million in 1840. The work was not completed until 1882 – by January activities Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne imported foreign labourers. Our excellent Sunday 22 July to Sunday 20 July Thurs 5 BOOK CLUB facilitated by guide Brian Grover’s talk was inter- Ruth Sands. Book to be spersed with humorous anecdotes. Lord discussed: Graham Greene’s Radlett A fraught relationship Neuberger, Master of the Rolls, resplen ‘Twenty One Stories’ Rob Lowe gave an account of the lives of dent in wig and gown, explained how Thur 19 ART APPRECIATION CLUB Gilbert and Sullivan with an assessment of his family had come to the UK from facilitated by Lauren Rotenberg their achievements in writing musical com- Germany. He had qualified as a chemist, Thur 26 CURRENT AFFAIRS DISCUSSION edy. Bearing in mind the fraught relation- become a banker then finally joined the GROUP facilitated by Joanne ship between librettist and composer, it’s legal profession. We were encouraged Feldman a wonder they wrote so many delightful to sit in on appeals in any court of our The COMPUTER CLUB, facilitated by Lilli works. This amusing lecture was illustrated choosing. Our group – 35 in all – were Meinck, will take place every Tuesday by musical examples. so well looked after. Thanks to Hazel Fritz Starer and Esther for their efforts – we do so January entertainment Next meeting: 18 Jan. Winter Warmer appreciate them! Hanne R. Freedman Tue 3 Mike Marandi social get-together Thur 5 William Smith Wembley Refreshing memories East Midlands (Nottingham) Tue 10 KT LUNCH A convivial lunch and chat Thur 12 Ronnie Goldberg Launch Party Myrna updated us on changes in the Tue 17 Douglas Poster AJR and explained the rearrangement of We met at a member’s house for a convivial lunch and chat. Being a small but diverse Thur 19 LUNCHEON CLUB premises and meeting dates. We then Tue 24 tba proceeded to introduce ourselves and, group, we always enjoy each other’s company. One of our members, Reni Chapman, Thur 26 Jen Gould though this has been done in the past, Tue 31 Margaret Opdahl it was useful to refresh our memories. recounted the story of her early life as a refugee from Germany, in Iraq and, ulti- Interestingly, there were 3 Berliners, 1 or community functions and property, if 2 Austrians, 1 from Poland, 1 Czech and mately, Israel. As usual, we were delighted to see Esther Rinkoff, who brought us news necessary in co-operation with the police. 1 Upper Silesian … and Myrna, British- The CST’s work is universally appreciated. born. Irene Stanton from head office and kept us in order with her lovely smile. Bob Norton Herbert Haberberg Next meeting: 25 Jan. Social get-together Next meeting: 26 Jan. Howard Lanning, ’80 Years in the Film Industry’ Newcastle North London ’The CST: Why, When, How?’ ‘The Life and Death of Hershl Sperling’ Mark Gardener gave a most interesting Hendon The origin of Alice Our guest speaker, Mark S. Smith, talk on the Community Security Trust, Mark Davies, who has researched the currently Deputy Business Editor of The a body of volunteers that protects Inside the AJR continued on page 16

13 AJR JOURNAL january 2012

family announcements Kindertransport statue unveiled in Death Hook of Holland Gummers, George Died peacefully on 29 November aged 76. He will be sadly statue dedicated to the Kinder- AJR, Sir Erich said: ‘This statue is a fitting missed by his wife Hannah, sons Eric transport was unveiled at a moving memorial to all who perished at the hands and David, daughter-in-law Marie-Noelle, A ceremony in the Hook of Holland of the Nazis and will be a permanent grandson Julien, family and friends. at the end of November. Designed by reminder of the continuing need to fight Any donations to St Mary’s Hospital, the internationally acclaimed sculp- intolerance, racism and anti-Semitism.’ Ulverston, Cumbria. tor Frank Meisler, ‘Channel Crossing to Guests at the unveiling included the Life’ commemorates the role played by Vice-President of the Bundestag, Petra classified Dutch people in help- Pau, and the families A chiropodist will be at the AJR Paul Balint ing to rescue Jewish of Kinder, including Centre at Belsize Square Synagogue on children fleeing Nazi their children, grand- Tuesday 17 January. oppression. children and great- Kinder who now grandchildren. Book Club live in Germany, The date of the un- Book of the Month: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Switzerland, the USA veiling was symbolic, An opportunity to read/re-read this classic novel, and Israel, as well as marking the eve of following which the Lewis Carroll Society welcomes a group of 15 AJR the 73rd anniversary your views. In the summer there will be a trip to the Oxford water members from the of the first Kinder- ways where Lewis Carroll found his inspiration for ‘Alice’. UK, joined schoolchil- transport to leave For further information, please contact Esther or dren from the Hook of Continental Europe. Hazel on 020 8385 3077 Holland, who carried Frank Meisler has lanterns lighting the path to the statue also created statues commemorating The and presented Kinder with roses. the Kindertransport at Liverpool Street Following speeches by Frank Meisler Station in London, Gdansk in Poland, and Wiener Library and the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Berlin’s Friedrichstrasse Station. for the study of the Holocaust and genocide Aboutaleb, Sir Erich Reich, Chairman of the AJR member Professor Leslie Baruch The Library is still actively collecting AJR’s Kindertransport Committee, gave Brent, who attended the unveiling, also archives of organisations and collections thanks to the Dutch people who helped of personal papers which document gave an address at the opening of the Jewish life in Europe up to and including ensure the safe passage of the children to plenary of the Task Force for International the Nazi era. So if you have any original Britain. Speaking ahead of the unveiling Co-operation on Holocaust Education, correspondence, photographs or other of the statue, which is supported by the Remembrance and Research, which documentation which fits this description was meeting in The Hague in the same we would love to hear from you. If you are week. not prepared to part with the originals we JOHN BULL are happy to take digital scans of material. You can contact the archivist, Howard ANTIQUES LTD Falksohn, by email or phone: Home Care Established since 1953 Colvin [email protected] Care through quality and 020 7636 7247 • Do you have anything you would like to professionalism sell in Gold, Silver, Jewellery or objects Celebrating our 25th Anniversary of virtue? 25 years of experience in providing the • We would be delighted to give you a highest standards of care in the comfort Robert Schon valuation or make an offer on any of the of your own home Tax Solicitor above items. Member of Solicitors for the Elderly • Our buyer would be happy to visit you I specialise in: in your home, or you are welcome to Estate Planning visit our London showroom. Powers of Attorney and • Please call 020 7629 1251 if you would Deputyship applications like to make an appointment or require 1 hour to 24 hours care Living wills further information. Registered through the National Care Standard Commission Tax and non domicile issues including • Email: [email protected] helping to bring undeclared offshore Call our 24 hour tel 020 7794 9323 funds to the attention of HMRC www.colvin-nursing.co.uk Tel 020 7267 5010 Email: [email protected] PillarCare West Hill House, 6 Swains Lane, Quality support and care at home London N6 6QS wanted to buy

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Obituaries Richard Burnett, 17 January 1910 – 23 April 2011

ichard Burnett, who died peace- grow up in’. He to reach England before war broke out. fully this year, was born in Berlin appreciated its He was interned on the Isle of Man and R in 1910, the second of three sons vibrant cultural later served in the Pioneer Corps. He of the Berlin furrier Hugo Behrendt and life, especially worked as a translator for the British Augusta (née Mayer). He was educated theatre and Military Government in Germany before at the Werner-von-Siemens Gymnasium, opera, and the returning to England. After some time in Berlin, and developed a love of literature high level of his father’s business, he decided to be- (from Goethe to Thomas Mann). He was public debate. come an accountant. He was naturalised once reprimanded by a hospital doctor He enjoyed in 1947 soon after marrying Erna (Hahn), for reading Hašek’s The Good Soldier rowing, hiking whom he met at a Fabian Society dance. Schwejk, then considered subversive and swimming. They lived happily in Kenton for the next and anti-German. He also loved classical He left Ger- four decades, attending Middlesex New music, especially Bach, Beethoven and many with his Synagogue. In old age, they moved into Mozart, and could talk knowledgeably family soon after the Nazi takeover and Hammerson House in Hampstead Garden and entertainingly about them well into later commented that he missed the Suburb. Erna died in 2006. old age. countryside, the lakes and pine forests, Richard loved nature (he was a Richard later described Berlin as a but otherwise felt little nostalgia. passionate bird-watcher) as well as ‘backwater’ compared to other capital After leaving Berlin, Richard’s family culture. He devised and presented cities, but ‘a good place to live and spent some time in France, but managed a series of carefully researched and illustrated music lectures for fellow residents in Hammerson House. It was a sign of his passion for art that he William Chadwick, undertook a bus journey from there to 6 April 1934 – 13 August 2011 Trafalgar Square to see the National Gallery’s Goya exhibition. He also kept r William Chadwick, son of Trevor and accurate abreast of current ideas, debates and Chadwick (see April and August context: the part controversies to an astonishing degree. D2011 issues of the Journal), has played by others At the age of 98, he learned to use the died after a long illness, which he bore such as Doreen internet and exchanged emails with with a positive insouciance. His book The Warriner … and his family in Australia and Israel. He Rescue of the Prague Refugees, 1938-9 was not least by our continued to read avidly for as long as the latest on this subject and will be of par- father, Trevor he could (he had a subscription to The ticular interest to readers of this journal. Chadwick, who Spectator). His interests were broad, William was born in Swanage, Dorset, ran the Winton ranging from Louis XIV to the work of the and, on leaving Sherborne School, operation at the psychologist Steven Pinker. Proust was emigrated to Canada, permanently Prague end … staying on after the Nazi a perennial favourite. If you asked him returning to England only in his later invasion on 15 March. Much to Sir tentatively about a new book, he would years. In Canada he completed his Nicholas’s delight, William was able to reply, as likely as not, that he had ‘heard education, taught English and drama set the record straight once and for all ….’ about it but it hasn’t been well reviewed.’ at the Universities of Saskatchewan In fact, William’s book contains a Richard was a gentle, humane and and Waterloo, published books on the chapter on each person involved in the cultured person who will be sadly missed dramatist William Wycherly and on rescue, with the exception of the Reverend by all who knew him. the town of Berlin, Ontario, renamed B. Walmer and the Reverend Davidson of Robert Knight Kitchener, and had two plays professionally the Barbican Mission, who predated even produced. He also published a number of Nicholas Winton. delightful poems. Shortly after war was declared, England with his mother, his brother and His elder brother, the novelist Charles William’s father Trevor Chadwick joined him, while Trevor Chadwick was still busy Chadwick CBE (himself a poet), said the the Royal Navy Reserve and later the looking after the rescue of the children at following at William’s memorial service: RAF. He survived the war but was never the Prague end. ‘His subject was the theatre, which he to return to his family (although his sons There we are on the Dorset beach: loved … He was also a very accomplished mattered to him greatly). He was to marry William then still 4, Charles 6, I the refugee and versatile writer. First and foremost, I twice more and lived a varied life, not child (sponsored by Trevor Chadwick’s think he would want me to say he was a always in the best of health. mother) 11. Nanny, herself a delightful 16, poet. He wrote two wonderful sequences, William Chadwick saw his father dispenses a picnic of marmite or banana Dwarf and A Canadian Bestiary, and, again briefly when he was around six. sandwiches. We try our footsteps out on the most recently, a lovely set of poems about His reunion with Trevor Chadwick after wet sand. My delight at finding seashells, the Somerset levels … And, finally, [he 30 years is one of the most attractive observing which, Charles and William begin wrote] a book about the rescue of the passages in The Rescue. to gather them too, running up to me with refugees from Prague ... The story of Sir I myself never met William Chadwick their offerings. Nicholas Winton’s part in the evacuation as a man. I knew him from his excellent William Chadwick is survived by his wife of 669 Jewish children is well enough poems, his letters and, of course, his last Jacqueline (Jackie) and five children (three known, but William, with his customary book, The Rescue. He was only four or five from his first marriage). thoroughness, put events into their full when I spent my own first few months in Gerda Mayer

15 AJR JOURNAL january 2012

was built primarily as a home for the Letter from Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, is notable Israel for its size and good acoustics. Since its establishment many top musicians have played there, as have many renowned 15 seconds of fame orchestras from all over the world. It is currently undergoing extensive (or A tale of two cats) renovation – but that’s another story. Its internal structure is somewhat ast Independence Day a ginger that the occasion would be graced by strange, however. One can enter from cat scampered along the gangway various dignitaries, including the mayor of the side, between the box office and the Lin front of the stage at the special Tel Aviv, the Speaker of the Knesset and artists’ entrance, where there is virtually concert given in the Jerusalem Theatre visitors from the US Congress, including nothing separating the street from the by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. the then Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. The auditorium. Tel Aviv, like many of Israel’s The young soloist, who was playing mayor of Tel Aviv was in the middle of cities, abounds in stray cats, which Rachmaninoff’s very demanding Third addressing the audience when a tabby cat are useful for keeping down vermin. Piano Concerto, didn’t seem to notice, wandered in and began climbing a wooden Hence the proximity of the street to though the audience did. One of the young balustrade or bannister dividing the seats the auditorium appears to allow for the lady ushers stood up as if to apprehend at the side of the auditorium from those possibility that uninvited guests might the offender, which of course took not the at the centre. I should have mentioned find their way in. There are, of course, slightest bit of notice. Wisely, the young earlier that because of the presence of the attendants at the doors who check tickets, lady then sat down again, as she would foreign dignitaries the event was being but a cat (and, I imagine, even a stray only have made matters worse by trying televised. mouse) could easily sneak in unnoticed. to catch the creature. The poor cat, frightened out of its wits, And that, it seems, is what happened The cat climbed the five steps at the started to ascend the banister, passing at the gala concert. We were amused side of the stage and the orchestra played right by where we were sitting. Everyone by the incident, and relieved that it had on. The cat then had second thoughts, turned to look, and a titter went around the occurred ‘only’ during the speeches and scampered back the way it had come and auditorium. When an intrepid member of not while the music was being played. The disappeared through a hole in a side wall. the audience tried to stop its progress the cat (and we) gained international renown The orchestra didn’t miss a beat. animal turned tail, scurried back down the and we had our 15 seconds of fame when This reminded me of a similar incident wooden railing and dashed out of the side the international news services picked I witnessed a few years earlier. We were at door to the street. up the footage from Israel television and a concert given by the Israel Philharmonic The Mann Auditorium, which was we found ourselves featuring alongside Orchestra in Tel Aviv’s Mann Auditorium. inaugurated in 1957, was considered at the cat on CNN, Sky and the BBC news We had bought tickets because the concert the time to be an architectural gem and services. At last, some positive news included a performance of Mahler’s 6th one of the most sophisticated cultural coverage of Israel! Symphony (a rare treat), not realising facilities in the world. The hall, which Dorothea Shefer-Vanson

inside the ajr continued from page 13 background of Alice in Wonderland, kept all the way from Ormesby by Eva, we are Jewish refugees the world over. Death and us captivated with his anecdotes. On 4 July looking forward to more of the same at the Maiden is a powerful and gripping 1862 Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), the next gathering of the clan in spring. story of a victim of torture and rape at the a maths lecturer, took a friend and the Frank Bright hands of a South American dictatorship three daughters of the Dean of Christ St John’s Wood who finds she has the opportunity of Church (Lorina, Alice and Edith Liddell) (formerly Cleve Road) Tittle and Tansy revenge against her principal tormentor. on a rowing trip and picnic on the river Having celebrated our 5th anniversary Thandie Newton is brilliant as the vengeful at Oxford. To occupy the children, he told with a beautiful cake and delicious yet vulnerable victim. David Barnett them the tale which little Alice later asked refreshments, we played ‘Call My Bluff’, him to write down. Shirley Rodwell led by Bernard Ecker with his wife Shirley Bradford CF Next meeting: 30 Jan. William Kaczynski, and Myrna on the panel. We learned the An interesting afternoon. Stephen Tendlow ’Fleeing from the Führer‘ meaning of many new words such as discussed his current researches into the Tittle and Tansy. David Lang history of the German-Jewish bourgeoisie Recharging batteries in Norfolk Next meeting: 11 Jan. Evelyn Friedlander, up to WWII, especially that of his own A most successful meeting, with nine ‘The Synagogues of Germany’ family, who in 1635 built the first mikveh members – the maximum possible – in Wiesbaden, now a spa town. Later Rudi turning up. Having recharged our batteries Death and the Maiden A powerful Leavor described presenting his family’s with goodies shlepped all the way from and gripping story own bespoke Torah Scroll to the Berlin the Jewish settlement of Wembley by Our groups‘ outing to the Harold Pinter Jewish Museum. Anna Greenwood Myrna, and by the baked potatoes carried Theatre had a particular resonance for Next meeting: 13 March

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