VOLUME 3 No. 10 OCTOBER 2003 Ellis journal ^^^H l^^^l ^ Association of Jewish Refugees Butchers, beauties and bigots With parliament in recess, August usually was Diana Mosley, Amin's opposite in Belisha's uncomfortable tenure at the War ^ves up to its journalistic nickname 'the every other way - from looks to social and Ofiice, or look at such diverse texts as silly season'. The year 2003, however, was ethnic origin. Diana Mitford was the Tory grandee Chips Channon's diaries different. This August saw the start of the catapulted from the drone-like existence and the Anglo-Catholic TS Eliot's Hutton Inquiry, the end of the infinitely of the 1920s '' to a Judeophobic poems. deplorable lives of Diana Mosley and Idi walk-on part on the world stage through Judeophobia lingers on in the Christian Amin, and the emergence of Mel Gibson her marriage to the vulpine British world even after Vatican U formally 3s a purveyor of a hoary tale of deicide leader in Goebbels's absolved the Jews of guilt for the death of on screen. house - with Hitler as a wedding guest. Christ. A Catholic splinter group headed Although these four events were Having once enjoyed privileged access by Cardinal Lefebvre maintained - completely disconnected it is not entirely to the Fuehrer, Lady Diana would alongside the Latin Mass - the charge of ^ciful to view them as links in a chain subsequently parry questions on what she deicide against the Jews. They take their ^neath the surface of things. Lord Hutton remembered best about him with the stand on the archaic declaration of the Probes the correctness, or otherwise, of mind-boggling answer 'the laughs.' (Did Church Council at Nicea in AD 325 that ^owning Street's claims that Saddam this retort, one wonders, owe anything to the Jews are 'abhorrent to the will of God.' Possessed weapons of mass WH Auden's Epitaph for a Tyrant: These ultra-Catholics (who destruction. The elimination of \ include Mel Gibson's father) WMDS was, together with profess to believe that the jpd ''^gime change, the Coalition's | reforming Pope John XXIII *ar aim in Iraq. Regime change j usurped the Holy See after "3s, of course, been the subject j threatening to drop a nuclear of heated debate at the UN - with [ bomb on the Vatican, that the *^tics of the war accusing Bush I Holocaust did not take ^d Blair of violation of national | place, and that the Second Sovereignty. Yet in 1979 Idi Amin Vatican Council was a Judeo- *3s forcibly removed from Masonicplot. Power in Uganda by Tanzanian ^Idiers with UN approval. Amin Now, Mel Gibson himself is "3d much else in common with completing a film about Christ's ^addam: adherence to Islam, passion which revives the ^Siression against neighboiunng millennia-old charge of Jewish Pope John XXIII Diana Mosley 'Countries, and support for the deicide - and we can only hope ^estinian murder of Israeh civilians, 'Perfection of a kind was what he was that preliminary American reports of the ^ost notoriously, both dictators after/And was greatly interested in armies movie's import are unduly alarmist. 'botched up an extermination rate among and fleetsAVhen he laughed respectable Here in the UK, a degree of alarm would ^^ir own subjects approaching the half- senators burst with laughter/And when he also not come amiss. Sharon's acceptance ''^onmark. cried, little children died in the streets'?) of the road map has not shifted public ^ one respect, however, Amin was Obituaries of the socialite-turned- opinion in Israel's favoiu", as shown by ^niqug even compared to such National Socialist have tended to stress Richard Ingram's malign refusal to print '^ntemporary heirs of Genghis Khan as the glamoiu of the Mitford gels at the letters from 'Zionists.' ^' Pot, Saddam, Assad, Bokassa and expense of the fact that in the Thirties Another journalist with a strong anti- Mobutu: he not only killed, but also ate his many "blue-bloods' - for instance Lords Israel bias, AN Wilson, has added insult to Victims. He was literally a cannibal, and Nuffield, Rothermere, Hamilton, Bedford injiu^ by drooling over Lady Mosley's '^Surprisingly had huge admiration for - flirted with . Though it would be espousal of "beauty and laughter" in his *^ (metaphorical) arch-cannibal of the simplistic to label all arch-appeasers posthumous tribute to her. Gibson, Ingram ^^ntieth century - . antisemites, many, of course, were. In and Wilson are part of the exorbitant price ^nieone who shared his admiration evidence one need only recall Hore- we pay for media freedom. AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Breaking into End of an era at Eleanor Rathbone House a Mail preserve Ruth Rothenberg Richard Grunberger First opened in 1964 to provide sheltered Housing Association (OSHA), which in accommodation for elderly Jewish 1991 took over the ownership and Like all newspaper publishers, Jewish refugees, Eleanor Rathbone House, a management of a number of homes from ones are a disparate bunch. Some, for strikingly modem 12-storey block of the CBE of which Eleanor Rathbone was example Josef Pulitzer (of Pulitzer Prize studio flats in Highgate, North London, one, will be the main beneficiary ofthe sale fame), were on the side of the angels - has been sold at auction for £5.7 million. after the repayment of mortgages and others, like Robert Maxwell, in the Named after the social pioneer and MP other outstanding loans. Responsibility opposite camp. Where exactly does who fought for the entry into Britain of for the running of OSHA, and of this home, Richard Desmond fit in? refugees from Nazi persecution, it no was accepted by Jewish Care three He left school at the age of 14 longer serves the needs or preferences of years ago. without any qualifications, went into today's potential clientele. Vacant When Eleanor Rathbone House was music journalism at the time of the 'pop flats have not been reoccupied and built it represented a new concept in explosion', and became a mini-tycoon the remaining tenants have already independent living for the elderly. But in his late twenties. Having diversified been provided with appropriate people's requirements have changed, into vastly profitable soft-porn accommodation. especially as they are now so much older publishing, he had the inspired idea of Eleanor Rathbone House was built as a when they enter residential care. The launching OK as a home-grown rival to joint project by the Association of Jewish home's location, on a hill and somewhat the best-selling Spanish-based Refugees and the Central British Fimd remote from shops and buses, is far less celebrity magazine Hello. The next step (CBF), the then recipient of West accessible and people now prefer separate in his dizzying career was the German reparation funds. The Otto Schiff living rooms and bedrooms to studio flats. acquisition of the Express group of newspapers. Lord Beaverbrook, founder of the East German property list to be published mass-circulation Express, had been a power in the land, both as a super-rich Michael Newman media boss and a cunning political After several years of equivocation and entitled to compensation. However, 20 per manipulator. However, since his following recent requests from the Board cent of the value of the property, or the passing from the scene the paper's of Deputies of British Jews, the New York- value of its sale, is retained. Through the readership had shrunk steadily to based Claims Conference has agreed to Goodwill Fund, revenues raised via the below a million. Desmond cut jobs, publish a list of properties and other assets sale of heirless properties have already boosted the advertising budget, once owned by Jewish families in the enabled the Claims Conference to returned the Express to profitability, former German Democratic Republic disburse some $160 million in payments, and even marginally increased its (East Germany). and a further $150 million has been set circulation. Following German unification in 1990, aside to meet pending and future claims. He was recently profiled on TV, an the Claims Conference, acting in its Publication of the remaining list of exposure from which he emerged as a role as the Successor Organisation, Jewish-owned properties in the former man of glaring contradictions: a profit- negotiated for the rights of Jewish East Germany will offer rightful heirs a chasing Labour supporter and owner property owners and their heirs to file final opportunity to submit applications in of a porn TV channel, who engages in ownership applications. Despite a two- respect of their family's assets, though a lots of charitable work and lavished year period diuing which applications six-month time limit for claims from the great care on his sons' barmitzvahs. were to be made, on its expiry at the date of the list's publication is to b^ The impression created by all this end of 1992 many properties remained imposed. The list of properties will be must have left viewers feeling distinctly unclaimed. made available on the Claims Conference queasy. However, by comparison with The Claims Conference eventually website: www.claimscon.org. Applications the arch-Machiavellian, power- introduced a "Goodwill Fund' through should be submitted to the Successor obsessed press barons of the past - which eligible applicants who missed the Organisation at 26 Sophienstrasse, 60487 Northcliffe, Rothermere, Beaverbrook - original submission deadline would be Frankfurt am Main, Germany Desmond comes across as an innocent abroad. Moreover, by staunching the AJR Joumal haemorrhaging of the Express's Richard Grunberger Editor-in-Chief JACKMAN • readership, he denied Lord Ronald Channing Executive Editor Rothermere's Daily Mail - which once Howard Spier Editorial and Production SILVERMAN sponsored Oswald Mosley and \t still AJR Journal, Jubilee House, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS dangerously populist - hegemony over Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4RL Tel: 020 8385 3070 Fax: 020 8385 3080 the large middle ground between the e-mail: [email protected] 26 Conduit Street, London WIR 9TA wvvw.ajr.org.uk quality papers and the tabloids. Telephone: 020 7409 0771 Fax: 020 7493 80l7 AJR JOURNAL OaOBER 2003

Jews as muse NEWTONS Richard Grunberger Leading Hampstead Solicitors advise on I think there is huge symbolism in the fact extreme to Brecht, the Fascist Drieu La Property, Wills, Family Trusts - first revealed by AL Rowse - that Rochelle, had an even more bizarre and Charitable Trusts Shakespeare"s Dark Lady of the Sonnets relationship with his Jewish muse Was an Italian Jewess by the name of Jeanette Jeremac. They had lived French and German spoken Emilia Bassano. In fact, Jewish women of together in the early thirties, and after Home visits arranged talent have acted as the muse to an the Liberation the ex-collaborator La amazingly large number of Europe's most Rochelle hid out in her apartment. 22 Fitzjohn's Avenue, creative spirits for centiuies. Though the However, fearing discovery and a death London NW3 5NB sphere in which this has been most sentence for treason, he killed himself Tel: 020 7435 5351 pronoimced is literature, it is in music in early 1945. Fax: 020 7435 8881 that it has had the best-known effect. Andr6 Malraux married the banker's Leos Janacek, who lived in a loveless daughter Claire Goldschmidt when niarriage, had declined into fallow middle yoimg. They travelled together to South- age when the encoimter with Kamila East Asia, whence Malraux returned with Stosslava re-energised him, and spurred the subject matter for La (Condition CONSULTANT him on to compose his outstanding Humaine. The book made him world- operas Jenufa and Katya Kabanova. (In famous - but the marriage collapsed. to long established English Solicitors (bi-lingual German) Passing, one might also mention the In total contrast, the poet Louis Aragon would be happy to assist clients dedication - and political manipulation - showed lifelong fidelity to his Russian- with English, German and *ith which Prokofiev's second wife, Mira bom Jewish wife Elsa Troilet. Separated Austrian problems. Mendelson, helped him to turn Tolstoy's from her during the war, he penned Les '^dr and Peace into an opera.) Yeta d'Elsa, a famous poem wherein the Contact Henry Ebner The story of Jewish muse-inspired resistant Aragon discerns the lineaments Myers Ebner & Deaner European literati began over 200 years of eternal in the features of 103 Shepherds Bush Road 3go Avith Friedrich Schlegel (brother of Troilet's face. London W6 7LP ^e famous Shakespeare translator). Elsa's equally noteworthy sister, Lily Telephone 020 7602 4631 Schlegel's ecstatic and sexually Brik, had stayed in Russia, where she ALL LEGAL WORK Outspoken novel Lucinda resulted from played a fickle muse to the poet Vladimir UNDERTAKEN •^•s infatuation with Dorothea Veit, Mayakovsky. Lily's final refusal to leave ''larried daughter of Moses Mendelssohn her husband for Mayakovsky - after they set ^d herself an author. It caused a had long formed a 'threesome' - plimged Scandal, only partly assuaged by the poet into a lengthy depression ending Dorothea's divorce and subsequent in suicide. AUSTRIAN and GERMAN ^•^arriage to Schlegel. In postwar Britain it was the suicide of a PENSIONS About a centiuy later Richard Dehmel's famous poet's Jewish muse that ended an t^tic imagination was fired by a married unhappy relationship. Sylvia Plath's felo PROPERTY Jewish lady he tactfully referred to as de se, while married to Ted Hughes, is RESTITUTION CLAIMS ^^VL Ida". The first decades of the part of folklore - but a few years later the EAST GERMANY - BERLIN ^entieth century witnessed three poet's second wife, Assia Weevil, '^^ominent German-Jewish literary followed in Plath's footsteps (and took On instructions our office will "^^rriages. The least productive and long- their baby daughter with her). assist to deal with your '^sting was Heiiuich Maim's. His brother In talking of British poetry one must applications and pursue the matter ^fiomas's lifelong imion with Katja not forget the Love That Dare Not Speak with the authorities. ^gsheim created the stable haute Its Name. Of WH Auden's many For further information ^fgeois environment conducive to his homosexual partners none was more of and an appointment Remitting literary labours. Bertolt an inspiration - and a cause of please contact: ^^echt's marriage to Helene Weigel was heartbreak - than Chester Kallman. But ^th similar and totally different - similar the volatile blonde American Jew also ICS CLAIMS ^use the actress Weigel was Brecht's tumed out to be the poet's most enduring 146-154 Kilburn High Road ^^^*~

Claims Conference - benefactor or villain? David Rothenberg

Under the German laws enacted in The Goodwill Fund In July this year the Board, after 1990 in connection with the In a number of cases, the heirs of another vigorous debate, decided unification of Germany, any claims Jewish owners found that by the time finally to close the Goodwill Fund to (not merely Jewish) for restitution of they learned of what their families future claims made after a six-month property in former East Germany and had owned, even though they had period following the publication for East Berlin had to be filed by 31 missed the deadline of 31 December the first time of a list of the names of December 1991, although this date 1992, the Claims Conference had all families in whose name properties was later extended to 31 December lodged a timely claim for what had claimed by the Claims Conference 1992. The Claims Conference was been their family property. Even if the had been registered. There is a real again recognised as legal heir of Claims Conference had law on their concern that the final cost of all heirless Jewish property, and side, the heirs felt they had been claims against the Goodwill Fund effectively bound by the same time robbed. From the perspective of the could exhaust the resources of the limits. In view of the very tight time Claims Conference, they felt that not Claims Conference, making it limits, it sought recovery of property only did they have law on their side, impossible for them to continue with wherever it appeared from the but, if they faced the prospect of their activities. records that it might have been having to hand over to heirs what July 2003 Jewish-owned, and so swept up, for they had recovered on the basis that example, property registered no heir had filed a timely claim, then This is the second and concluding originally in the name of Alfred they could not use the funds for the part of this article. The article Rosenberg! A number of high-profile benefit of survivors and other vital represents the personal views of the work within the world Jewish cases of disputes arose between writer, and represents neither the community. After a stumbling first heirs and the Claims Conference, views of the Claims Conference nor attempt in 1994 to solve this moral where both had apparently filed those of the AJR itself and legal dilemma via what they timely claims. called the Goodwill Fund, they The only money the Claims decided to take action in 1997, and Conference has had at its disposal stated that they would consider The Wiener Library was what it raised from this claims filed to them not later than 31 heirless property save some modest December 1998 by those who felt and Leo Baeck payments from, for example, they had lost despite being heirs. Daimler Benz, which themselves Institute In July 2000 the Board agreed after gave rise to fierce arguments, and impassioned debate the way in MAX KOCHMANN recent moneys from the Swiss banks which they would operate the MEMORIAL LECTURE and the German Foundation (already Goodwill Fund. Anyone who had disbursed). It has been paying out lodged a claim before 31 December Professor Robert Wistrich this money to survivors and refugees 1998 and could show they were a 'The Last Testament as well as for its education objects legal heir would receive 80 per cent of almost as fast as it raised it. of what the property had fetched, Disbursing over $80,000,000 a year with 20 per cent being retained to Sigmund Freud' to institutions around the world, it is, cover costs. Furthermore, any heir Chair: for example, the largest supporter of who lodged a claim subsequently, Yad Vashem, as well as supporting and who was a family" heir, might Professor Peter Pulzer social welfare institutions, old-age still be paid out by the Goodwill Wednesday homes and day centres, not only in Fund on the same formula if he or she Israel but throughout the world, could persuade an independent 26 November 2003 including the US and Eastern Europe. panel of assessors of prior ignorance For further details, We in the UK have been the of the possibility of making a recipients of support for our claim. Details of the arrangements please contact Homecare scheme and the extension are set out on the web at the Wiener Library on of our work throughout the UK (as http://www. ctaimscon. org/index, asp 020 7636 7247 part of the Umbrella Group). ?url=successor_org. AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Return to Duren Werner Lachs

Duren, a town with its surrounding villages of about 90,000 inhabitants, lies half-way between Cologne and Aachen. Though quite old, it cannot lay claim to an important history, if you ignore the fact that it was heavily fought over in 1945 and practically Werner Lachs, left, in what was the garden of his childhood home In Duren, flattened. But the town and its Kreis with his wife Ruth and friend Peter Johannsen, who is researching the history did play host to a small but vibrant of the town's Jewish community Jewish life going back many centuries. Dijren's Jewish history pupils was unveiled at a local Now a good friend, Peter is grammar school, where a question- Family connections researching and writing a history of and-answer session for classes of 16- In 1938 about 400 Jews lived in the fate of my uncle and the Jews of year-olds followed, all in English (the Duren, with numerous small pockets pre-war Duren. When he and his wife school has a bi-lingual culture). I had of Jewish life in the surrounding were our guests in , we to answer the standard question villages, often no larger than one helped to fill in many of the details. A about how I felt coming back to family, following occupations like religious and active Protestant, he Germany after all this time and all shop-keeping, cattle-dealing and was born in 1933, and his father was that had transpired. Though I land-dealing. My late mother was a a member of the Nazi Party and a confessed to having serious native of the town, and her elder Hitler admirer, something my friend misgivings, at one time vowing never brother Karl was one of a handful of could not stomach in later years. It to return, I had done so out of piety professionals - a paediatrician. has made him feel very attached to for the memory of my uncle; any Regretfully, my Uncle Karl and his Jewish people and in particular their misgivings had been dispelled by the family became victims of the fate in the Nazi era. When he asked genuine warmth of our welcome. Holocaust. why it was that I and my family and Duren remains conscious of the When, three years ago, I received a not my uncle had got out of horrors of the Nazi era. Its then more Phone call enquiring 'Are you Werner Germany, I replied that until than 100-year-old synagogue was Lachs, and did you have an Uncle Karl November 1938 we all believed that destroyed on Kristallnacht, and ^ho lived in Duren?', I was things could not get worse, that where it stood there is now a car honplussed. Peter Johannsen Germany was the country of Schiller park, but there is also a plaque in introduced himself as a retired and Goethe, and that German was memoriam, as there is another at an Consultant paediatrician who had our culture, our language. Too late, old, disused cemetery. A later used discovered that a Jewish colleague the doors were shut to us and a cemetery is well looked after by the had lived and practised in his town quarter of a million German Jews town authorities. One unusual act by ^nd, being acutely aware of the fact perished. the town was to erect ten stelae at sites of some of the worst outrages of ^hat almost half of all children's Partial publication of his book was the Nazi era, for instance the factory Specialists in pre-war Germany were the reason for my wife and myself building where the Jews were ^ews, decided to research the history being invited to visit DQren, together interned prior to deportation. They of his tragic, unknown colleague. He with other former citizens. The stand as constant reminders of the discovered my late grandfather's mayor's words of welcome, at the dark days of the 1930s-40s. Sf'ave in the cemetery in Diiren; the official town hall reception, were °cal newspaper revealed the names most moving. We met the Where my grandparents' house had °^ the mourners but, of course, our Hungarian-born rabbi of Aachen, stood, I entered the site ofthe garden "Barnes were not to be found on the where there is a renascent Jewish in which my sister and I had played ^^Portation lists. With the help of community comprising mainly happily together It is still backed by Some Zeitzeugen, he found out that immigrants from Eastern Europe. an ivy-covered wall, which I now ^^ had emigrated to England, where discovered was part of the old town '^ became a task for telephone Reluctant return wall, a childhood mystery I had ""ectory enquiries. A memorial plaque to former Jewish waited 60 years to resolve! AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

coreligionists, they were also determined to protect their own positions in British society.' Such an The Editor reserves the right argument might explain a reluctance to shorten correspondence i TO THE ) on their part to see a large influx of submitted for publication refugees into Britain, although Dr Gottlieb's evidence is against this. N^EDITORi However, it seems totally illogical to claim this as a reason for withholding information about visas for Northern ANTI-IMMIGPRANT SENTIMENT with Paul Robeson in an animal skin, a Rhodesia from refugee agencies. Sir - On Monday 21 July BBC1 screened classic? Is The Shop at Sly Corner I am not familiar with the documents a programme on immigrants. memorable? If Korda was Britain's only Bill Oakfield quotes in favour of his Individual cases were discussed by a movie mogul, whatever happened to theory. However, to level grave panel of groups (with their fixed point J. Arthur Rank? accusations against people who are no of view) followed by a phone-in vote by Alan S Kaye longer there to defend themselves viewers. Each time the majority of Chalfont St Giles seems to me to be against the 'sense of viewers voted against admitting the fairness' which he so admires. I can immigrants. The case for admission AN ACCUSATION understand his feelings of bitterness but believe that they are based on had usually been based on Sir - Bill Oakfield seems to specialise in knowing only one side of the story. I humanitarian grounds, the case accusations about the failure of Jewish think that such obstruction as there against on the burden, problems and organisations and governments to help was to the admission of German and dangers they would cause to this us Jews at critical times. Experience tells Austrian Jews came more from the country. me that it is possible to quote excerpts Home Office than from the individuals How far is this public opinion our from the work of others which fail to Bill Oakfield accuses. fault? Have we been seen to cause give a balanced account of what it was problems and danger to our host like at the time. Richard Tait country? AJR Journal does publish Richmond, Surrey Eric Mark something about the lives of well- Belgium known Jewish refugees and those who Sir - Northern Rhodesia as a potential have given extraordinary service. Sir - I was amazed at Bill Oakfield's refuge was a well-kept secret (August issue) - which is deplorable - but surely It is, however, more difficult to find 'Accusation' and can only assume that Palestine was a more natural refuge. out about the benefits or problems he is not familiar with Dr A Zahl That it was closed to appease the that may have been caused by most Gottlieb's book Men of Vision, Arabs, and that it was kept closed to of us. published in 1998 by Weidenfeld post-war survivors for the same reason, If our neighbours and workmates in Nicholson (ISBN 0-97-84230-7), now is even more odious. the UK have formed their opinions on unfortunately out of print. To remind readers. Bomber refugees because of their contact with This book states that Neville Laski, Command, which suffered very heavy us, we need to do something about it! Leonard Montefiore and others went losses in taking the war to the enemy, Can our experience help to find a fairer to see Sir Ernest Holderness, head of was not awarded a medal for their way to solve the refugee question? the Aliens' Department at the Home bravery in the face of flak, fighters and Obviously we need to reflect on the Office, in April 1933, proposing that all weather. Those participating in the causes of intolerance in the refugees' Jewish refugees from Germany be Palestine Run by the Navy against no countries of origin and help our permitted to enter Britain. They odds at all, merely intercepting and politicians to see what can be done supported their proposal with a pledge either jailing or sending back to camps about them. Have AJR members any that 'all expense, whether in respect 'illegal immigrants', did receive 3 knowledge and experience on how to of temporary or permanent medal. It was the last occasion on assist present-day refugees in their accommodation or maintenance, will which boarding parties were issued locality? Please could we hear be borne by the Jewish community with cutlasses to injure unarmed about it? without ultimate charge to the state.' survivors of years of Nazi persecution. Bettina Cohn It is impossible to detail the many Frank Bright actions undertaken by the British Ipsvi/ich Jewish community before the war and ALEXANDER KORDA the very large sums raised by its leaders, Sir - I find much of the aesthetic including Lionel de Rothschild and Lord BRICKBAT assessment in Ronald Channing's Bearsted, accused in Bill Oakfield's Sir - The front page of the August issue report on Professor Walker's overview article. The book from which he quotes of the journal has convinced me tha of Korda's output (August issue) states: 'While they were more than my original decision to let my ^ questionable. Is Sanders of the River, conscious of their obligations to their membership lapse was correct. ^^'^ AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003 can an essentially decent man like As for Schwarzenegger, I had Schroder be maligned by the Editor for composed the following ditty for ARE YOU ON A LOW refusing to lead his country into what inclusion in the November issue: INCOMEANDINNEED was at best a questionable war and at Worst a downright illegal one. And to Arnie's progress OF HOMECARE HELP? continually mention him in the same The dad, a cop in Graz, he AJR might be able to offer breath, so to speak, as Haider is Was, like all Grazers, a Nazi. financial assistance. nothing short of obscene. Finally, for a The son, a beefcake spliced with ham. Members who might not Sought adoption by rich Uncle Sam. German (or Austrian) Jewish refugee otherwise be able to afford The bigot dad 'bought into' hate. to complain that Germany does not homecare please contact: want to make war is so bizarre that The son may run the Sunshine State. Words almost fail me. Estelle Brookner, Secretary AJR Social Services Dept Also, Gunter Grass, who is a well- BOUQUETS Tel: 020 8385 3070 known humanist and anti-fascist, Sir - The fact that criticism has not does not deserve to be so insulted. It is deterred Richard Grunberger from now generally accepted that the continuing to offer us highly readable destruction of Dresden did not articles brings to mind Hilaire Belloc's shorten the last war by one nano­ Epitaph: 'When I am dead/I hope it may Companions second and, apart from incinerating be said:/His sins were scarlet/But his of London some 25,000 people, mostly civilians, books were read.' Also, just because Incorporating it also cost the lives of some 200 brave Ronald Channing, Gloria Tessler, Hampstead Home Care bomber crew. Howard Spier, Michael Spiro and A long established company I may have missed something but I Anthony Grenville have so far, generally, providing care io your home cannot remember any comment on or escaped ad hominem attacks does not Assistance with personal care criticism of the muscle-bound Austro- mean that their regular contributions General household duties American oaf now running for are not read with great pleasure. Respite care governor in California. The fact that he Guy Bishop Medical appointment service 's a close friend of the aforementioned Connecticut, USA OUR CARE IS YOUR CARE' ••org Haider seems to have escaped the 020 7483 0212/0213 Editor and I am delighted to point it Sir - May I say how much I appreciate out to him. your writings in the Journal -1 am just re-reading Shia malevolence. I wish a F Goldberg few more folk would realise that here ^Ch SPRING Arundel are people as malevolent as the Nazis, §S> GROVE and who may have more chance of 214 Finchley Road ^''om the Editor: Since the birth ofthe taking over a large part of the world. London NWS ^^ndesrepublik in 1949 the George Stern London's Most Luxurious ^undeswehr has participated in NATO London N6 RETIREMENT HOME aid actually bombed Belgrade. When • Entertainment-Activities ^orld peace is menaced by potentially Sir -1 am constantly astonished by your • Stress Free Living ^^clear-armed rogue states like North erudite articles in the splendid monthly • 24 Hour Staffing • Excellent Cuisine '^orea, Iran and Saddam's Iraq, you edit. • Full En-Suite Facilities Pdncipted pacifism does not benefit Martin U Mauthber Call for more information Anyone. Just as Spain, Portugal, Waterloo, Belgium or a personal tour ^^eden. Switzeriand and Eire can be 020 8446 2117 ^'d to have helped Nazi Germany in CORRECTIONS! or 020 7794 4455 '939-45, so the Bundesrepublik's non- Sir - Shame on you - you made a enquirles9sprlngdene-care-homes.co.uk 'nvolvement in Iraq helped Saddam. mistake! Litzmannstadt was Lodz, not ^ for the 'illegat war against Saddam, Lwow (September issue, p. 3). Frederick ^ould have thought that ending a Forsyth (letter by Ossi Findling, p. 7) is Simon R Rhodes M.Ch.S. STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST ''^ime which killed 300,000 of its own wrong too: the Riga ghetto was Surgeries at: ^^bjects (a UN estimate) eminently guarded not by the SS, but by Latvian 67 Kilbum High Road, NW6 (opp M&S) ^W/ed. police under the command of German Telephone 020 7624 1576 '^y criticism of Gunter Grass focuses police from Prague. Finally, a big thank 3 Queens Close (off Green Lane) '^°t on Dresden but on the Russian you for publishing Alison Macleod's Edgware, Middx HA87PU ^"^king of the , the poem Holocaust. Telephone 020 8905 3264 ^'^tims of which were civilian Ezra Jurmann Visiting chiropody service available "acuees but also military personnel. London NWS AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Harris, for her highly intimate portrait » of old age. Her subject is lined, with red RGs INT6RFACG tinged flesh around the eyes and a skin NOTES so papery as to be almost translucent. Anniversary I Seventy years ago Chaim Arlosoroff, a rising star of the En route to the awards room, you can Mapai Party, was assassinated in Gloria Tessler see photographs of other, more Tel Aviv. His murder polarised left- and Everything is present in the human face, contemporary personalities - well- right-wing Zionists and created a rift, as a visit to the National Portrait known DJs like Princess Julia, described not unlike the Dreyfus Affair. Gallery will confirm. Here, 51 selected as the gay icon of glamour, and Fatboy Arlosoroff s thoughts are summed up in a volume edited by Shlomo Avineri, works from the BP Portrait Award Slim, all photographed by Chris Lopez, published under the Peter Halban 2003 were chosen from a record 858 in an attempt to capture those who are imprint. submissions, which begs the question: developing popular dance music culture. In other rooms you can findmillionaire s Anniversary II Fifty years ago a strike what is that elusive quality that makes a by building workers in East Berlin's and politicians, writers like Salman vidnner? I can't help feeling that the faces Stalin Allee triggered anti-regime Rushdie and actors like Sir Ian painted by Leonardo da Vinci, for demonstrations throughout the DDR. instance, had that spiritual otherness, a McKellen, as well as some of Saatchi's This put Jewish Communists in a mysterious quality where you are not babes, yoimg British artists like Sarah quandary. Until Stalin's death (March necessarily offered familiarity but, Lucas. For a fleeting moment it felt as 1953) the regime had joined in the rather, synchronicity. Some portraits though portraiture at this level was Eastern Bloc-wide antisemitic here, such as Darren Coffield's pandering to the great and the good - campaign - but now the DDR media denounced the risinga s Nazi-inspired. Portrait of Ivan Massow, borrow heavily true art aping media imagery - but then This version of events was echoed by from classical formalism; others are people love to gawp at the icons of their day. Jewish returnees such as the writers witty, ironic and often trend-setting, and Stefan Heym and Jurek Becker. strongly influenced by media imagery. In Tom Phillips's portrait of Dame Adaptation Among the many Jewish Iris Murdoch, painted in the mid-1980s, authors in English-speaking countries his subject's introspective, literary the US-based Chaim Potok is unique in qualities are implied by the unusual being Orthodox. His novel The Chosen background to the canvas - Titian's has been adapted for the stage, and will sordid and sensuous Flaying ofMarysas. be premiered in Florida with the Murdoch's powerful face, the almost Vienna-born multi-talented Theodor Bikel in the lead. Bikel appeared as lifelike curl of her blue collar aroimd her Tevye in a staggering 1,600 neck, which mirrors the shape of the performances oiFiddleron the Roof. green ginkgo plant beside her, has Language controversy The something of the grandiosity of the legendary Stammtisch oi German Florentine artists of the Medici period. refugees which has been in weekly Here too are aspects of a power more session in New York's Upper East Side subtle than theirs, yet it poses another for over 60 years was originally plagued question: can we predict from it by linguistic disagreement. Oskar Maria Graf (a political €migri famous Murdoch's cruel mental and physical for his 1933 challenge to Goebbels to decline through Alzheimer's? Are the burn his books) insisted that only ravages of disease present in the inward German be spoken at the get-togethers. look in her eyes? He was opposed by the poet Hans Sahl, A spiritual robustness shines through who had established himself in the US Sir Ian Murray McKellen Clive Smith, 2002 the BP winner's portrait of the gentle, as translator of Tennessee Williams's fading face - so different a perception box-office hits such as Katze auf dem There's an occasional nod to Lucien from Murdoch's inward intelligence - heissen Blechdach. Freud, whose almost telescopic vision yet both portraits are so self-contained, Obituary The Viennese-born of the pallid and ephemeral nature of so full of knowledge. In the BP musicologist Kurt Pahlen has died in flesh is immatched. I particularly liked exhibition you would be hard pressed to Switzerland aged 96. A conductor, composer and writer of rare the third prize-winner, Elliot 11 by find a smiling face, although you creativity, he was active in pre-war Graham Flack, a monochromatic oil on wouldn't go short of a scowl or two. Europe's musical life, headed the Teatro canvas whose technique of paint Many are dreamy and all - perhaps Colon (the leading South American nmning into the features produces a influenced by the inroads photography opera house) in the 1950s, and wavering and exposed expression. The has made into portraitiure - are somehow eventually settled on the north shore oi first prize, Untitled, went to Charlotte not quite present in their faces. Lake Zurich. AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Against a background of through their training with the old refugee haunts stereotypes about the Pharisees and Jewish legalism, and Judaism as the THE STRANGE CASE OF DR REVIEWS foil to Christianity [intact].' SIMMONDS AND DR GLAS These stereotypes are: that Danny Abse the journal published. The journal Christianity has superseded Judaism - Robson Books 2002, £14.95 covers the period from late December he wants both religions to be 1949 to June 1950. There is a gradual regarded as equal but different; that There is a strange quality to Dannie sense of despairing diminuendo in the Jews are to be converted to Abse's recent novel, which makes the last few weeks as Simmonds, Christianity - conversion, he argues, rather unusual title particularly apt. increasingly haunted by what he should be a voluntary act; and that This strangeness is certainly found in perceives as Yvonne's betrayal, finds forgiveness occurs in the Old as well the protagonist, Dr Robbie himself consumed, in his state of as the New Testament. Simmonds, a solitary bachelor GP sleep-deprived depression, by the approaching his 40th birthday in With regard to , fictitious Dr Glas. 1950. With a deformed hand and Bishop Harries discusses the thesis of facial scar caused by paternal neglect While Abse has capitalised on his suffering as put forward by many at a Guy Fawkes party when he was a imagination as a novelist to create this theologians. That Jewish people were small boy, Simmonds grew up a self- unusual tale, shortlisted for the individually marked out for confessed 'mama's boy. Emotionally Jewish Quarterly prize for fiction, he punishment for their sins is an bereft by the loss of his mother ten has also made use of his medical obviously absurd idea; that there is years earlier, he lives, cosseted by a expertise to provide an authentic collective guilt deserving punishment, devoted housekeeper, in the background. No less effective is his as some rabbis believe, I also find overlarge, unmodernised family ability to capture the ambience of the distasteful. Other explanations, both home in Hampstead where every one locale and period in which his novel is Christian and Jewish, figure in the of his mother's possessions remains set, not least the refugee haunts in book, though all seem inadequate. Untouched since the day she died. Swiss Cottage and West Hampstead. Bishop Harries acknowledges the The Cosmo Restaurant, the Blue While Simmonds himself is not harm done by Church theologians Danube Club and the Embassy through their diatribes against the Jewish, he is only too aware that the Theatre are just a few of the Jews. He is also aware of the negative area in which he grew up has been landmarks - some almost forgotten - attitude of some Jews to Christianity, virtually 'colonised' byJewish refugees which are vividly brought to life and although this is more understandable from Nazi Europe. One, Anton will doubtless make the novel a in the light of their treatment by the Bloomberg, a patient of his, is his bite gratifying read for anyone who mainstream religion. On the subject no/re. Simmonds feels revulsion for remembers them in their heyday. the refugee businessman but is of Christian repentance for past enchanted by his beautiful young fmma Klein hostility, he quotes a document gentile wife, Yvonne, who becomes promulgated by the Vatican as late as the object of his fantasies. When 1998 which asserts that antisemitism Need for action Vvonne, who appears to hold the is essentially a pagan movement (sicI) doctor in high esteem, gives him the AFTER THE EVIL but that 'erroneous interpretations of the New Testament' may have made hovel Dr Glas by the Swedish author Richard Harries Christians 'less sensitive to the Hjalmar Soderberg, Simmonds finds University Press 2003, £16.99 his basest desires in conflict with his persecutions launched by National Hippocratic oath. In his emotional Richard Harries, the Bishop of Oxford, Socialism.' While the document turmoil, he sees a situation that recently achieved notoriety for his expresses regret at the failures of the closely reflects his own: the doctor nomination of a homosexual priest to Church's sons and daughters, it is, as hero of the novel impelled to use his the bishopric of Reading. This book, Bishop Harries points out, the Church craft to rid a charming young woman however, is on a completely different itself as an institution which needs to of her overbearing clergyman topic: the relationship of Christians express sorrow for its teaching down husband. and Jews. He begins on a personal the ages and to radically rethink its The parallel linking of Dr Simmonds note, with his horrified reaction as a whole outlook. and Dr Glas is a vital ingredient in the boy to the Belsen film. The evil in the The Church's recognition of Israel is 'iterary conceit around which the title is the Holocaust, for which, he equally lukewarm. This is said to be hovel revolves. Simmonds's journal, realises, 'the long history of the out of concern for Arab rights and ^he principal narrative tool, is Church's teaching of contempt for suffering, but is one being cynical id 'bequeathed to Yvonne who, decades Jews' provided the seedbed. He in detecting in this a lingering of 'ater, approaches a former literary acknowledges that even today 'most unwillingness to acknowledge agent she once knew to help her get ordinands [to the priesthood] still go Jewish rights?

9 AJRJOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

There is much here to ponder. achieved a mental and emotional The extremes he is prepared to go to Disappointingly, there is no plan stage of development the former one in pursuit of this deception start with about how, for instance, the anti- seemed to lack. Despite this, Trude re-equipping their apartment with Jewish of the Gospels Levi's initial book was a great success, antiquated furniture and culminate in can be modified or how the parish and I trust that the present one will the production of a fake video in priest in Bootle may become aware of have even greater sales, for it is a which ex-DDR boss Honecker makes a the negative effect of Christian book that should be read, speech 'abolishing' the Wall so that teaching on his parishioners' attitude particularly by youngsters, although thousands of Western escapees from to Jews. There is much right thinking, it would be good for oldsters too to capitalism can take shelter in the East. but what we need is right action, purchase it. The son's hugely resourceful ruses since, as James Parkes of the Council If one is allowed just one niggle, it to create a 'parallel universe' for the of Christians and Jews warned, is that the editing of the book could mother are delightful to watch. 'antisemitism is a light sleeper.' have been done more thoroughly. However, the film takes a nose-dive Martha Blend Martin Hasseck into shmaltz with a heartstring- plucking, last-reel revelation about the absconded father. I have no doubt For youngsters and oldsters FILM REVIEW that any cinema-goer will feel better for having seen this film - but would DID YOU EVER MEET HITLER, MISS? Ostalgia enter one caveat: the 'cos/ DDR A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR TALKS TO depicted here was also in the habit of YOUNG PEOPLE GOODBYE LENIN shooting dead any citizen who tried Trude Levi Directed by Wolfgang Becker to leave it. Vallentine Mitchell, £9.95 On general release Richard Grunberger The author of this remarkable book Pity the poor newspaper reader sets out the questions she is constantly bombarded by unfamiliar frequently asked on her visits to terms: apartheid, perestroika, educational establishments in this intifada, etc. The latest arrival is Annely Juda Fine Art country and in Germany, as well as her Ostalgie, the East Germans' yearning 23 Dering Street replies to those questions. Some of for the good old days before the the questions are trite, like the title of collapse of the DDR. Pre-1989, (off New Bond Street) the book, although most are carefully millions of them sat in a less-than- Tel: 020 7629 7578 considered. In all instances, the gilded cage whose bars they didn't Fax: 020 7491 2139 replies are honest and factual and dare rattle. They worked diligently CONTEMPORARY PAINTING given to the best of the author's for little pay, enjoyed no-more-than- AND SCULPTURE ability. adequate living standards, and could What is particularly heartening in not travel abroad. Nonetheless, some today's atmosphere of intolerance felt comfortable in this environment and loutishness is that, despite her of everlasting sameness. unrelenting suffering, Trude Levi, a The film Goodbye Lenin caters to WANTED TO BUY non-believer herself, is reluctant to that feeling. Here, the post-1989 generalise about prejudice in respect influx of unbridled capitalism is German and of colour, race or religion. This point is depicted as an event that left people English Books underlined in her expression of thanks accustomed to a gentler pace of life to David Blunkett for his foreword to scarred. The film likewise shows how Established bookdealer this book where, as an asylum-seeker unification euphoria quickly (AJR member) herself, she very much hopes that the dissolved into rancorous disputes always welcomes Home Secretary will always use his between smart-ass Wessies and invitations to view influence on the side of fairness when slow-on-the-uptake Ossies. and purchase considering applications for those All this is conveyed through the valuable books seeking protection. unfolding of a story that is both

Prior to writing this book, Trude Levi humane and charming. A dutiful son For an immediate response, wrote A Cat Called Adolf, which is goes to all conceivable lengths to please contact: virtually an autobiography and in prevent his dangerously ill DDR- Robert Homung which one felt she had needed to try loving mother from discovering that 2 Mount View, Ealing, London W5 IPR to dispel the evil spirits which hovered during her months-long coma the Email: [email protected] around her in her early years. The Berlin Wall collapsed and everything Tel: 020 8998 0546 book under review, however, has went topsy-turvy. (Spm to 9pm is best)

10 AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Norbert Cohn greeted me in his He matriculated at the age of 17. The comfortable North London suburban family assumed that, at the war's end, home wearing a light jacket, collar and PROFILE they would be sent back to Germany, so tie despite the warmth of the summer Ronald Channing in 1942 Norbert settled for a course in morning - at all times the continental optometry at Northampton Polytechnic. gentleman. Though officially retired a Graduating in 1945 with honours, he decade ago from his optometrist's Norbert Cohn spent the next six years in a practice in practice in Swiss Cottage, at the age of Tooting. As many members of the A professional and a gentleman 78 he remains active in professional refugee community can testify, in 1952 institutions and the German-Jewish Norbert set up his own practice at Swiss refugee community. Cottage, where he remained for the next Following four years' military service 40 years! m World War I, father Karl made a living An appreciable percentage of the supplying clothing manufacturers. Born refugees left their eye care in his m Berlin in 1925, Norbert enjoyed a capable hands, entrusting their children happy childhood and, at the age of nine, and grandchildren as the years passed. I was presented with a brother. The too recall the velvet-curtained and Cohns lived close by the Grunewald wooden-panelled practice, and those synagogue, where they regularly rows of immaculately polished lenses. attended services. Norbert recalls his Never having any need to change his father as 'a typical German of the Jewish equipment, systems or methods, persuasion', while his mother, who was a Norbert himself became an institution trained dental technician, accepted the and pillar of his community. role of housewife and mother. Every week, for the past 58 years, he With the accession of Hitler to power has taken the Northern Line to hold a in January 1933, the removal of the clinic at the Institute of Optometry at rights and freedoms hitherto enjoyed by the Elephant and Castle. Though he Jews began. Paradoxically, while the 'retired' in 1992 he carried on at the lawyers, doctors and civil servants were Dover, arriving at Victoria Station. They Institute, as well as being the member immediately disbarred from spent their first night in the Imperial responsible for optics in the NHS employment, for the business Hotel, Russell Square but, on Primary Care Trust of Camden and community the regime's investment in discovering that the refugee commimity new roads and mimitions precipitated an had settled around Hampstead, they Islington. He is also Hon Treasurer of economic boom. Norbert was found a boarding house in Swiss the benevolent fund of the College of transferred from his primary school to a Cottage, then a furnished flat in Optometrists, and for 50 years has Jewish school. His barmitzvah in 1938 Greencroft Gardens. Father began been active in the Leo Baeck Lodge of Was the synagogue's last as it was importing lace from Belgium - which B'nai B'rith. burned to the ground on Kristallnacht, was not invaded until May 1940 - then His wife Miriam arrived in Britain after which virtually the entire went into the textile business selling with the Kindertransport. They were Gnmewald commimity decided there cloth to the manufacturers. Using a ruse married at Belsize Square Synagogue in Was no future for Jews in Germany. To to avoid internment, he went for walks 1963 and have three children and six obtain entry visas to the UK for his at 5 am around Regents Park! Norbert grandchildren: Jeremy, who read law at family and a work permit for himself, remembers how members of the Oxford, is settled in Jerusalem, Anthony Karl wrote to the Chief Rabbi and Lord refugee community rallied round to help is a consultant paediatrician (the first I^othschild, but neither replied. After one another, an extended family that doctor in the family), and Judith is iiine months of trying he was successful geographically and spiritually remains librarian at . due to the intervention of Commander with Belsize Square Synagogue, of Miriam recently took over the Oliver Locke-Lampson MP, who which Norbert was a board member for chairmanship of the Daleham Gardens generously gave his personal guarantee 50 years. Leo Baeck Day Centre. for the Cohn family. Having arrived in England at the age Though he has spent 64 years of his They left by train on 25 August 1939. of 14 armed only with schoolboy life in England, Norbert could never ^ the Belgian border all Jews were English, Norbert was enrolled at a regard himself as an 'Englishman'. He Searched and items of value, such as Willesden school, its lone refugee boy, has a strong Jewish identity and his ieweller\', were confiscated before they and learned his English by reading the Central European intellect and accent ^ere allowed to continue via Ostend and News Chronicle with a dictionary. add to his easy-going charm.

11 AJRJOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Next meeting: Thursday 30 October in the Second World War, Anita Cantor INSIDE said that, unlike in many other Film-maker gives talk to countries, ordinary Danes, led by King Christian, helped to rescue Jews: in this & Hove Sarid theAJR instance, 7,200 Jews (including the jack Grossman, who gave a fascinating speaker) and 700 non-Jewish relatives. account of his life in the film industry, cut Also, as in many other countries, after llford inaugural meeting his teeth at the long-vanished Unity the war the Jews who had fled or been Thirty-seven of us turned up at an Theatre in King's Cross, where he worked deported were welcomed back to inaugural meeting at Sinclair House, with, among others, Bob Hoskins, Lionel Denmark. Bart and Alfie Bass. Then he researched, introduced ourselves, and decided we Gerry Jason would meet monthly on Wednesday wrote and directed documentaries. After some years at Cygnet Films, he founded momings. A small working committee his own company with a partner and they Norfolk (Norwich) inaugural will be formed, to be discussed at the made many features for the then new meeting next meeting. Quite a number of medium of TV Since his retirement he has Thanks to Myrna Glass's spade work, people arrived in England with the made several films, including one about we met at the Norwich Hebrew Kindertransport so there will be many Beth Shalom. Congregation Annex. We found out that, interesting stories to hear in the contrary to expectations, not only are months ahead. Next meeting: Monday 20 October: there Jews around but there are also a Meta Roseneil Judy Ironside few real Continental ones, all the way from Vienna, Breslau and Stuttgart to an Next meeting: Wednesday 22 October East Midlands (Nottingham) Austrian village near the Czech border. opportunity to socialise After the formalities we got to know each other inspired by refreshments. A successful fourth meeting ofthe revived group was held in Nottingham, in a Frank Bright member's house for a splendid lunch. As Next meeting: Tuesday 18 usual, it was an opportunity for members November, limchtime, same venue to socialise. I was sorry not to see any members from outlying areas, in particular Leicester. We would be Surrey: exchanging delighted to see a few more people and, of experiences course, assist them with transport at no We had another pleasant coffee morning cost to themselves. at the Chertsey home of Janet Clarke Bob Norton and Anthony Portnen As previously, there was no formal programme: North London's Jenny Zundel pictured with Next meeting: Wednesday 26 Education Minister Stephen Twigg members were pleased to see each November other and exchange experiences. Renee North London address by Goddard and Hanno Fry, who had been Stephen TwIgg MP Summer garden party in Pinner invited by the Senates of Hamburg and Now that's what one can call a celebration Once again. Vera Gellman invited us all to Berlin, their respective places of birth, of our second anniversary! Not only did gather in her beautiful garden, to admire talked of their welcome and strenuous Helen and Leo Horn excel in organising the flowers, to meet friends, and to experiences. an array of goodies and wine - not to partake of a sumptuous tea with Hanno Fry forget a birthday cake - but we also had an traditional strawberries. Some 40 or so Next meeting: Simday 2 November. address by Education Minister Stephen members enjoyed it all. Thank For details contact Edmee Barta oO Twigg. The over 30 members present you, Vera. 01372 727412 were privileged to hear a most Paul Samet illuminating talk outlining his ascent from pupil at Grange Park and Southgate Next meeting Thursday 2 October. South London tea party at Schools via Oxford and local council Pinner Synagogue, 2.00 pm. Zvi Nightingale House Stanislavsky (Jewish Agency) on member to becoming an MP and We had a very pleasant aftemoon at 'The offer of sacrifice of Isaac and the defeating Michael Portillo. Stephen Nightingale House. There were 32 Temple' Twigg told of his tenure as chairman of visitor members of the AJR present and the Labour Friends of Israel and as a 11 resident AJR members. The idea was govenmient whip before becoming a : rescue of Danish to give an opportunity to resident AjR minister. Oiu^ best meeting yet! Jewry members who either get out very little Herbert Haberberg Speaking about the rescue of Danish Jews or not at all to meet other AJR members,

12 AJRJOURNAL OCTOBER 2003 an idea which was much appreciated by Paul Balint AJR Day Centre the residents. We were welcomed by MEET OLD FRIENDS Andrew Leigh, Deputy Director of MAKE NEW ONES 1 5 Cleve Road, London, NW6 Nightingale House, and Jackie Tel: 020 7328 0208 Come and join us for a fantastic Snowbrick, Activities Team Leader, who holiday at the Cumberland Hotel in gave a tour of Nightingale House to those Bournemouth. THE LUNCHEON CLUB who hadn't seen it before. A lovely tea was arranged in the bright large lounge. Sunday 2 November - Wednesday 15 October 2003 The aftemoon was so successful that Friday 7 November 11.45 am for 12.15pm Walter Woyda suggested we make £300 plus £20 single room supplement Ralph Blumenau Including transport, sandwich lunch on this an annual event, which seems like a 'Jewish Medicine in Germany' good idea. outward journey, half board, outings and entertainment. Herbert Wolff Early reservations please! Call Carol Rossen or Joan Altman on 020 Lunch now only £5 8385 3070 as soon as possible as Please telephone Sylvia or Susie numbers are limited and demand is high. on 020 7328 0208

AJR GROUP CONTACTS Brighton & Hove (Sussex Region) |XT_ AID Kindertransport Fausta Shelton 01273 734 648 Iv I "A\J l\ special interest group Cambridge MONTHLY MEETINGS AT CLEVE ROAD Lisel Eisner 01223 356721 Dundee Monday 13 October 2003 Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 11.45 am for 12.15pm East Midlands (Nottingham) Bob Norton 01159 212 494 Sylvia Kaduri will speak on South London members at Nightingale Fran^oise Robertson 0131 337 3406 The Baghdad Jewish Community' House tea party Essex (Westcliff) Larry Lisner 01702 300812 Lunch £5 Manchester'full house' Glasgow Reservations required Claire Singerman 0141 649 4620 Please telephone A 'full house' at the Morris Feinmann Harrogate on 020 7328 0208 Home heard Anita Canter talk about the Inge Little 01423 886254 near-miraculous escape of the great Hull Bob Rosner 0148 2649156 niajority of Danish Jews firom the Nazis. Monday - Thursday llford Anita was a small child when she and her 9.30 am - 3.30 pm, Myrna Glass 020 8385 3070 Sunday 2 pm - 5.30 pm family were rescued, but the episode has Leeds HSFA been a major interest in her life and one TrudeSilman 0113 2251628 Liverpool OaOBER Afternoon Entertainment: .,f she has researched thoroughly. Her talk Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Wed 1 Paul Coleman Was not only informative but also moving. Manchester Thur 2 Mike Mirandi Werner LcKhs Werner Lachs 0161 773 4091 Sun 5 CLOSED Newcastle Mon 6 CLOSED - YOM KIPPUR Walter Knoblauch 0191 2855339 Next meeting: Sunday 30 November. Tue 7 Curtain Up Norfolk (Norwich) Annual aftemoon tea with a musical Myrna Glass 020 8385 3070 Wed 8 Jack Davidoff Presentation North London Thur 9 Nicola Smedley Jenny Zundel 020 8882 4033 Sun 12 CLOSED Pinner (HA Postal District) Essex talk by BBC news-reader Mon 13 KT LUNCH • Kards and Vera Gellman 020 8866 4833 Games Klub Sheffield Our speaker was BBC World Service Uie 14 Ann Kenton Barker Steve Mendelssohn 0114 2630666 news-reader Stewart Macintosh. From Wed 15 LUNCHEON CLUB South London being a DJ on Radio Brighton, Stewart Ken Ambrose 020 8852 0262 Thur 16 Opdahl Trio "lade his way up the ladder via various South West Midlands (Worcester area) Sun 19 DAY CENTRE OPEN local BBC and commercial stations, Ruth Jackson 01386 552264 Mon 20 Kards and Games Klub deluding LBC, and kept us spell-bound Surrey Tue 21 Joe Kay & Shirley Edmte Barta 01372 727 412 Wed 22 Margaret Gibbs °n his slow but successful ride, including Wessex (Bournemouth) Thur 23 Michael Heaton 3 bumpy stay in Northem . We Mark Goldfinger 01202 552 434 Sun 26 CLOSED ^ere pleased to be able to greet our West Midlands (Birmingham) Mon 27 Kards and Games Klub former organiser Henny after a long Henny Rednall 0121 373 5603 Myrna Glass, AJR South and Midlands Tue 28 Madelaine Whiteson illness. Groups Co-ordinator Wed 29 Katinka Seiner & Laszio Larry Lisner 020 8385 3077 Easton KT-AJR (Kindertransport) Thur 30 Jenny Kossew ^ext meeting: Tuesday 14 October Andrea Goodmaker 020 8385 3070

13 AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Death Naftalie. Rose Naftalie, n6e Gunsberg, ACACIA LODGE THE HOME CARE PRACTICE Mrs Pringsheim, S.R.N. MATRON Kauber, bom in Leipzig, died peacefully Helps you remain in your own home 30 July 2003 at the age of 88. Missed For Elderly, Retired and Convalescent (Ucensert by Borough ot Btmet) We can offer you a wide range of dearly by her husband of 54 years, • Single and Double Rooms. Personal Care and Support • Ensuite facilities, CH in all rooms. (Manfred) Fred and daughter Eveljrn • Gardens, TV and reading rooms. long or short term, and three grandchildren, all from Hod • Nurse on duty 24 hours. living in or out at • Long and short term and respite, Hasharon, Israel. She will be missed by including trial period If required. affordable rates. us all. Interment took place 10 August From £350 per weel< Please call Jenny Flavill, Beth David Hollywood, Florida, USA. 020 8445 1244/020 8446 2820 office hours our Care Manager 020 8455 1335 other times for a no obligation chat on 37-39 Torrington Park, North Finchley, Selby. Irene Erika n6e Kolner. Died on London N12 9TB Tel 020 7328 8408 6 August 2003 after an illness borne Fax 020 7624 5002 with great courage. Much missed by her children, grandchildren, great- Leo Baeck Housing Association Ltd granddaughter, brother and sister. Clara Nehab House BELSIZE SQUARE Residential Care Home Manicure & Pedicure in the All single rooms with en suite bath/shower SYNAGOGUE comfort of your own home. Telephone Short stays/Respite and 24 hour Permanent Care 51 Belsize Square, NW3 4HX 02083430976. Large attractive gardens We offer a traditional style of religious Ground Floor Lounge and Dining rooms service with Cantor, Choir and organ Day Centre Lift access to all floors Easy access to local shops and public transport Further details can be obtained from Shirley Lever at the Paul Balint AJR the synagogue secretary Day Centre. New Clothes for sale, Enquiries and further infonnation Telephone 020 7794 3949 please contact: The Manager dresses, underwear, cardigans, etc. Clara Nehab House Minister: Rabbi Rodney J Mariner 13-19 Leeside Crescent Cantor: Rev Lawrence H Fine Monday 20 and Wednesday London NW11 ODA 29 October 9.45-11.45 am. Phone: 020 8455 2286 Regular Services Friday evenings at 6.45 pm Pamela Bloch at the Paul Balint AJR Saturday mornings at 10 am SWITCH ON ELECTRICS Religion School: Sundays at 10 am to 1 pm Day Centre. Clothes sale, separates Nursery School: 9.15 am to 12.15 pm etc. Wednesday 1 and Thursday 9 Rewires and all household Belsize Under 3's: 9.30 am to 11.30 am October 9.30 -11.45 am electrical work Space donated by Pafra Limited PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 Chiropodist. Trevor Goldman at the Paul Balint AJR Day Centre SOPHIE'S NURSES Wednesday 5 November between ALTERATIONS Suite 51 Park Royal Business Centre 10am-11.30am. OF ANY KIND TO LADIES' FASHIONS 9-17 Park Royal Road I also design and make children's clothes London NWIO 7LQ West Hampstead area Telephone 020 8961 4401 THE CARE AGENCY 020 7328 6571 Fax 020 8961 0875 Provides you with professional email: [email protected] sympathetic, affordable care in wvw.sophiesrecruitment.com your own home. BELSIZE SQUARE APARTMENTS Sophies (SRS) Healthcare at home will Live in and hourly rates. 24 BELSIZE SQUARE, NWS Tel: 020 7794 4307 or 020 7435 2557 enable people to live full and Independent Telephone us on 020 7482 2188 lives within their own homes and continue Fax: 020 7482 3985 Modern Self-catering Holiday Rooms, to enjoy comfort and security Resident Housekeeper, Moderate Terms BELSIZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE Near Swiss Cottage Station (^^^jtou^ Home Care 51 Belsize Square, London NW3 Care through quality and professionalism Our conununal hall is available for Celebrating our 25th Anniversary cultural and social functions ADVERTISEMENT RATES 25 years of experience In providing the highest Tel: 020 7794 3949 FAMILY EVENTS standards of care in the comfort of your own home First 15 words free of charge, £2.00 per 5 words thereafter. 'DROP IN' ADVICE SERVICE CLASSIFIED, SEARCH NOTICES Members requiring benefit advice £2.00 per 5 words. please telephone BOX NUMBERS - £3.00 extra Linda Kasmir on 020 8385 3070 DISPLAY ADVERTS I hour to 24 Itours care to make an appointment at AJR, per single column inch 65mm Registered through the National Care Standard Commission Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL £12.00 ,1 ici^pi.uMc020 7794 9323 colvin-nursing.co.ul<

14 AJR JOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Obituary Arts and Events Diary Central Office for Otiiie Geduldiger October Holocaust Claims Michael Newman

Otilie Geduldiger, who has died at the The Bridge The Wiener Library will be Hungarian compensation claims - age of 100, was born in Prague. The only holding a fortnightly, early evening study a clarification time I ever heard her express anger session over an 8-week period in the Two of the most recent pieces of about her past was when she told me autumn, looking at post-Holocaust legislation in Hungary, laws adopted in her parents would not allow her to train Judaism and faith. Contact Katherine 1992 and 1997, have provided some as a pianist because they thought it was Klinger on 020 7636 7247 or email compensation for Holocaust victims. The not proper for a girl. Undeterred, she [email protected] 1992 law (to cover the enforced wearing went on to play the piano in the cinema Mon 6 Club 43. No lecture (hall not of a yellow star and confinement in a for silent films. available) ghetto or concentration camp) provided Otti was teaching languages in Mon 13 Bill Fishman, "The city of $50 worth of local vouchers to survivors Bologna, where her oldest sister lived, dreadful night": Victorian London and the that had to be spent in Hungary. The when the war broke out. She tried to results of the Whitechapel murders of deadline for the 1997 legislation return to Czechoslovakia but was 1888'. Club 43 'Compensation for Loss of Life by Political refused entry. In 1939 she went to Mon 20 Herr Heinz Stalder liest aus Persecution' was limited to survivors Portugal, where she was taught to make einem Romanprojekt. In who had already applied for and received filigree jewellery while in the refugee Zusammenarbeit mit der schweizer their first payments. Applications had camp. She was sent to Panama, where Botschaft (in German). Club 43 to be submitted between 7 June and one day there was an announcement Mon 27 Ruth Bourne, 'My experiences 7 October 1997. that Canada was prepared to take six working with the ENIGMA The amount of compensation was very refugees. Otti was the first to say she cryptographers at Bletchley Park, 1944- small: Hungarian Forint or HF 30,000 - would go. In 1941 she settled in 46'. Club 43 approx. £130. Under decree 46/2000 AB Montreal for 15 years. (XII.14), the Hungarian Constitutional Otti lost 13 members of her family in ORGANISATION CONTACTS Court increased the amount from HF the Holocaust, including her mother and Club 43 Belsize Square Synagogue. 30,000 to HF 400,000 (approximately younger sister. In 1956 she moved to Meetings 7.45 pm. Contact Hans Seelig £1,500) as a one-off payment for loss of London to be nearer her two surviving tel 01442 254360 life ofvictims. This sum is available only to sisters, who were still in Sweden and claimants who applied in 1997: no Italy, and my father, Francis Popper, further claims will be accepted. These her cousin. Insurance companies applicants will be notified and paid at the Unable to sell her now unfashionable address provided in the 1997 claim. jewellery, Otti took a job as a copy typist. reach agreement on Heirs of recipients who have died She visited us the night before starting Holocaust claims since the 1997 disbursement are likewise Work to borrow our typewriter to learn Three of Europe's largest insurance eligible and should contact the bureau. how to type. companies have agreed to provide an extra The address of the Hungarian Central She was almost a student-in-residence £15 million to honour claims from relatives of Claims Bureau is: at the City Lit, attending classes in Holocaust victims. Zurich Financial Kozponti Karrendezesi Iroda Italian, English literature, play-reading Services, Winterthur and AXA have reached 1116 Budapest arid choir until her deteriorating sight an agreement with the Eagleburger 1-3 Hauszmann Alajos Street and hearing made it impossible. Then Commission to bring to an end any legal Tel: 361 203 1556 Email: she joined the Jewish clubs, greatly action by relatives seeking to recover unpaid kik(5)axelero.hu Valuing the friendship and support they life assurance policies on those who died in Anyone who applied to this fund the Holocaust. offered, culminating in a splendid round before the 1997 deadline but has of festivities for her 100th birthday. The Eagleburger Commission, chaired by since moved should contact the fund Otti became younger at heart as she former US Secretary of State Lawrence administrators with details of their Eagleburger, was established in 1998 to deal 9ot older. She took genuine delight in new address. with allegations that some insurers Med to other people's success. She expected honour claims made by Holocaust Further help 'ittle in life and was grateful for what she survivors or the heirs of those who died in Written enquiries should be sent to ^ad. She will live on in our hearts. the Holocaust. Central Office for Holocaust Claims (UK), Elizabeth Campbell Its intention now is to highlight recently Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, expanded lists of policy-holders on the Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL, by fax to 020 Unveiling of website of the International Commission on 8385 3075, or by email to Liverpool Street Station Holocaust Era Insurance Claims. [email protected]. Assistance can be Kindertransport Sculpture The deadline for filing claims to the provided strictly by appointment at the A report on this will appear in the Commission has been further extended to Holocaust Survivors Centre in Hendon, November issue of AJR Journal 31 December 2003 and the Ust of policy north London. For an appointment please owners is available at www.icheic.org. ring 020 8385 3074.

15 AJRJOURNAL OCTOBER 2003

Newsround

Nazi film-maker dies Hitler's favourite film-maker, Leni Riefenstahl, has died at the age of 101. Both of her major film works - and Olympia - were funded by, and intended to glorify, the Nazi regime. A third film, Tiefland, used gypsies from concentration camps as extras. Britons blamed for 'Nazi' attacks The UK Ambassador to Berlin, Sir Peter Torry, says German schoolchildren AJR members and their guests were their history, cultural tradition and with visiting Britain are being attacked on the welcomed by the Chairman, Andrew others who shared their life-changing streets because of British 'prejudices Kaufman, to this year's Afternoon Tea and experiences. A sumptuous tea, and plenty and stereotypes' about Germany. He Light Opera, presented by singers from of opportunity to greet old friends, was added that 'Part of the stereotyping Covent Garden at London's Marriott followed by a programme of operatic comes from the repetition and rehash of Hotel. He spoke of the Association as favourites, which included Madam the war films and comedy programmes increasingly a national organisation with Butterfly, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, La like Fau/ty Towers.' local groups in all regions of the country, Boheme and The Merry Widow, all of Trainee priest claims Pope Pius XII enabling members to reconnect with which were greatly enjoyed. denounced Hitler Charles Gallagher, a trainee priest studying at St Louis University in America, says he has stumbled on archival documents according to which Pope Pius XII described Hitler as 'a fundamentally wicked person.' John Cornwell, the British author of Hitler's Pope, said he was aware that Pope Pius detested Hitler and the Nazis but that 'he put the Vatican's interests before those of the German church.' Ludwig Spiro and Edward Levy Andrew and Eric Kaufman Czech woman honoured by Holocaust institute Vera Bruzkova, 89, who risked her life to save a Slovak Jewish boy at the Ravensbruck concentration camp, has been made a 'righteous gentile' by the Jerusalem-based Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial institute. Jan Karski award for Warsaw woman This year's Jan Karski award for Valour, Courage and Compassion has been made to 93-year-old Irena Sendler of Warsaw. An employee of the city's Social and Health Department at the time and one of very few gentiles having access to the Warsaw ghetto, Mrs Sendler, together with a network of ten Polish helpers, rescued 2,500 children from the Nazis. French ambassador denies makinS anti-Israel comments France's ambassador to Israel, Gerard Araud, has denied newspaper reports tha* Mr & Mrs Anthony Spiro and he described Israel as a paranoid country Peter Oannenberg and Ariel Sharon as a thug. The Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot says Araud used the PHOTOS: RONAU) CHANNING phrases repeatedly at a recent reception.

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