VOLume 13 NO.10 october 2013 journal The Association of Jewish Refugees

1956 – year of change

hich were the defining transitional the resolutely lower-class Jimmy Porter, to downtrodden, inarticulate characters in years in the history of post-war and its action takes place in the cramped, down-at-heel, sometimes sordid settings, WEurope? Many would nominate shabby, provincial flat occupied by Porter was epitomised by Wesker’s The Kitchen, 1968, the year of mass student unrest; and his wife. With its direct onslaught set in the basement kitchen of a restaurant. others would opt for 1973, the year of on the class-obsessed conformity and Like the strange and menacing early the oil price rise that put an end to the smug complacency of post-war Britain, plays of Harold Pinter, The Birthday period of high growth rates, Europe’s its distrust of established standards and Party (1958) and The Caretaker (1960), post-war ‘economic miracle’. But for values, and its general lack of respect these dramas broke decisively with the Britain, where student unrest was on well-made play’s focus on upper- and a modest scale and where the dismal middle-class characters and settings. I performance of the economy made the can still recall the sense of excitement I German Wirtschaftswunder a distant felt when, as a 14-year-old boy, I was taken prospect, neither of these years appears to to see Lindsay Anderson’s production of represent a historical turning-point. Willis Hall’s The Long and the Short and Instead, 1956 stands out as a year of the Tall at the Royal Court in 1959. A play change in Britain, when the established about the war – dramatising the fate of a order of post-war society was turned on patrol of British soldiers in Malaya in 1942 its head. In politics, 1956 was the year during the Japanese advance – that had no of Suez, Prime Minister Anthony Eden’s officers! No clipped upper-class accents, ill-fated military intervention in Egypt, no moustaches masking understated which revealed in humiliating fashion emotions, no officer-class actors behaving the limitations of Britain’s fading claim as if they had swagger sticks up their to be a ‘world power’. The failure of behinds! The production of The Caretaker political judgment evident in this military that I saw in 1960, with Donald Pleasance adventure, and the evident dishonesty as the tramp Davies opposite Alan Bates of the government’s attempts to justify John Osborne, 1929-94 and Peter Woodthorpe as the brothers it as a means to restore peace to the Mick and Aston, also had the novelty value Suez Canal area, seriously undermined for ‘official’ society, Look Back in Anger of portraying, as if through a distorting the British public’s hitherto largely brought a new, sharply left-wing tone onto mirror, the life of society’s neglected unquestioning belief in the ultimate the British stage. underclass. competence and trustworthiness of its In Osborne’s second play, The Nineteen fifty-six marked a turning- rulers. The discrediting of the ruling class Entertainer (1957), the role of the washed- point in British social attitudes and social was taken a stage further with the Profumo up vaudeville comic Archie Rice was taken culture. Left-wing politics acquired a affair in 1963, when senior public figures by Laurence Olivier. Having embodied new chic as it became de rigueur for its were revealed frolicking with nubile young British establishment patriotism in his devotees to be seen on the annual CND women and, in Profumo’s case, lying to role as the King in the wartime film of march to Aldermaston. The new social parliament about it. Henry V, Britain’s leading actor was now realism erupted into British cinema with Nineteen fifty-six was also a year of playing a figure whose slide into mediocrity Karel Reisz’s Saturday Night and Sunday dramatic change in the world of the British and cynicism mirrored the increasingly Morning (1960), starring Albert Finney, theatre. The first performance of John threadbare condition of establishment an adaptation of the novel by Alan Sillitoe Osborne’s Look Back in Anger at the Royal values and the scepticism that they were that brought the everyday life of the Court Theatre on 8 May 1956, directed by increasingly encountering in post-war British industrial working class onto the Tony Richardson and starring Kenneth society. The floodgates were now open, as screen. It was followed by The Loneliness Haigh, was a landmark in British culture, the plays of Arnold Wesker, Chicken Soup of the Long Distance Runner (1962), an ushering in the era of the ‘angry young with Barley, Roots (both 1958) and Chips adaptation of a short story by Sillitoe, men’. The play can be seen as a calculated with Everything (1962), with their vision of directed by Tony Richardson and starring rejection of the conventions and values a class-ridden society from the viewpoint Tom Courtenay as a rebellious borstal of the well-made play, the genre that had of its poorer, under-privileged members, boy whose ultimate act of defiance of the dominated British theatre in the interwar and John Arden’s Serjeant Musgrave’s system he hates is to disown his talent for years and continued to do so in the decade Dance (1959), a bitter indictment of the running by handing victory in a race to an after 1945, despite the huge changes in violence perpetrated by Britain in its upper-class adversary. Milder in tone, for British society that had occurred over colonies, conquered the stage. This new all its frankness in depicting the joys and that period. The play’s main character style of radically naturalistic drama, dubbed pitfalls of working-class love life in northern – one can hardly call him its ‘hero’ – is ‘kitchen sink drama’, giving prominence continued overleaf  AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

1956 – year of change continued AJR CENTRE TO CLOSE t is with great sadness that we as smooth as possible. We will arrange for England, was John Schlesinger’s film A announce the closure, at the end of a member of staff to initially accompany Kind of Loving (1962), adapted from the Ithis year, of the AJR Centre at Belsize members and help in making the move. novel by Stan Barstow and starring Alan Square Synagogue. Despite the best As with Belsize Square, and before Bates and June Ritchie. The bleak setting efforts of our dedicated staff and an that Cleve Road, we will continue to of the industrial North was shared by This expanded and interesting programme, transport members to and from the Sporting Life (1963), adapted from a novel we have not been able to attract a Community Centre for two days a week, by David Storey about the life of a Rugby greater attendance from among our and for members who have been regular League footballer, directed by Lindsay membership. attenders at the AJR Centre we will Anderson and starring Richard Harris. Sadly, the number of members contribute to any additional costs that attending the Centre has dwindled may be incurred in participating in the The principal victims of the abrupt shift since we relocated to the Synagogue new setting. The decision to close the in fashion that overtook the British theatre from Cleve Road in January 2012 to the Centre in no way affects any of the other in the mid-1950s were Noel Coward and point that it has become very difficult social or welfare services we provide or Terence Rattigan, established and highly to justify maintaining the service. It is a members’ entitlement to any financial successful writers of well-made plays. great shame that more of our members assistance. Rattigan’s reputation has never recovered have been unable to benefit from the Regrettably, closing the AJR Centre from his fall in critical esteem 60 years camaraderie and unique setting the means that there will most likely be ago, though in figures like the desiccated Centre has offered since its opening in some staff redundancies and we will be classics teacher Crocker-Harris in The 1987. losing the services of loyal and popular Browning Version (1948) and in plays like Our intention is to integrate AJR employees. I would like to put on record The Deep Blue Sea (1946) and Separate members into the Community Centre our enormous thanks to everyone who Tables (1954) he was able to create unlikely (formerly the Sobell Centre), which meets has worked at our Centre and been depths of emotional resonance. But solidly in the new Jewish Care building, Amelie involved in its operation during the past conventional plays like The Winslow Boy House, in Golders Green. The Community quarter of a century. (1946), not to mention the pre-war comedy Centre organises many of the activities We also recall the foresight and French without Tears, now look rather like – including arts and crafts, a discussion endeavour of our late President and period pieces. group, painting, exercise classes and a former Treasurer, Ludwig Spiro, in paving Noel Coward has fared better, with music group – that we offer at Belsize the way for the creation of the AJR Centre Private Lives (1930) currently enjoying Square and serves hot cooked lunches. as well as the generosity of Dr Paul Balint a successful revival at London’s Gielgud Although we will be losing the identity with regard to his donation to finance Theatre and plays like Hay Fever (1925), of the AJR Centre, we very much hope the project. that our members will feel at home at All involved played a decisive role in Blithe Spirit (1941) and Present Laughter the Community Centre. establishing and providing a wonderful (1942) well established in the theatrical We are mindful that some members service for a remarkable community of repertoire. He is remembered for his may have difficulty making the move to people that will always have a place in striking cabaret act, especially when the new Centre but we will continue to do our hearts. performing his own songs, Mad Dogs and everything possible to make the transition Michael Newman Englishmen, London Pride or the post-war Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans. Coward is celebrated by his admirers as Rosencrantz and Edward Petherbridge ‘The Master’ (though the range of his as Guildenstern – or was it the other way KRISTALLNACHT activities rather suggests jack-of-all-trades). round? – sensed that we were witnessing 75TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICES But does this mastery extend much beyond the emergence of a scintillating new cleverly constructed plots, often involving talent. Stoppard’s play is often compared AJR marital mishaps (as in Private Lives and Wednesday 6 November 2013, 2 pm to Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, but at Imperial War Museum North, Blithe Spirit), sparkling but brittle dialogue, with the important difference that Beckett’s Manchester and characters who combine a world-weary audience shares the disturbing bafflement Guest Speaker: David Cesarani, cynicism with sallies of wit that have the of his two main characters, Vladimir Research Professor of History, iridescent brilliance of soap bubbles? When and Estragon, in the face of an empty, Royal Holloway College, University of London, war broke out in 1939, Coward, whose plays incomprehensible universe, whereas and a leading historian on the Holocaust had epitomised the escapism and frivolity Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the Stoppard’s audience, safely familiar with service – for catering purposes, please contact Susan of the 1930s, rallied to his country’s cause. the plot of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, can look Harrod on 020 8385 3070 or at [email protected] While Rattigan served as a rear-gunner on with amusement at the antics of his two in the RAF, Coward directed the patriotic bewildered courtiers. Stoppard’s next play, AJR filmIn Which We Serve (1942), in which he Jumpers (1972), was notable for splendid Thursday 7 November 2013, 2 pm at Belsize Square Synagogue appeared, slightly risibly, as the captain of performances by Michael Hordern and a Royal Navy warship on active service in Guest Speaker: Carl Davis, the world-famous Diana Rigg but, like Travesties (1974), conductor and composer who has written a the Mediterranean; he even wrote a now which featured a strong performance by piece entitled The Last Train to Tomorrow forgotten play, Peace in Our Time (1946), Tim Curry (fresh from his success as Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the that takes place in a Nazi-occupied Britain. Dr Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror service – for catering purposes, please contact Karin Arguably the greatest of the next Show) as the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, did not Pereira on 020 8385 3070 or at [email protected] generation of comic playwrights is Tom quite match Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. LIBERAL JEWISH SYNAGOGUE Stoppard, who made his breakthrough Among other modern comedies, I have IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AJR in 1967, with the National Theatre’s seen one part of Alan Ayckbourn’s trilogy Saturday 9 November 2013, 6.30 pm production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern The Norman Conquests, but have not felt Service of Remembrance and Commemoration Are Dead. Those fortunate enough to inclined to repeat the experience. Please contact Joanne Caplan on 020 7432 1283 or see that production, with John Stride as Anthony Grenville at [email protected]

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ANNUAL Little Robert lost, big Bob found MEMBERS’ MEETING few months ago I received a development. Apparently he’d given up Annual Meeting of the letter from Canada. The sender’s hope of ever hearing from me again. Of Association of Jewish Refugees A name on the envelope was Tanya course, neither of us knew if the other Tintner and my address wasn’t quite was still alive. Tuesday 5 November 2013 at 11.00 am correct. ‘PLEASE FIND!’, it said and In that first email, he gave me a at the AJR Paul Balint Centre, Belsize good old Royal Mail did find me. I was brief account of his life since we’d last Square Synagogue, London NW3 4HX intrigued. seen each other. His mother remar- In the letter Tanya said that, as ried and the family escaped to If you would like to attend, the widow of the conductor Shanghai in 1939 and stayed please reserve a place by calling Georg Tintner (and his there until, in 1949, they Head Office on 020 8385 3070 junior by 36 years, as I moved to Israel, where found out later), she Alas, he is no he met and married Lunch, if required, £7 – must was constructing German-born Ester. be ordered and paid for in advance an extensive Tint- longer blond and I In 1954 the couple (please telephone 020 7431 2744) ner (my maiden am no longer skinny re-emigrated to As we near the end of our first year as the name) family the US with their newly constituted charitable organisation, tree and, since and there are quite a few two-year-old son the meeting will be an informal opportunity for the Directors (Trustees) and Executive she was going wrinkles between us, and Roni. They now to report on our activities and plans and to be in London live in Houston, respond to your questions about the services for a fortnight, he may be 6’1” to my 5’2”, Texas, and have we provide. would like to but he will always be my three children, meet me. She had eight grandchil- found me 13 years little cousin and I his dren and ‘almost’ ago in the Australi- surrogate big sister. two great-grand- an National Archives, children (the second which also held a re- one is due any moment cord of my marriage, and now). His mother and Sunday 20 October 2013 had quite recently got my stepfather died in Israel. present approximate address from I remember Robert as a sweet, 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm an article in my local newspaper, platinum-blond, blue-eyed little boy (he at the Hilton Hotel, Watford the Ham and High (Hampstead and has since assured me that his eyes are, Highgate Express). The power of the and always have been, green), whom If you wish to attend, please internet! I loved but, I fear, I may have bossed complete the enclosed form Tanya came to see me and showed about a bit. I still feel guilty about that. and return it to us ASAP me what she had so far found out He remembers me, rightly, as skinny about my paternal family. She had and, wrongly, as tall and, he says, as my father – Gustav, playwright – and the big sister he had always wanted my brother – Leo, bridge champion but never had and whom he adored. PillarCare – but not insignificant me. I gave her Incredibly, he was not aware that his Quality support and care at home all I knew about the family, including father had five siblings nor that I had a information I had recently obtained brother. He remembers only his Uncle  Hourly Care from 4 hours – 24 hours from the Kultusgemeinde in Vienna. Gustav (my father), his Aunt Claire (my When I took a closer look at the stepmother) and me. He recalls details  Live-In/Night Duty/Sleepover Care Stammbaum she had so far constructed of our flat that I have forgotten.  Convalescent and Personal Health Care I became very excited. I found a Ron We have been exchanging emails Tintner, neurologist, in Dallas, Texas; regularly since we ‘recovered’ each  Compassionate and Affordable Service above him Robert; and above Robert other after all those years and he has  Professional, Qualified, Kind Care Staff Otto. I knew then that Robert had to been telling me the amazing story of be my little cousin, six years younger his life in exile in instalments. Of course,  Registered with the CQC and UKHCA than I, about whose fate I had been we would dearly love to meet but he wondering for some 80 years. Otto has mobility problems and I, frankly, Call us on Freephone 0800 028 4645 was my father’s youngest brother, who can’t quite face the journey to Houston. PILLARCARE THE BUSINESS CENTRE · 36 GLOUCESTER AVENUE · LONDON NW1 7BB committed suicide in 1932 after his So I suggested the next-best thing: PHONE: 020 7482 2188 · FAX: 020 7900 2308 wife had left him (for good reasons) Skype. He was a bit reluctant at first www.pillarcare.co.uk taking Robert, who was then about six because he had never done it before years old, with her. It was then that our but is now an enthusiastic ‘skyper’. Not families lost touch. only are we are able to see and hear I begged Tanya to find Robert and each other, but I have also ‘met’ Ester. JACKMAN . she promised she would contact Ron as Alas, he is no longer blond and I am soon as she got back to Canada. She no longer skinny and there are quite a SILVERMAN was as good as her word and I got two few wrinkles between us, and he may COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS emails, a short one from Ron and a long be 6’1” to my 5’2”, but he will always one from his father, Robert (who now be my little cousin and I his surrogate calls himself Bob). He seemed as excited big sister. Telephone: 020 7209 5532 as I was at this totally unexpected Edith Argy [email protected]

3 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013 ‘Royal Jews’ Jewish refugees find a haven in the Royal County t the beginning of the 1930s, the implication was that this did not most Jews in Berlin and Munich apply to everyone else. Ahad never heard of Burnham or A typical occupation for the refugees Maidenhead, yet within a few years was that of domestic servant, though these Berkshire towns and villages were often without knowing what it involved. to become the homes of many of them. This was the situation of W. W. Brown It has been well documented, not and his wife, who exchanged office life least on the pages of the AJR Journal, in Vienna to serve as a butler and cook how Jewish refugees from Nazi Europe in a large estate in Berkshire without any dispersed throughout Britain in search of prior experience. After a short while, they sanctuary, but now particular light has were gently asked to leave as the ‘season’ been shone on the large number who was beginning, guests were expected spent time in the Royal County. and it was essential that the staff knew Royal Jews: A Thousand Years of Jewish Berlin-born sisters Gertrude and Eva Evans, how to, for instance, put out their riding Life in and around the Royal County of trained nurses who worked at Borocourt clothes properly and lay the breakfast Berkshire* records the surprising amount Hospital in Peppard, came to the UK as adults, table correctly. escaping internment because their skills were of Jewish life there since the 12th century. needed The couple were fortunate enough However, with the exception of those to secure another position shortly fleeing London to escape the Zeppelin But if they suffered from xenophobia, afterwards with a retired Indian army raids in 1917, the numbers were relatively few reported anti-Semitism. Nine-year- colonel in Crowthorne; the position small. This changed dramatically in the old Henry Kuttner in Eaton Hastings was more successful and they gradually approach to the Second World War, with was typical of many when he found that mastered the art of English etiquette. the Continental Jews being a significant his new family tried to locate books on Looking back, they recorded fondly: presence. Judaism so that he could learn about his ‘The Ohs in various intonations and the Many of the refugee children came heritage while he received tuition on the It’s not done were early introductions through the Kindertransport or via the Old Testament specifically provided by into the English way of life. We laughed ‘Winton trains’ and went straight to their the local vicar. to ourselves when we first encountered adoptive families in the Home Counties. Other refugees came as adults. For them. Over the years we have learned to They faced the shock not only of a new some this was because of their job, such appreciate, respect and admire much of country, a strange language and being as Berlin-born sisters Gertrude and Eva what seemed ridiculous at first.’ without their parents, but also tasting Evans, who were both trained nurses and Whilst many refugees arrived without country life for the first time. Cows and worked at Borocourt Hospital in Peppard. any money the Diener family was in the chickens were no longer confined to Despite being classified as ‘enemy aliens’, unusual position of receiving royal help books but were in the backyard and part they had escaped internment because as the Duke of Windsor (the uncrowned of household life. their skills were needed. However, they Edward VIII) frequented their Vienna When ten-year-old Ulrich Oppenheim were restricted from travelling more restaurant the Three Hussars. After the settled in Pinkneys Green, for instance, he than five miles away, while Gertrude Anschluss, he acted as a guarantor for was alarmed to be asked one morning to recalls several occasions when she was them to come to England, while the bring in one of the geese so that it could accused of being a spy by locals because Duchess brought their jewellery out be got ready for dinner that evening. she didn’t close her black-out curtains of Austria and deposited it for them Other children were allocated homes tightly enough. at Barclays Bank, Knightsbridge. The in London but faced further family settled in Wargrave, disruption during the general opened another restaurant, evacuation of Londoners to The Green Monkey, and the countryside once war remained in the area for the was declared. Attendance at rest of their lives. a succession of schools was There were others who one of the characteristics came to the area as part of of their lives as well as the their preparation for military suspicion of classmates who – duties. Peter Arany did some as children do even in normal initial training in Hurley circumstances – immediately before becoming part of one pick on those who are of eight commando units different in some way. that landed at Normandy By the time Marion on D-Day. The journey from Vanderwart arrived in Among refugees who arrived after the war were 25 Jewish teenagers from Viennese citizen to British Warfield after living in Buchenwald and Theresienstadt who came to Woodcote, a country house soldier had involved major London for several months, in Ascot, for rehabilitation changes, including jettisoning she had exchanged her Continental plaits The situation was typified by a his previous pacifism. and clothes for a much more English look newspaper advert in 1942 which, under As he crossed the English Channel in – ‘but there was nothing I could do about ‘Situations Vacant’, offered a position preparation for the attack, he wrote: ‘At my foreign accent and I had to endure running a family home in Maidenhead twenty-two I had already had a rich, full the quizzical look of anyone to whom I and added ‘refugee not objected to’. That life, and therefore could not complain spoke for the first time.’ employer may have been welcoming, but continued opposite 

4 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 An affair remembered elen Smethurst, my mother (now deceased), helped to look after Kindertransport children during the summer of 1939, Hwhen she would have been 19. She used to tell me of the poor state the children were in – often malnourished and traumatised – when they arrived. I’m afraid I cannot recall much detail of what she said but she did mention that one of the children was Helmut Einstein, the nephew of Albert. This may give a clue as to the identities of the children in the photographs. My mother’s family lived at Thornton Hall, Thornton Curtis, near Grimsby in Lincolnshire. They were well-to-do people, owning a trawler fleet and one of the earliest frozen food production companies in the country. Presumably wishing that she should have the best education, her parents sent my mother to a girls’ private boarding school – Stoatley Rough in Haslemere, Surrey. Pictured is an entry she submitted in 1940 to the ‘Old Girls’ section of the magazine of her former school describing how she had spent the previous summer. In 1938 or 1939 my mother was taken by her aunt on a holiday to Chamonix to learn how to ski. There she met a young Austrian- Jewish ski instructor and keen photographer by the name of Walter Neuron (pictured). Written on the back of the photos of Walter is ‘Walter Neuron, La Valliassane, Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Haute Savoire, France’. My mother told me that what made her so alive to the plight of the Jewish people was that Walter kept in touch with her after she returned home. He wrote saying his situation was becoming very dangerous and that he needed money to leave Europe. This upset her terribly because, although her family were well off, she herself existed in a practically cash-free environment, as young women did then. To my mother’s great regret, she never heard from Walter again. But, as a result of her feeling unable to help him, this sadness made her determined to do whatever she could to help. I have no idea how she found out about the children’s reception centre in Kent she mentions in the school magazine but she did – and felt she had made at least some contribution. I recently looked Walter Neuron up on the internet and it appears that a ski instructor of that name, together with his family, did actually escape to America. There he taught skiing at the Hannes Schneider Ski School in North Conway, New Hampshire, and later joined the elite US 10th Mountain Division. If this is indeed the same person, what a pity my mother never knew about it! Didy Metcalf

ROYAL JEWS continued others mixed primarily with fellow We devised a co-operative way of life, if it were to end there and then. But refugees, with whom they felt more based on mutual respect … and how best before that I, who had been harassed by comfortable. This was the case with Ilse we could prepare them for the future.’ the Nazis, intimidated and targeted for Fuehrenberg of Prague after she met The haven Berkshire offered them extermination, would at long last have her Vienna-born husband, Paul Illoway, and many others was not forgotten and the opportunity to strike back.’ in London in 1940 and they then moved the Royal County features in the lives of Fighting a very different kind of war to Slough. As she put it, ‘We refugees countless refugees. Some left the area; was Fritz Lustig, who was based at were family for each other and we stuck others settled permanently; some stayed Wilton Park, Beaconsfield, where he was together.’ apart from Jewish life; others became eavesdropping on the conversations of Some of the refugees arrived after the mainstays of the local synagogues (in high-ranking German prisoners of war war. They included 25 Jewish teenagers Reading and Maidenhead). They form in their cells so as to pick up intelligence from Buchenwald and Theresienstadt a microcosm of the experiences – both they inadvertently revealed. Not far away, who came to Woodcote, a large country enriching and traumatic – of the refugees in High Wycombe, was Alice Gross, at house in Ascot, for rehabilitation under in general. RAF Bomber Command. She worked the auspices of the Central British Fund. Jonathan Romain in photographic reconnaissance and They presented a challenge for the staff, * This article is based on Rabbi Romain’s was part of the process responsible for as the warden, Manny Silver, reported: ‘In the camps, survival meant breaking forthcoming book Royal Jews: A locating the launchpad of the V1 flying Thousand Years of Jewish Life in and bombs in northern France that terrorised the rules. Boarding school discipline around the Royal County of Berkshire London towards the end of the war. could not apply. After the Nazis, what (396 pp. paperback), price £15.99, For those who settled locally, some punishment could there be for someone available to AJR members at £9.99 from became involved in life around them; who stole food or did not come to class? [email protected] or 01628-671058.

5 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

German refugees who reached Britain before 1938 and who, for reasons of religious faith or political conviction, had decided that Nazi Germany was no longer a country in which they could live in peace and safety and that abandoning house and home, and in many cases wealth and business, was for them the only option. The Editor reserves the right to shorten correspondence Some were fortunate enough to be submitted for publication able to salvage parts of their possessions, and in some cases money, during the emigration process. My parents were not among these. For them, their flight from Germany in 1933 meant exchanging a KINDERTRANSPORT REUNION towards the German and Polish Jews. As comfortable middle-class existence for Sir – Anshel Pfeffer (‘On 75th anniversary flawed as the Kindertransports were, the a life of profound impoverishment in of the Kindertransport, British Jews response was in total contrast to that of countries (Britain and France) which were finding it hard to ask questions’, the children of Polish-born Jews trapped often unwelcoming – and at times hostile September) bases his criticism of British in France. Despite appeals from no less – to penniless refugees. What they did of Jewry in the late thirties on selective a person than Albert Einstein to give course salvage was their lives – something sources. It is a general truth applying visas for these children in 1941, nothing which too many of the Kindertransport to wide issues that, in retrospect, more happened until after the fall of Vichy parents had to forfeit as they became could have been done. But, quite apart and the majority of these children were victims of the murderous practices of from the fact that it is difficult to see deported to their deaths in the summer Nazi Germany. any point in raising this issue now, Mr of 1943. While we should rejoice in the rescue Pfeffer is, in my opinion, guilty of a few Unfortunately these attitudes appear of 10,000 children in 1938-39, we might tendentious and misleading statements. to continue. We are told that Kristallnacht also wish to remember that 80 years ago He asks: ‘Why did it take a particularly was the turning point and defining marked the beginning of a new diaspora violent outbreak of state-sanctioned anti- event of the Holocaust. What about the of German Jews and democrats. Semitism to get the British government ‘stateless’ Polish-born Jews deported Eric Bourne, to change its policies and allow the from Germany weeks earlier on 18 Milldale, Alstonefield, Ashbourne victims of Nazism into Britain?’ and ‘Why October and left without any means of were the children of the Kindertransport survival? To misquote the famous poem Sir – Eric Elias wrote in your July issue ‘I allowed in but their parents consigned of Pastor Martin Niemöller: ‘First they welcome all the commemorative events to extermination?’ Both questions can came for the Polish Jews and I didn’t on behalf of Kinder … Nevertheless, why be answered by a study of the House speak out because I was a German Jew. is no one organising an event for those of Commons debates during that time. Then they came for me and suddenly I who travelled the same route at the Fears of adding to unemployment and realised they meant me too!’ same time but with no support and on a basic opposition to immigration, Joan Salter, London N10 their own?’ including some latent (and some open) Hear, hear!, I say. The answer to his anti-Semitism, was the prevailing mood. Sir – Anshel Pfeffer’s article reminds me question, probably, is that our journeys Some leading members of the British of a Jewish salesman driving home to were just not so newsworthy and were, I establishment even believed that Hitler Golders Green who generously gave me suppose, dull in comparison. was a bulwark against Russia and internal a hitchhiker’s lift from outside the camp The Kindertransport was horrendously communism. where I was doing some of my Army awful for the Kinder and their parents Mr Pfeffer quotes Professor Tony National Service in 1958-59. but it has today been turned into an Kushner: ‘“I raised ... the fundamental When, in reply to his question, I said adventure journey. This, of course, is in no question of was it the right thing to that two of my elder sisters had come way the fault of the Kinder. To the British separate them from their parents and why over on a child transport – no such word press, the Kindertransport showed the were they alone …”’ This is particularly as Kindertransport in his vocabulary – kindness of the British people to homeless misleading. Who separated the children from Berlin in 1939, he replied: ‘I’ve never Jewish children – and the press were, and from their parents? From my knowledge, met anyone like you before!’ This was a still are, milking it for all its worth. Even the truth is that parents wanted to make whole 19 years later at least. the September issue of the AJR Journal sure that their children at least were safe. There was never any family secret devoted no less than four pages to the It was the parents who registered their about the rotten treatment my sisters Kinder plus a couple of letters. Is this children with the Kindertransports. got from an Anglican clergyman’s wife in not gilding the lily? Sorry to be cynical It is all too easy to condemn in Liverpool. Or how they were rescued by but don’t all these Kindertransport retrospect and, if it had any influence my eldest sister, then still a teenager. But, stories tend to hide the fact that the on present-day decisions and actions, to bear out Anshel Pfeffer, I only realised British government turned its back on it would even be a useful exercise – if what the worst part of this treatment the Kinder’s parents, as did Anglo-Jewry? correct. Unfortunately, that is not the consisted of when my sister finally told Unlike Eric Elias, I was not on my own case. Attitudes to immigration have not me a few months ago. I had never asked, when I came to England. I had support changed. for fear of upsetting her. because I was with my parents. However, Eric Sanders, London W12 Andrew Sheppard, Ramsgate Village, I was only three years old and my parents Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland were obviously traumatised and grief- Sir – Anshel Pfeffer’s article is a timely stricken by what had happened to them reminder of the realities behind the rescue Sir – As we celebrate the 75th anniversary in Vienna. They survived Kristallnacht of the Kinder. An even larger elephant in of the Kindertransports, we should but didn’t for many years get over the room was the difference in attitudes remind ourselves of the 10,000 or so the fact that they were refugees in a

6 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 country where they were penniless and at the AJR to turn me from a trainee into policies – not least the Blair government’s couldn’t speak the language. My father, a a professional. Whether she succeeded disastrous attack on Iraq – but does that Viennese-trained doctor, was not allowed or not is not for me to say. However, make me anti-British? I would claim the to work as a medical practitioner here till she never once gave up. I still very much very opposite. 1942. We lived on what we had brought appreciate her efforts. I read The Guardian (the bête noire of with us, which was hardly anything. I would like to send my condolences the more ardent Zionists in this country) No, we were not interned. No, my and respects to the families and friends daily and I listen frequently to the BBC’s mother did not have to work as a of these two wise, witty people. Radio 4 ‘Today’ programme as well as domestic servant. No, my father was not Maurice Newman, Dublin to the BBC’s news bulletins (radio and one of the professional men who, like TV). Both institutions have at times been so many, ended up washing plates in WHEN IS A POGROM NOT A attacked as biased against Israel. In my restaurants. A lot of refugees had it much POGROM? view, nothing is further from the truth. tougher. But, agreeing with Eric Elias, Sir – Why do we continue to honour Indeed, the BBC and its Trustees have should not our survival too be celebrated Hermann Göring by using his catchphrase not infrequently been accused by pro- like those of the Kinder? ‘Kristallnacht’ when referring to the Palestinian organisations of what they We came to England in February 1939. November pogrom of 1938? perceive as a bias in favour of Israel. My parents are dead but next year, if I’m At the time, it was the Nazis That suggests, does it not, that the BBC ‘spared’, it will be my turn to celebrate who derisively called their pogrom reporting must be about right? 75 years of being here. How about all ‘Reichskristallnacht’ (Night of Broken In my view, we should be grateful to of us non-Kinder refugees joining up for Glass), which later became known as both institutions for their independent a big, big party on 3 September 2014? Kristallnacht for short. and courageous reporting – even when Perhaps the AJR will organise it? If they Since then, and unwittingly, the Jewish it does give an unflattering picture of the do, I would be more than delighted if the community worldwide has adopted and way the Israeli (or, for that matter, any) Kinder came too! perpetuated this Nazi monicker which government and its army conduct their Peter Phillips, Loudwater, Herts gleefully celebrated the Nazis’ breaking business. Sadly, Israeli actions towards millions of windows in Jewish-owned the Palestinians, and indeed their own Sir – Ruth David should choose her business premises and homes throughout Arab citizens, often leave them wide words more carefully. In her report the expanded German Reich and triggered open to criticism. For example, should the on the KT Reunion, she arrogantly the arrest and incarceration of thousands fact that 1,000 new settlement homes, makes the ridiculous statement that of Jewish men and the death of many some provocatively in East Jerusalem, ‘we Kindertransportees were the group of them. It also led to the nationwide were approved at the beginning of the of immigrants that had done more for Jewish community being fined one billion so-called peace talks – thus virtually Britain than any other immigrant group Reichsmarks as a punishment for their scuttling any hope of real progress – be ever in the UK.’ No doubt her own award ‘hostile attitude towards Germany and left unreported? has given her the grand illusion that the their abominable crimes’. Happily there are Israelis – a minority bunch of Kindertransport children grew Surely it would be better to call a it is true but one that is all the more up to be different or better than the rest pogrom what it is – a pogrom – and to important for that – who have the of us refugees. stop romanticising this terrifying atrocity courage to be fiercely critical of some Walter Wolff, London W11 with the dramatically attractive title of of their government’s policies. One of Kristallnacht – Crystal Night. these is Uri Avnery, a veteran liberation Sir – May I thank the AJR for organising Political correctness has got itself a soldier, former member of the Knesset the Kindertransport Reunion and the bad name, but in this instance it should and untiring peace campaigner, whose reception at St James’s Palace, and also be harnessed in support of a just cause. well-informed and often highly critical the stimulating Journal that maintains my Let us campaign to stop glorifying the weekly analyses of Israeli politics would sense of belonging – although it seems November 1938 pogrom with the Nazis’ no doubt make Ms Shefer-Vanson blanch. rather odd to call ourselves refugees chosen title of Kristallnacht and call it I regard him as a true Israeli patriot whose when most of our lives have been lived what it really was – ‘the November 1938 steadfast advocacy of an equitable two- happily as British citizens! Pogrom’. state solution to the conflict will, I hope, John Farago, Deal, Kent Michael Heppner, London N21 one day prevail. As I don’t read the tabloids (except at TWO WISE, WITTY PEOPLE WHY RETURN TO GERMANY? the hairdresser’s), I wouldn’t presume to Sir – Even though I have lived in Dublin Sir – I have for some time been curious judge whether or not they are part of this for over 18 years now, I still receive my as to the motivation of individuals in ‘campaign against Israel’, but I doubt it monthly copy of the AJR Journal. In the returning to Germany after the 39-45 war. very much. September edition I was saddened to Some cases are known to me which are Before any reader accuses me of being see that both Katia Gould and David logical, such as intermarriages in which a ‘self-hating Jew’ – whatever that may Maier have died. I worked at the AJR the partner has retained the property. mean – let me assure you that I like to with Katia for seven years, and met David Michael Sherwood, Bushey think of myself as a tolerably normal many times when he would drop into the person, who, as a scientist, likes to view offices for a chat. ‘ANTI-ISRAELI BIAS’ our sad world as objectively as possible. The then editor, Richard Grunberger, Sir – I would like to take issue with Leslie Baruch Brent, London N19 and David had a warm relationship. It was Dorothea Shefer-Vanson’s myopic, ill- a privilege for me to be allowed to share informed and hugely biased article ‘The KINDERTRANSPORT DATABANK the office as they chatted and laughed. campaign against Israel in Britain’ (‘Letter Sir – Lorenz Beckhardt’s letter in the Their humour was always gentle, always from Israel’, August). Ms Shefer-Vanson is August Journal had me turn to the AJR’s clever and, most importantly, always evidently one of those who regard every own Kindertransport research results funny. criticism of their country’s policies as (free to download and so available for As I have said before, Katia worked anti-Semitic and/or pro-Palestinian. I am all to analyse, from the AJR website at hard during my period of employment frequently critical of my government’s continued on page 16 

7 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

Most of the artists have a narrative feel for the wildness and history of their country. Charles Meere’s Australian REVIEWs Beach Pattern is a crowded beach scene, A rt almost urban in its physical intensity, but there is a hint of the crucifixion in the Gripping but flawed thriller Notes background. Frederick McCubbin’s HANNS AND RUDOLF: THE GERMAN The Pioneer describes a rather British JEW AND THE HUNT FOR THE Gloria Tessler forest landscape in three scenes and has KOMMANDANT OF AUSCHWITZ a touch of Pre-Raphaelite romanticism. by Thomas Harding The 200 years spanned by the exhibi- his month’s exhibition at the Royal tion feature the colonisation of the indig- London: William Heinemann, 2013, Academy, described as the most enous peoples by the first settlers and 348 pp. hardcover, tel 020 7840 8400, Tsignificant survey of Australian art include the works of 19th-century Abo- www.randomhouse.co.uk, ever mounted in the UK, offers a chance riginal artists such as Albert Namatjira, ISBN 978 0 434 02236 6, £20.00 to study the light and the extraordinary Rover Thomas and Emily Kame Kng- anns and Rudolf? Hanns Alexander, colours of the world ‘down under’. To warreye and some from the Papunya a German Jew, and Rudolf Höss, accentuate the point, some of the art- Tula group of the Western Desert. The Hthe Kommandant of Auschwitz, ists on show use natural earth pigments 19th century also spawned a number of bracketed together as though they and other local materials. The sunsets works by European immigrants such as were somehow friends or colleagues? and the vastness and flatness of this an- John Glover and Eugene von Guerard, Alexander, from a well-to-do Berlin Jewish tipodean landscape all evoke something whose Bush Fire is a mystical skyscape of family who fled to the UK and became a primitive and sensory, as well as explor- black and red cloud with a tiny, helpless bank employee, and Höss, born in Baden- ing the pioneering spirit of the settler. moon whose light is almost obliterated. Baden into a strict Catholic family who ‘Australia’ (the exhibition ends on 8 The Australian Impressionists drew perfected the technique of mass killing their magic from the that made Auschwitz the most efficient mythology of the Aus- instrument of the ‘Final Solution’? tralian bush. These The author requests the forgiveness of include Arthur Stree- those offended by this bizarre coupling, ton, Tom Roberts, arguing that his book is ‘a reminder of a Charles Conder and more complex world, told through the Frederick McCub- lives of two men who grew up in parallel bin. Contemporaneous and yet opposing German cultures’. His with them are the early rationale is that his story ‘challenges the Modernists, like Mar- traditional portrayal of the hero and the garet Preston, Grace villain’, i.e. the men had much in common Cossington Smith in that they were both adored by their and Roy de Maistre. families, respected by colleagues, and The show goes up to grew up in Germany in the early 20th the 21st century with century; furthermore, at times Höss artists known and rec- showed ‘a capacity for compassion’, ognised internation- while Alexander ‘was not always above ally, like Bill Henson, suspicion’. Sidney Nolan, Ned Kelly, 1946. National Gallery of Australia, Gordon Bennett Hanns Alexander was Thomas Harding’s Canberra and Tracey Moffatt. great-uncle. It was at Alexander’s funeral, But for many of in London in December 2006, that December 2013) includes over 200 works these artists, their message is their the family heard for the first time that from 1800 to the present day and covers distinctiveness from European artistic he had personally tracked down the paintings and drawings, photography tradition. They sought to break the Kommandant of Auschwitz. How could and multimedia. Culled from major col- rules and explore their own vision of it be, asks Harding, that ‘this nice but lections in Australia, these are mainly their national identity, whether they unremarkable man … a bit of a rogue and on show for the first time in the UK. are the indigenous peoples or those a prankster, much respected for sure, but It is this connection with the landscape who came with external influences. also a man who liked to play tricks on his that most inspires the artists here. Sidney elders and tell dirty jokes to us youngsters, Nolan’s surreal enamel work on composi- and who, if truth be told, was prone to tion board presents the back of a horse- AJR Chief Executive exaggeration’, was a war hero? Michael Newman man riding across a parched desert into The basic facts are that in May 1945 Directors blue skies filled with cloud, but his head Carol Rossen the first British War Crimes Investigation appears to be a narrow window or mirror David Kaye Team was assembled to hunt down within a deep frame. The work, in a four- Head of Department the senior officials responsible for the part Ned Kelly series, is described by this Sue Kurlander Social Services Nazi atrocities. One of the principal Australian artist and Royal Academician AJR Journal investigators was Lieutenant Hanns as ‘a story arising out of the bush and Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor Alexander, who then was serving in the Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor ending in the bush’. In this painting, the Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisements British Army. Rudolf Höss, who became sense of endlessness and ‘beginningless- his principal target, was by this time, ness’ is perfectly evoked by the strange like other Nazi war criminals, on the run. Views expressed in the AJR Journal are not and rather laconic rider who emerges necessarily those of the Association of Jewish Powered by an overwhelming sense of geometrically from the horse itself. Refugees and should not be regarded as such. continued opposite 

8 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 bitterness over what had been done to his testimonies abound. It is also special in that it provides a people, Alexander, in the gripping story But how can there not be testimonies template for the potential friendship told here, successfully and with great when the Nazis murdered somewhere and support two of the most persecuted tenaciousness sought out his quarry. Höss between half a million and a million Roma ethnic groups can give each other once was handed over to the Polish authorities and Sinti Gypsies? There are always some the barriers of fear and prejudice are and, following a trial in Warsaw, hanged survivors who feel the obligation to tell overcome. in April 1947 on a site immediately humanity what happened. Earlier this year, just across the road adjacent to the crematorium of the former I have collected several such testimonies from the Reichstag in Berlin, Romani Auschwitz I concentration camp. in book format and found more on the Rose and Angela Merkel dedicated the It cannot be denied that Hanns and internet, of which I recommend the new memorial to the Sinti and Roma following: victims of Nazi genocide. The perspex Rudolf is a rattling good read – a thriller ‘Forgotten Genocide’ A digital fence surrounding the memorial gives in the mould of, say, The Day of the Jackal. exhibition, including six testimonies at a very moving narrative of this part of It’s also clearly based on copious research. www.romasinti.eu One is by Settela Nazi atrocities, so often forgotten or Yet, in some other respects, it seems to Steinbach, a picture of whom, looking out discounted. Inside is a large pool around me that the book is less successful. First, of a cattle truck, has become an icon of the which are stones bearing the names of the author’s contention, in his prologue, Holocaust and is often, wrongly, assumed all the ghettos, holding camps, labour that this is ‘a Jew-fighting-back story’ to be a Jewish victim. camps and killing camps that housed – alongside, for example, uprisings in www.rromaniconnect.org/ Sinti and Roma during the Third Reich. All ghettos and revolts in camps – simply romasintiholocaust Including Romani these names are only too familiar from doesn’t ring true. Can this really be Rose, who fought for the memorial to the the accounts of the Jewish experience in portrayed as ‘a Jew-fighting-back story’ Nazi genocide against the Sinti and Roma the Holocaust. given that it so obviously takes place in dedicated in Berlin this year (see below). Ruth Barnett what is, to all intents and purposes, the www.requiemforauschwitz.eu A full aftermath of the war? orchestral requiem dedicated to all victims Furthermore, it seems to me that the of Auschwitz by the Sinti and Roma ‘Hanns-Rudolf’ style of story-telling is, in Philharmonic Orchestra of Frankfurt, itself, ultimately unconvincing. Whatever written by Roger Moreno Rathgeb and effort one makes to show the opposite, conducted by Riccardo Sahiti. this juxtaposition never feels more than an Perhaps the most moving of all the artificial one. The reality is that the two testimonies of persecution of Gypsies men have essentially not a jot in common by the Nazis I have read is Ceija Stojka’s book Träume ich, dass ich lebe? Befreit other than the fact that their lives interlink aus Bergen-Belsen. Ceija survived many in the specific context that one is hunting concentration camps with her mother and down the other. finally returned to the family home near Despite these reservations, there can Vienna. She wrote many books of stories be no doubt that this is a book that is and poetry, unfortunately not translated hard to put down! into English, and died in January this year Howard Spier at the age of 79. This particular book, written for young children, describes Ceijka’s liberation from Bergen-Belsen Testimonies of Nazi at the age of 11. She hides none of the persecution of Roma and Sinti horror but writes in a style that is beautiful TRÄUME ICH, DASS ICH LEBE? BEFREIT and inspiring despite the awfulness she AUS BERGEN-BELSEN describes. by Ceija Stojka Winter Time: Memoirs of a German Sinto Who Survived Auschwitz is an Munich: Random House, 2009, 128 pp. amazing story of personal courage, paperback including the beating up of an SS guard WINTER TIME: MEMOIRS OF A and confronting the notorious Dr Mengele GERMAN SINTO WHO SURVIVED in order to obtain food for the children AUSCHWITZ in his block. Walter’s stories include by Walter Winter such topics as family life, service in the German navy, from which he was later Hertfordshire University Press, 2004, discharged ‘on racial grounds’, and his 192 pp. paperback experiences of Auschwitz, Ravensbrück and SHARED SORROWS: A GYPSY FAMILY Sachsenhausen, where he was conscripted REMEMBERS THE HOLOCAUST to fight against the Red Army on the by Toby Sonneman Russian front. Shared Sorrows: A Gypsy Family www.fishburnbooks.com Hertfordshire University Press, 2002, Remembers the Holocaust is unusual in 296 pp. paperback that a Jewish woman tells the story of Jonathan Fishburn here is a myth – almost as potent as how she came to meet a Roma Gypsy buys and sells Jewish and that of the Protocols of the Elders woman in America. The two friends raised Hebrew books, ephemera and of Zion - that Gypsies can’t read or money together to make a trip to Europe items of Jewish interest. T He is a member of the Antiquarian write and, moreover, don’t even want to. to research their families’ histories and Booksellers Association. This myth may have contributed to the Holocaust experiences. Sonneman tells lack of Roma testimonies in Holocaust the story of their joint venture as well as Contact Jonathan on 020 8455 9139 or 07813 803 889 archives, online Holocaust learning the stories of the two families intertwined, for more information resources, and bookshelves where Jewish giving her book a heart-rending poignancy.

9 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013 International Tracing Service Archive now available for family research at the Wiener Library he British Government has asked the Archive records efforts of the ITS and for humanitarian use of the archives the Wiener Library to make available other institutions to trace individuals, may often be better carried out through Tto the public the UK’s digital copy including children, in the post-war era. the expertise of the ITS’s staff at its of the International Tracing Service In December 2011, following headquarters in Bad Arolsen. In the (ITS) Archive, which provides access to discussions with a group of stakeholder autumn, the Library will also provide a documents that can help determine organisations, including the AJR, the work station for those who wish to use the fate of individuals during and after British Government deposited the UK’s the Archive for academic research. the Second World War. After months of digital copy of the ITS Archive at the Priority will be given to Holocaust preparation, the Wiener Library is now Wiener Library. AJR member Eugene survivors and their families but all are ready to assist those looking to do family Black spoke at the event held to mark this welcome to submit enquiries for research research. occasion about his experience obtaining assistance. Despite the Archive’s massive During the Second World War, millions from the ITS in Bad Arolsen records size not every victim of persecution appears suffered from deportation, incarceration which documented his deportation from in the documentation. Further, due to the and displacement due to the actions of Hungary to camps in Germany and his complexity of the Archive, the number the Nazi regime and its collaborators. The liberation at Bergen-Belsen. For decades, and type of available documentation for British Red Cross began to trace missing Mr Black thought his sisters had been each enquiry varies significantly and may persons in 1943. The ITS Archive grew out gassed in Auschwitz. However, the ITS take many weeks to retrieve. of these and other efforts by the Allies and documents revealed that they had been Before submitting a query, it is helpful humanitarian organisations to reunite killed in an Allied bombing attack on a to gather as much information as possible, families in the aftermath of the war. factory near Buchenwald, where they including full names and name variants, The ITS Archive is stored in Bad Arolsen, had been forced to work after being date of birth (even if approximate) and Germany, where post-war tracing efforts deported from Auschwitz. The Wiener any information, however speculative, merged, and holds over 100 million pages Library’s digital copy of the ITS Archive about the person’s whereabouts during of documentation on the fates of 17.5 may allow family researchers to discover or after the war. Queries should be million people during and immediately similar stories. submitted via www.wienerlibrary.co.uk/ after the war. The collection contains With support from the Foreign and International-Tracing-Service documents gathered by Allied forces as Commonwealth Office, the Department (Dr) Christine Schmidt they swept through Europe, liberating for Communities and Local Government, International Tracing Service concentration camps, forced labour the Heritage Lottery Fund and private Archive Researcher, camps and other incarceration sites. donors, the Wiener Library is now able The Wiener Library for the Study Researchers can also find records from to process requests for research of of the Holocaust & Genocide, displaced persons camps as well as individual fates during and after the London WC1 documentation on emigration. Finally, war. Readers should note that requests tel +44 (0) 20 7636 7247

• • • 75 years on – Jewish Arteck and the Kindertransport • • •

ewish Arteck is a summer youth in Berlin’s old Jewish High School. songs, games, dance and story-telling camp like no other. It operates in Here I met Ella Nilova, who, to my prepared to entertain their guests – us! Ja lovely setting on the banks of delight, invited me to Jewish Arteck Shabbat was then devoted to the Uedersee, an hour’s drive north of 2013 to take part in its core theme – learning about the Kindertransport Berlin, with all the sport and leisure the Kindertransport. So, together with through an informal ‘Talk Show’, in activities you can imagine. But it is Ruth and Jurgen Schwiening and Frank which the four guests each gave a brief the energy, imagination and hunger Meissler, sculptor of the Kindertransport introductory talk. After this we were for learning of youngsters and their memorials, who came with two friends, each ‘interviewed’ by a smaller group leaders from Russia, Israel, Germany I spent three memorable days as part in four different rooms. I have never and America that create the magical of Jewish Arteck. experienced quite so many searching and powerfully inspirational experience The children had already had three questions. The encounter with my of being part of Jewish Arteck. I had days of creative thinking and practical group was an inspiring experience the privilege to be invited to Jewish preparation before we arrived on 12 and, as I gathered, so were the others. Arteck 2013. July in time for Shabbat. Out of an These 64 ambassadors will, I am sure, Ich bin eine echte Berlinerin, excited chaos of 64 jostling, jabbering raise awareness of the wider meaning born in Wilmersdorf and living in children and youth leaders emerged a of the Holocaust in the difficulties we Charlottenburg until Kristallnacht, joyful Kabbalat Shabbat service. The still have in embracing diversity. After after which I came to England on the room was decorated with colourful lunch we carried out a processing of Kindertransport at the age of four posters, an Ark and lots of candles, the morning’s experience through with my seven-year-old brother in most of which were made, but all of it workshops in small groups. 1939. It took all of 50 years – until prepared, by the children. A haunting Finally, the children prepared their the first Kindertransport Reunion in but joyous trumpet solo ushered in after-dinner cabaret, presented as 1989 – before I could come to terms silence and a service that gripped ‘English Tea’, sitting round candle-lit with my German past and reclaim my everyone. Many of the children were tables for tea and cakes with 1920s Berlin roots. Now, I welcome every experiencing a Shabbat for the first background music and little ‘acts’ on opportunity to spend some time in time. The ensuing Shabbat meal was the theme of ‘Englishness’ to honour ‘my city’. followed by an oneg/cabaret produced us, their ‘English guests’. A Shabbat I In 2012 I signed up for ‘Limmud.de’ by groups of children with their leaders: continued on page 15

10 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 'Remember the past – but go forward!' Seminar on refugees' integration into the UK

he AJR, the London Jewish Pulzer stressed that for the Nazis terror von Motesiczky Cultural Centre (LJCC) and Sussex was not a means but an end in itself. – to pre-war Vi- TUniversity’s Centre for German- A ‘Second Generation’ panel com- ennese culture Jewish Studies came together in prising Diana Franklin, AJR Trustee Frank as well as to September for a two-day seminar: Harding, Allan Morgenthau and Melissa refugee culture ‘German and Austrian Jewish Refugees: Rosenbaum reflected on the impact in London. Their Impact and Personal Legacy’. Held their coming from a refugee family had A ‘Third Professor at the LJCC’s Ivy House, the seminar, had on their upbringing, education and Generation’ Peter Pulzer built on presentations, discussions and family lives. panel – Hannah lectures over the past two years, was Rev Bernd Koschland, his daughter Bowers, Laurence Field, Alisa Franklin very well attended, with the presence Beth and grandson Sammy, members of and Michael Newman – discussed what in the audience of many ‘Second’ and an ‘Intergenerational’ panel, discussed some saw as the ‘burden’ of Jewish ‘Third Generation’ members together the impact of the refugee experience identity. with a number of Israelis. on each of the generations. The 1989 In the final session, Nicky Gavron, In the opening session, ‘First Kindertransport Reunion had been a the former Deputy Mayor of London, Generation’ refugees Bea Green, Edgar turning point. It was important to ‘get said that her mother, prevented from Feuchtwanger, Ruth Jacobs, William on with living’, they concluded. taking part in the 1936 Berlin Olympics Kaczynski and Clemens Nathan reflected Illustrator John Minnion gave a due to her being Jewish, had fled to the on their experiences of fleeing from their multi-media presentation based on his UK. Praising London’s ‘diversity’, she home countries and settling in Britain ironically entitled book Hitler’s List: contrasted the Berlin Olympics with last and the effect this had had on their An Illustrated Guide to Degenerates: year’s London Olympics. families, culture and heritage. Jews, Bolshevists and Other Undesirable The seminar was brought to an end by In the following session, Professor Geniuses. AJR-Kindertransport Chairman Sir Erich Peter Pulzer, himself a former refugee, Professor Edward Timms gave an Reich. Putting the Kindertransport into looked back on ‘A Year of Anniversaries’, illustrated talk on the often neglected historical context, Sir Erich expressed specifically those of Hitler’s appointment contribution of women – among them gratitude to the British Government: as Chancellor and Kristallnacht. Professor Anna Freud, Hilde Spiel and Marie-Louise while ‘more could have been done’, he said, the UK had nevertheless done more than anyone else. Emphasising the UK Jewish Film Festival refugees’ contribution to British society, 30 October – 17 November 2013 his conclusion was ‘Remember the past – but go forward!’ ‘Refugees’ he AJR is delighted once again to in the Second World War through the be supporting the UK Jewish Film vérité journeys of two men, a renowned ARTS AND EVENTS TFestival and will be the exclusive Jewish-American photographer and october DIARY sponsor of the ‘Refugees’ strand of this a Muslim-Albanian. The film will be year’s Festival. introduced by the Albanian Ambassador Wed 2 ‘Coffee & Conversation: A Suit-able Promise’ Rev Bernd Koschland shares his ‘Refugees’ is built around five films, to the UK. experience of the Kindertransport. 11.30 am each of which will be followed by a In My German Friend, directed Thu 3 Pears Annual Lecture by Dr Wendy panel discussion and a Q&A session by Jeanine Meerapfel, the daughter Lower: ‘Hitler’s Furies: German Women in or special event. As well as five events of German-Jewish immigrants to the Nazi Killing Fields’. 6.30 pm in London, there will be events in Argentina befriends the son of a senior Tue 8 Jane Merkin: ‘Suitcase’, illustrated talk, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. The SS officer and together they become 6.30 pm, by executive producer of ‘Suitcase’, ‘Refugees’ events include: embroiled in the radical politics of performed at Liverpool Street Station on 70th anniversary of Kindertransport. The script Orchestra of Exiles will be late-1960s student life in Germany. The is being revised for an Arts Council-funded introduced by Anita Lasker-Wallfisch screenings in London and Manchester 75th anniversary tour of stations beginning and there will be a violin solo by her will include a Coffee & Bagel Brunch. 11 Nov and ending at Liverpool Street Station grandson Abraham Jacobs. Directed The screening of From Cable Street 2 Dec. Other stations will include Glasgow, by Josh Aronson, the film portrays to Brick Lane features a Q&A with Manchester and Harwich International the extraordinary story of the Israeli director Phil Maxwell and a panel Fri 18 Dr Rachel Century (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust): ‘Hitler’s Helpers: The Female Philharmonic Orchestra and the heroic discussion with participants in the film Administrators of the Holocaust’. 1.00 pm feats of its founder, Polish violinist on the Jewish immigrant experience. Wed 23 Dr Suzanne Brown-Fleming (United Bronislaw Huberman. Incorporating archival footage of the States Holocaust Memorial Museum): Harbour of Hope, directed by 1936 Battle of Cable Street, the film ‘November 1938: Perspectives from the Magnus Gertten, recounts the lives pays tribute to successive generations Vatican Archives’ Concerns that shaped the of two concentration camp survivors of immigrants and trade unionists in Holy See’s muted response to Kristallnacht’. 6.30 pm who found refuge in Sweden. The London’s East End and their triumph Mon 28 Thomas Harding: ‘Hanns and Rudolf: event features a Q&A with one of over prejudice and intolerance. The German Jew and the Hunt for the the surviving refugees from Sweden Full details, including the dates and Kommandant of Auschwitz’. 6.30 pm and an introduction by the Swedish venues of the ‘Refugees’ films, together All events at Wiener Library: Ambassador to the UK. with all screenings in this year’s Festival, admission free Directed by Rachel Goslins, Besa: are available at www.ukjewishfilm.org but booking essential The Promise weaves Albania’s heroism Michael Newman tel 020 7636 7247

11 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

Ilford A Morning Full of Nostalgia Brighton & Hove Sarid ‘An At our 11th anniversary party, Nigel Inspirational Person’ Colman gave us a brief biography of Frank Iris told us about a time when she was 12 Sinatra, amply illustrated with many of and a group of KT children at her school his well-loved songs. A morning full of were crying for their parents, whom they’d INSIDE nostalgia. never see again. Scarlett talked about Meta Roseneil a teacher who helped her further her education, leading to her professorship. HGS Meeting with Holocaust Many more stories to tell! the AJR Memorial Day Trust Ceska Abrahams The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust joined the group at Hammerson House for a Marlow CF A Most Interesting discussion of the Trust’s work in the Conversation UK. For further information, contact We didn’t have a speaker but this was [email protected] made up for by the most interesting Definite 5-Star Rating Alice Owen conversation in which each member contributed topics from their own for The Sound of Music Essex (Westcliff) Visit to Prittlewell experience. spent the most idyllic summer’s Priory Alex Lawrence afternoon watching The Sound of We enjoyed an exceptionally interesting I Music at the Open Air Theatre in visit to the 12th-century Prittlewell Priory, Glasgow CF BBC Return Visit by Regent’s Park. This musical contains home of the Cluniac monks. A very special Popular Demand the most crystal-clear singing and morning. Due to popular demand, this was our amazing choreography. I was Esther Rinkoff second BBC tour. Members had the mesmerised all the way through and opportunity to take part in a radio the songs were so amazingly catchy Oxford Annual Lunch production, sit in the news reader’s desk, that I have been singing them all We greatly enjoyed our fifth annual and see behind the scenes. week and I still can’t get them out summer lunch in Susi and John Bates’s Agnes Isaacs of my head. I am so pleased the AJR large conservatory. It was delightful took me along. I would absolutely to meet Kathryn, our new Group Co- Edgware ‘Talking to a Mop’ Journalist Stewart Macintosh told us about recommend it and I would give it a ordinator. John Fieldsend his activities at the BBC, which we all found definite 5-star rating! very interesting. Amy Shaw Welwyn GC Illuminating Afternoon Felix Winkler (aged 10, granddaughter of The Deputy Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Karen and Julian Shaw) Leslie Paige, gave us an account of his Radlett New Services in Herts duties. Later, members shared with him Libraries Edinburgh A Most Pleasant Way to stories of how they had come to England A very enjoyable meeting at the home of and what they had done with their lives. Alf Keiles. Librarian Jane Williams told us Spend an Afternoon A most illuminating afternoon. about many of the new services available A most enjoyable outing to the Royal Leonora Koos in County libraries. Overseas League Hotel. A delicious lunch Kathryn Prevezer was followed by a superb piano recital Kent Glorious Sissinghurst of works by Chopin and Liszt. A most We enjoyed tremendously and learned Leeds CF ‘The Glenn Miller pleasant way to spend an afternoon. so much from a tour of the glorious Orchestra’ Agnes Isaacs Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. How Members spent an enjoyable evening Pinner Annual Garden Party interesting to venture into the horticultural at Leeds Grand Theatre listening to ‘the This by now legendary party was again ‘rooms’ created by Vita Sackville-West and Glenn Miller Orchestra conducted by the fabulously hosted by Vera Gellman, helped Harold Nicolson. famous Ray McVay’. by an indefatigable team. Another most Janet Weston Wendy Bott enjoyable occasion for all of us. Walter Weg Sheffield Favourite Hobbies and North West London Reminiscences Pastimes of Rosh Hashana Ealing Life of a Guide at Kew Several new members were made most Our conversation, at Alyth Synagogue, Gardens welcome. We learned a lot about stamp turned to reminiscences of Rosh Hashana A fascinating talk by Judith Lawson, who collecting, needlework, biography-writing, in Germany and Austria. A reflexion of the gave us a virtual tour of Kew Gardens, pottery and photography, all followed by times they were brought up in was that including trees which date back to the tea and lots of friendly chats. most of those present didn’t celebrate 1750s. Leslie Sommer Renee Martin the high holy days until after they were married. Shirley Rodwell Outing to Edinburgh Synagogue St John’s Wood A Fascinating and Festival Open Day Sad Story Book Club Group Therapy A large contingency of Glasgow and Raphael Ambalo told us that only one Jew An unexpected relocation from Joseph’s Edinburgh members enjoyed a taste of now remains in Afghanistan. Thousands to Costa didn’t stop this lively group the Edinburgh Fringe in the comfortable have left, mainly for New York and Israel. from discussing almost everything except surroundings of the Edinburgh Synagogue A fascinating and sad story. Elizabeth de Waal’s The Exiles Return. hall. Agnes Isaacs Zvi Schloss Group therapy! Our next book: Ben Elton’s Two Brothers. Cambridge 800 Years of the Newcastle Superb Production of The Esther Rinkoff Mayoralty Sound of Music Mayor of Cambridge Paul Sanders gave us We attended an absolutely superb produc- North London Celebration of 12th wonderful insight into his function and the tion of The Sound of Music at the Theatre Anniversary history of the mayoral role in the town - Royal, enjoying favourites such as ‘Climb We celebrated our 12th anniversary – how over more than 800 years. Every Mountain’. time passes! A pleasant lunch followed Keith Lawson Agnes Isaacs by Nigel Colman’s presentation on the

12 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 life and music of Barbara Streisand. Next year’s question: How does a group OCTOber GROUP eventS celebrate its bar mitzvah? Herbert Haberberg Ealing 1 October Anna Andlauer: ‘The Rage to Live: The International D.P. Children’s Center Glasgow CF A Perfect Day Out Kloster Indersdorf 1945-46’ Almost 30 people turned up for a visit Newcastle 1 October Visit to Discovery Museum to Kibble Palace. It was almost standing room only in the Botanic Gardens café Ilford 2 October Edwina Mileham: ‘The Wallace Collection’ as first, second, third and even fourth Pinner 3 October Anna Andlauer: ‘The Rage to Live: generations joined us for afternoon tea. The International D.P. Children’s Center A perfect day out. Kloster Indersdorf 1945-46’ Agnes Isaacs Glasgow AJR 6 October ‘Glasgow Now and Then’ Manchester/Liverpool 6 October Visit to Beth Shalom contacts Cardiff 7 October Lynne Bradley entertains Hazel Beiny Manchester/Liverpool 7 October Visit to Holocaust Centre at IWMN Southern Groups Co-ordinator 07966 887 434 Essex 8 October ‘The Wallace Collection’ [email protected] Welwyn GC 8 October Freddie Godshaw on his life Wendy Bott (at home of Monica Rosenbaum) Yorkshire Groups Co-ordinator 07908 156 365 Birmingham 9 October Screening of Watermarks [email protected] (West Midlands) Myrna Glass Broughton Park/ 9 October Meeting at Beenstock Home London South and Midlands Groups Crumpsall Co-ordinator 07966 969 951 Edinburgh CF 9 October Social [email protected] St John’s Wood 9 October Gillian Reynolds: ‘The Best Job in the World’ Susanne Green North West Groups Co-ordinator Wessex 9 October Annual Lunch 0151 291 5734 [email protected] Glasgow CF 10 October Outing to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Susan Harrod Marlow 10 October Social Get-together Groups’ Administrator Hull CF 13 October Social 020 8385 3070 [email protected] HGS 14 October Simon Lee, Hampstead Heath Superintendent: Agnes Isaacs ‘Appy ’Ampstead’ Scotland and Newcastle Co-ordinator Edgware 15 October Prof Michael Spiro: ‘The Curious History 07908 156 361 of Aspirin’ [email protected] Kent 15 October Jenny Mason: ‘Public Service on the Brink’ Esther Rinkoff Southern Region Co-ordinator Oxford 15 October Joyce Sheard of Wheelpower 07966 631 778 [email protected] Radlett 16 October Anna Andlauer: ‘The Rage to Live: The International D.P. Children’s Center KT-AJR (Kindertransport) Andrea Goodmaker Kloster Indersdorf 1945-46’ 020 8385 3070 Cambridge 17 October Prof Alison Sinclair: ‘Wrongdoing in [email protected] 19th-Century Spanish Popular Culture’ Child Survivors Association–AJR Brighton 21 October Tba Henri Obstfeld 020 8954 5298 Café Imperial 22 October Social Get-together [email protected] Cheshire CF 22 October Social at home of Brettlers Norfolk 22 October Social Get-together Annely Juda Fine Art Book Club 23 October Regular meeting 23 Dering Street Liverpool 23 October KT film (off New Bond Street) Tel: 020 7629 7578 Wembley 23 October Social Get-together Fax: 020 7491 2139 Sheffield CF 27 October Social CONTEMPORARY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE Prestwich/Whitefield 28 October At home of Lachs North West London 29 October Raymond Sturgess: ‘Life at the English Criminal Bar’ switch on electrics Manchester/Liverpool 30 October Outing to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Rewires and all household electrical work Nottingham 30 October Social at home of Schwienings (East Midlands) PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 North London 31 October Angela Schluter: ‘Nazi Father, Jewish Mother’ Mobile: 0795 614 8566

13 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

The AJR Paul Balint Centre at Belsize Square Synagogue 51 Belsize Square, London NW3 4HX Telephone 020 7431 2744 Open Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Meals-on-Wheels Activities October 2013 To order Meals-on-Wheels Lunch is served at 12.30 unless otherwise stated please telephone 020 8385 3075 Tuesday 1 October (this number is manned on Wednesdays only) or 020 8385 3070 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 10-12 One-to-One Computer Lessons with Dora 11-12 Seated Exercises ART / CRAFT CLASS 12.30 ‘Hooray for Hollywood’: A special concert with Robert 10.30 AM Habermann – a KT Lunch OPEN to all (please book in) alternate thursdays Thursday 3 October ALL ABILITIES (and NONE) WELCOME 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 10.00 French Conversation with Ruth ONE-TO-ONE 10.30 Book Club 11.15 Seated Exercises BASIC COMPUTER LESSONS 13.45 Entertainer – Mike Marandi at the AJR Centre To book a session with Dora Tuesday 8 October call her on 020 8385 3070 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 10-12 One-to-One Computer Lessons with Dora 10.30 Current Affairs Discussion Group with John Kay FANCY A MANICURE? 11.30 Seated Exercises BOOK IN WITH THE AJR CENTRE 13.45 Entertainment – Margaret Opdahl Appointments 10 am – 2.30 pm Tuesdays ONLY Thursday 10 October Tel 020 7431 2744 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 10.30 Art Club 11.15 Seated Exercises  family anouncements 13.45 Entertainer – Paul Coleman Marriage Tuesday 15 October 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games Congratulations to Carol and Adrian Rossen on the marriage 10-12 One-to-One Computer Lessons with Dora of their son Scott to Jan. 10.30 NEW Singing Group with Michele Death 11.00 Seated Exercises My dear son, Louis Steven Haar, born 20 April 1949, 13.45 A Musical Afternoon with Carla Freeman passed away quite suddenly on 20 July 2013 leaving behind Thursday 17 October bereaved and shocked family and friends. May he rest in 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games peace. Cilly Haar and family. 10.00 French Conversation with Ruth 10.30 Book Club 11.15 Seated Exercises CLASSIFIED 12 pm LUNCHEON CLUB – SPEAKER Angela Schulter Portable typewriter wanted. Please reply to Box No. 1269. Tuesday 22 October 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 10-12 One-to-One Computer Lessons with Dora Books Bought 11.00 Seated Exercises 13.45 SPEAKER – Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Modern and Old Thursday 24 October Eric Levene 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 020 8364 3554 07855387574 10.30 Art Club [email protected] 11.15 Seated Exercises 13.45 Entertainer – Frank Crocker I also purchase ephemera Tuesday 29 October 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games LEO BAECK HOUSING ASSOCIATION 10-12 One-to-One Computer Lessons with Dora 11.00 Seated Exercises CLARA NEHAB HOUSE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME 13.45 Entertainer – Geoff Strum (light opera) Small caring residential home with large attractive gardens Thursday 31 October close to local shops and public transport 10-12 Coffee/Chat/Knit/Cards/Board Games 25 single rooms with full en suite facilities. 24 hour Permanent and Respite Care 10.00 French Conversation with Ruth Entertainment & Activities provided. 10.30 Book Club Ground Floor Lounge and Dining Room • Lift access to all floors. 11.15 Seated Exercises For further information please contact: The Manager, Clara Nehab House, 13.45 Entertainer – Roy Blass 13-19 Leeside Crescent, London NW11 0DA Telephone: 020 8455 2286

14 AJR JOURNAL october 2013 ObituarY Max Sulzbacher, born Düsseldorf 28 November 1929, died Jerusalem 27 April 2013

ax Sulzbacher was born in five orphaned children. dith, a very Düsseldorf in November 1929. At the end of 1941 Martin was allowed artistically MHis father, Martin, who later to return to England. He rented a talented became well known as a bookseller house in Golders Green and the family, and original from their home in Golders Green, was including Max’s orphaned cousins, woman, in a banker. By the time Max reached were re-united. Max and his next older 1989. Judith school age Jews were barred from brother, Walter, returned to Shefford, died of can- ordinary schools and he became a pupil to where the Jewish Secondary School cer in 2007 at the school established by the local had been evacuated. After the war the and in 2008 Jewish community. His father managed school returned to north London and Max too to smuggle funds to England and in Max remained a pupil. In 1946 he took the made aliya. October 1938 he left for England with Matriculation exam but failed in English. He joined his wife, Max and Max’s two younger However, he persisted in his studies for his two brothers, his sister and many brothers and baby sister. He was able to the rest of his life, eventually becoming cousins, all of whom were by that time buy a house in London’s Stamford Hill a chartered accountant. He passed the in Israel. He was delighted with the district and furnish it with the contents Intermediate Accountancy Examination opportunities for secular and religious of their lift, which arrived safely. with honours. After several difficult years learning that he found in Jerusalem and Max became a pupil at the Jewish he became a partner in a West End firm became the mainstay of the services in Secondary School in Stamford Hill, of accountants and remained with them the retirement home where he lived. where he quickly learned English. for 20 years until he retired. Max was a long-time member of In 1939 the school was evacuated to Max was an enthusiastic member of the AJR and the Journal frequently Shefford in Bedfordshire. In 1940 the the Leo Baeck Lodge of B’nai B’rith, published letters from him, which gave entire family was interned on the Isle where he met Deena, whom he married him great pleasure. of Man and Max’s father was sent to in 1958. They had four children, three He was strong and physically fit – he Canada on the Arandora Star. Two of whom now live in Israel and one in once climbed Snowdon on a day trip days out of Liverpool the ship was Antwerp. Max and Deena were well from London and swam in the icily cold torpedoed and several hundred people known in Golders Green for their Highgate Men’s Pond and in the sea at drowned. Fortunately Martin was a generous hospitality. Max was famous Brighton, where he and Judith lived strong swimmer and was rescued after for his excellent leyning (reading from for some time. Walking over the South six hours in the water. A week later he the Torah scroll) and could be called on Downs with Max was an exhilarating was one of those sent on the horrendous at a moment’s notice any week of the year if exhausting experience. Whether voyage of the Dunera to Australia. to fill in if needed. They were members walking or driving, he had an unerring The Sulzbacher family were a close of the Golders Green Beth Hamedrash sense of direction. and caring family and Max’s father (Munk’s) but he also frequently attended Last year Max developed throat had arranged for his own parents, his the Dunstan Road United Synagogue, cancer and underwent an eight-hour siblings and nieces and nephews to where his Torah reading was also very operation. During Passover this year, come to London. On 20 September much appreciated. He was an expert on while he was in Antwerp with his 1940 tragedy struck the family when a the intricacies of the Jewish calendar. younger son, he became unwell and bomb hit their house in Stamford Hill In 1986, after almost 30 years, Max returned to hospital in Israel. He died and Max’s grandparents, two uncles and Deena separated and Deena followed in Jerusalem on 27 April 2013. and two aunts were all killed, leaving her children to Israel. Max married Ju- Eva Blumenthal

 75 years on cont. from p.10 spring grove will never forget! see the collection of ‘Degenerate Art’. Sunday followed with a deeply This was an unforgettable three days London’s Most Luxurious moving commemoration of the out of the ten days organised for this RETIREMENT HOME Kindertransport at the Friedrichstrasse international group of young people by 214 Finchley Road memorial, which had been sculpted an equally international, dedicated and London NW3 by Frank Meissler – all very impressive talented team of youth leaders. The year as everyone had been issued with a 2013 is the eighth year of Jewish Arteck  Entertainment red or blue T-shirt carrying the Jewish and I hope it will continue for a long  Activities Arteck logo. Following a picnic lunch time to come. Not only does it enable  Stress Free Living in the Lustgarten, we had a guide to Jewish youth to reclaim and enrich their  24 House Staffing Excellent Cuisine explain the pillars that were there as Jewish culture but it does so through  Full En-Suite Facilities one of 11 sites in Berlin representing unique informally constructed events Zerstörte Vielfalt (Destroyed Diversity) that tap the abundance of curiosity, Call for more information or a personal tour commemorating the Nazi intolerance imagination and enthusiasm of all who 020 8446 2117 or 020 7794 4455 of diversity and modern culture. The meet for the encounter. [email protected] final visit was to the Ephraim Palais to Ruth Barnett

15 AJR JOURNAL OCTOber 2013

The opportunities for volunteering in Israel are many and various and include Dorothea Shefer-Vanson working in archives, education, business consultancy, grant writing, marketing, scientific and other research, medical aid and many others. Thus, volunteers have helped to tutor Israeli schoolchildren in ‘Baby boomer’ volunteers for Israel English, engaged with immigrant and nder the slogan ‘Export your the US. At a later stage she extended her low-income communities, translated Expertise’, Marla Gamoran has range to the UK, Europe and anywhere material, contributed to websites and Uestablished ‘Skilled Volunteers where Jews of the right age and with developed school curricula, to name but for Israel’, a nonprofit organisation aimed appropriate skills were to be found. With a few of the projects Marla’s association at bringing professionals from the US little professional help, she has produced has sponsored. and the UK to volunteer in their area of a brochure illustrating and delineating To date, about 25 volunteers have expertise for a limited time in Israel. The the work of the organization. The official been placed in a wide range of projects, organisation was set up in 2010, when website, http://skillvolunteerisrael.org, organisations and institutions in Israel Marla found there was no specific outlet for gives a long list of the various fields in and for varying lengths of time, usually of people born between 1946 and 1964 - ‘baby which volunteers can use their skills. at least one month. Future plans include boomers’ who are now nearing retirement In the event, no major Jewish bringing such volunteers to Israel in age. In many cases, these individuals feel organisation was prepared to back the the framework of a group rather than that as well as still being able to make a project, but that did not deter the energetic as isolated individuals. The financing of contribution to society, they would also like Marla and she continued to concentrate each volunteer’s trip is undertaken by to do something for Israel. The organisation on what she calls ‘building relationships the individual him- or herself, but the seeks to match volunteers with appropriate of mutual benefit’. Fortunately, Marla connections in Israel and social support projects in Israel’s nonprofit sector, where was able to obtain seed money from an network are provided by Marla and her their skills can be used in tackling issues individual donor, thereby enabling her team. affecting society at large. to set up an office with a secretary in Thus, this enterprising and enthusiastic Using contacts, the internet, rabbis Israel. In the US she does all the work young woman has created an entirely new and any medium she could find, Marla set herself. She found that it was possible field that enables retired professionals to about making connections with various to undertake marketing by making use volunteer and support Israel, providing a Jewish organisations and groups, initially of social networks, emissaries and other rewarding and satisfying experience for in New York, but later in other parts of suitable channels. all concerned.

 letters to the editor cont. from p.7 www.ajr.org.uk/kindersurvey). He had LAST ‘WINTON TRAIN’ Hospital in London’s East End. Many given enough data about his father, Kurt, DOCUMENTARY patients were Jewish and were the most to find other Kinder who indicated in their Sir – We are researching a documentary wonderful and generous people I have survey response that they too arrived on 13 for the German public TV channel ZDF had the good fortune to nurse. At that June 1939 on the Europa and were taken about the last ‘Winton train’ that never time, I had never tasted – let alone heard to Barham House boys’ camp, near Ipswich. left Prague on 1 September 1939. Of of – smoked salmon. Patients’ relatives In fact, 25 Kinder who had completed special interest are the children who used to provide nurses with, among the survey had been at Barham House as were due to leave on that train but were other things, sandwiches of rye bread and their first reception camp. Aged between unable to do so. We would be grateful salmon. Delicious – a food I still enjoy, 7 and 15, none of them unfortunately for any documents that could identify though now, alas, it never tastes as good mentioned their ship’s name, but 2 (a these children and those who tried to as then. I knew little then of the history of 13-year-old and a 15-year-old) said they get them out. the Jewish people and they have always departed from Bremerhaven on 12 and James Pastouna, been remarkable in their resilience to 13 June. One of these came from Berlin Ulrich Stoll, Berlin, wrong-doing. and completed the survey in California; tel +49 30 2099-1285, Marian McNulty, the other was from Hamburg and lived email [email protected] Newport, Gwent in Stroud, England, when he filled in the survey form. RESILIENCE TO WRONG-DOING A GOOD HOME FOR GERMAN- Over 1,000 Kinder from around the Sir – Recently as I listened to Mark Tulley’s LANGUAGE BOOKS world responded to this survey and programme on Sunday morning on Sir – The Wiener Library and the Depart- provided searchable data that allow anyone Radio 4, a poem by Lotte Kramer was ment of German at the University of Lon- with an interest in the Kindertransport to read. I believe it was called ‘A Tablecloth don are grateful recipients as long as one find people and facts in this unique and Unravelled'. I wonder if there is any way can arrange for volunteers to transport publicly accessible databank. of locating this wondrous poem. the books to them. Tom Heinersdorff, Incidentally, in the late 1970s I Julia Iskandar and Jack Scott, London N2 undertook a nursing course at the Chest London, NW11

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