German-Jewish Refugees and German Public Service Broadcasting

VOLume 15 NO.7 JULY 2015 journal The Association of Jewish Refugees

German-Jewish refugees and German public service broadcasting ne of the most successful Perry, a native speaker of German, was institutions established by the the station announcer; his duties included Allies in occupied Germany after introducing British and American war 1945O was the system of public service reporters who were making broadcasts from broadcasting that originated in the British Radio Hamburg, both for local audiences Zone of Occupation and was subsequently and to be picked up for onward transmission. extended to the rest of the country. It An added irony was that Perry found himself was no accident that this development, broadcasting from the same microphone that crucial to the creation of a functioning only two days previously the notorious Nazi democracy in post-Hitler Germany, was propagandist William Joyce, known as Lord started by the British, for in the BBC Britain Haw-Haw, had used for his final broadcast. possessed the model of a broadcasting service The irony was compounded when Perry independent of governments, political subsequently came across Joyce in woods parties and commercial interests. outside Flensburg, shot him in the backside Less well-known is the part played by when he made to escape, and took him German-Jewish refugees in this transfer prisoner. Joyce was executed for high treason of a quintessentially British institutional on 3 January 1946. structure to occupied Germany. Some Walter Eberstadt was born in Frankfurt in had been involved in the BBC’s radio 1921, into a banking family that had moved broadcasts to Germany during the war; to Hamburg in 1930. He came to England others contributed to the creation of the very Walter Albert Eberstadt in 1935 to be educated at Tonbridge School first public service broadcasting organisations (Major Everitt), 1921-2014 and then at Christ Church, Oxford, where in post-war Germany, often while on active his studies were interrupted by internment service with the British forces. Among Findlay, who had been a senior engineer at in 1940. Like Geoffrey Perry, he joined the the latter were Geoffrey Perry and Walter the BBC, the target was Radio Hamburg Pioneer Corps and was commissioned as an Eberstadt. Geoffrey Perry (obituary, AJR and the city’s newspaper offices, subsequently officer, serving with the Oxfordshire and Journal, November 2014) was born Horst extended to all the newspaper offices in Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (the ‘Ox Pinschewer in Berlin in 1922. He followed Schleswig-Holstein, from Hamburg north and Bucks’) in Normandy, where he was his elder brother Joachim Pinschewer (Peter to the Danish border. When Hamburg was wounded in action in August 1944. Back Perry) to Britain in 1936, to be educated at surrendered to the British on 3 May 1945, in Britain, he underwent training for one Buxton College in Derbyshire. After leaving Lieven, Findlay and Perry made straight of the Information Control Units set up school in 1938, Geoffrey Perry set out on for Radio Hamburg and, with the support in the latter part of the war to control the a career as a press photographer, but the of troops attached to T Force, took it press, publishing and broadcasting in what outbreak of war put paid to his position as over. Perry was immediately dispatched to was to be the British Zone of Germany, and a staff photographer on the Daily Mirror. In find the station’s transmitter, which could was sent to join the psychological warfare July 1940, he was interned for four months, easily be destroyed and without which the division of SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters until he enlisted in the Pioneer Corps. He station could not function. He located the Allied Expeditionary Force) at Radio was commissioned as an officer in October transmitter in the suburb of Moorfleet, took Luxembourg. Shortly after the end of the 1943 and sent to Normandy with his unit some of T Force’s soldiers, plus the chief war in Europe, he returned to Hamburg, in July 1944. engineer of Radio Hamburg to show him the the city from which he had been forced to Towards the end of the war, as part of way, and occupied the transmitter. flee ten years earlier, with No. 4 Information the planning for their post-war Zone of Radio Hamburg had ceased broadcasting Control Unit, which was to operate the city’s Occupation, the British made preparations at 10.26 am on 3 May 1945 and the British radio station. to take over the German media. Lieutenant had taken it over at 10 am on 4 May. At 7 pm Eberstadt, though not yet 25 years old, Perry, who had informed the authorities of his on 4 May, the station went back on air, under played an important part in laying the interest in this, joined the special unit known Allied military control. An announcement to foundations for the radio station, which as T Force (‘T’ for Target) that was tasked this effect was broadcast and Lt-Col. Lieven became Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk with preserving Germany’s infrastructure; in then handed the microphone to Geoffrey (NWDR) in September 1945; based in his case, along with his commanding officer, Perry, who proceeded to make what was Hamburg, it also had a transmitter in Lieutenant-Colonel Lieven, a Canadian who effectively the first Allied broadcast to the Cologne, thereby covering the entire British had worked as a newspaperman, and Major German people. For the next two days, continued on page 2  journal JULY 2015

 German-Jewish refugees and German public service broadcasting continued Zone. In 1956, NWDR was divided into talents in the service of the East German speech by Hitler, ‘Der Führer spricht’ (The Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), serving regime, on the notorious programme Der Führer Speaks), broadcast appropriately Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and schwarze Kanal. Eberstadt later emigrated to on 1 April 1940, still sounds hilariously Hamburg, and Westdeutscher Rundfunk the USA, where he died in 2014. accurate. Humour was one of the principal (WDR), serving North Rhine-Westphalia. The British contribution to the creation weapons deployed by the German Service The model established by Eberstadt and his of the (West) German broadcasting system to undermine enemy morale. The Features colleagues has thus survived to the present has not received the acknowledgement it Section, headed by Walter Rilla, produced day: NDR now also serves Mecklenburg- deserves, remaining largely unknown to series like ‘Frau Wernicke’ and ‘Kurt Vorpommern, the northern part of the the public in both Germany and Britain. und Willi’, scripted by Bruno Adler, or former East Germany. Eberstadt had Nevertheless, in 2002 the Research Centre Robert Lucas’s long-running series of letters changed his name, returning to Hamburg for German and Austrian Studies held a three- supposedly written by a particularly dim as Captain Walter Everitt, but had retained day conference in London entitled ‘“Stimme German soldier, Gefreiter Adolf Hirnschal his knowledge of German and of Germans, der Wahrheit” [Voice of Truth]: German- (Corporal Adolf Brainshallow), to his wife. enabling him to make shrewd choices of Language Broadcasting by the BBC’. The This was, one might say, a prelude to the personnel as the station was increasingly conference proceedings were published institutional interaction between the BBC turned over to German-speaking staff. in 2003, as volume 5 of the Yearbook of and Germany in the years after 1945. Though he had perforce to man the new the Research Centre, edited by Charmian Anthony Grenville station with Germans who had lived in Brinson and Richard Dove. Among the Germany throughout the Nazi years, he was conference speakers were two of the greatest able to select those whose views had made German experts on the subject: the late Special KT Lunch them unsympathetic to the regime or those Jens Brüning contributed a detailed and Wednesday 9 September 2015 whose conversion to democracy was genuine. knowledgeable piece on the BBC as a model Knowing that he had to work with people for German post-war broadcasting, while at New North London who were to some extent compromised by Hans-Ulrich Wagner, the doyen of German Synagogue their past, Everitt interrogated potential staff scholars in this field, spoke on the role of Guest speaker: Barbara Winton members searchingly; his natural acumen the ‘London-Remigranten’, the refugees Please join us for a special KT Lunch enabled him to enlist men of the stature who returned from Britain to Germany, in on Wednesday 9 September at the New of Jürgen Schüddekopf and Peter Bamm. the history of West German broadcasting. North London Synagogue, 80 East End Road, Finchley N3. We are delighted Among those with whom he worked in Wagner has recently published a further that Barbara Winton, daughter of Hamburg were such future star reporters article entitled ‘Repatriated Germans and the Sir Nicholas Winton, will be our and broadcasters as Axel Eggebrecht and “British Spirit”’ in the journal Media History, guest speaker. Peter von Zahn, names to conjure with in accessible online at http://www.tandfonline. Barbara will be talking about her the German media world of the post-war com/eprint/8nyzjfCvegUSX5Fj8zr4/full father’s remarkable achievements and signing copies of her book decades. Everitt’s aim was to democratise and The German Service of the BBC used If It’s Not Impossible … The Life of civilianise German society, to convince his refugees to remarkably good effect in its Sir Nicholas Winton. German staff that they were not working for wartime broadcasting to Nazi Germany: We are also delighted that some of the the British but were involved in laying the the actor Martin Miller’s parody of a Year 6 pupils from Akiva School will be foundations for a democratic Germany for in attendance to meet you and Barbara. themselves and their fellow citizens. Everitt Please strongly encourage your families to accompany you for this unique also played a key part in the broadcasts made NORTHERN REGIONAL gathering. by Hamburg’s first post-war mayor, Rudolf LEEDS NB: The KT Lunch will be at the regular Petersen, which helped to shore up morale venue at Alyth Synagogue for the August in the dark days of post-war hunger and TUESDAY 21 JULY 2015 and October meetings. shortages. He did, however, also take on Our keynote speaker will be Karl-Eduard von Schnitzler, who defected Dr James Smith, to the Soviet Zone, where he employed his Co-Founder of the Beth Shalom National Holocaust Centre and Museum, who will speak on AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman ‘Cultural Genocide: Did the World 10-DAY VISIT TO ISRAEL Finance Director Learn from the Destruction of David Kaye NOVEMBER 2015 Germany’s Jews?’ The AJR is considering organising a Heads of Department 10-day trip to Israel in early November Karen Markham Human Resources & Administration The day will include refreshments Sue Kurlander Social Services this year. The cost of the visit is not yet Carol Hart Community & Volunteer Services and lunch, discussion groups and an decided. opportunity to meet and socialise with AJR Journal friends old and new. Carol Rossen will be Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor accompanying the trip. Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisements For full details and an application form, If you would like to join the trip, please contact please contact Views expressed in the AJR Journal are not Wendy Bott on 07908 156365 or at necessarily those of the Association of Jewish Lorna Moss on 020 8385 3070 or at Refugees and should not be regarded as such. [email protected] [email protected] as soon as possible.

2 JULY 2015 journal 17-21 MAY: FIVE MEMORABLE DAYS NORTH OF THE BORDER

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 warm welcome awaited AJR A good night’s sleep and an excellent May 19 was the 76th anniversary of my members travelling from London breakfast and we were ready for the coming to England so it was a special A King’s Cross. Susan, Hazel and first day of our Scotland journey. The pleasure to spend it in the company of Kathryn ensured we were safely installed in coach tour of Glasgow brought home fellow AJR members. our seats on board the ‘Flying Scotsman’. to us what an elegant city Glasgow has The highlight of the day for me was Speeding northwards, we had time become. Interesting modern architecture visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia. To tread to enjoy views of the countryside and is intermingled with attractive 19th and in the footsteps of royalty was a novel make the acquaintance of our travelling early 20th century buildings emphasising experience – rounded off by tea and cake companions. A change of train at the wealth of the city. on deck. Edinburgh and we continued on to Any visit to Glasgow must include This was preceded by a sight-seeing Glasgow. Agnes, Jim and Myrna greeted us Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the tour of Edinburgh. What a beautiful city on arrival and had arranged refreshments. most visited museum in the UK outside we found – the Castle, Holyrood Palace Within the hour, we were at Glasgow London. My personal highlight was the and the Waverley memorial to Sir Walter Reform Synagogue in Newton Mearns, Salvador Dali painting Christ of Saint John Scott. Then it was on to view the new where we were received with traditional of the Cross, a rather mysterious work. parliament building with its intriguing Scottish hospitality: a piper at the door to An excellent lunch in the museum modernity both inside and out. Whether herald our arrival and a wonderfully warm café fortified us for a tour of Kibble it pleases the eye is something to ponder. welcome to a four-course dinner, music Palace and Botanic Gardens. By this time, Over dinner I enjoyed the company and Scottish dancing made the evening a mid-afternoon, the sun was out and we of an old London friend I hadn’t seen memorable start to our holiday. enjoyed its warmth, seated on one of for at least 12 years. It certainly was an Meticulous planning by the organisers, the numerous benches overlooking the outstanding day. regional co-ordinators and social workers colourful floral displays. Meta Roseneil accompanying the party ensured that An excellent dinner at La Bonne the programme of cultural and leisure Auberge, the hotel’s restaurant, concluded activities was enjoyed by all. a highly interesting day of our tour. Dorothea Lipton Ernest Simon

Day 4 the village shop and a simple church to Pollok Golf Course. As usual, the team at AJR put together a with lovely windows. From the village we The second group had a brief tour of fascinating trip for our annual ‘bash’. It boarded a boat for a conducted cruise the world-acclaimed Burrell Collection was good to chat with others of similar around the Loch. Then it was back to the within the grounds of Pollok Country Park. backgrounds from different parts of the UK. hotel for a short break and off to dinner Sir William Burrell, a shipping magnate, The day started with a ‘wee dram’ of at Mark’s Deli, which served a traditional built up a unique collection over 70 years the traditional drink of Scotland, whiskey. Jewish meal as good as in any London and donated it to the people of Glasgow The bus took us to Auchentoshan Distillery, restaurant. We all appreciated the hard in 1944. The collection comprises amazing where, after a tasting, we were given work the AJR ladies had put in to make it stained glass windows, rare sculptures, explanations as to how the drink was an enjoyable and memorable day. Impressionist paintings, rare pottery, made and matured. From the Distillery Bob Norton tapestries and antiquities originating in the bus took us for lunch to Duck Bay China, Japan and Egypt. Marina, a beautiful hotel on the banks of Day 5 One morning wasn’t enough to see Loch Lomond. On Thursday morning we split into two these two wonderful places. After lunch we were driven to Luz, a groups. One group had a guided tour of We finished the tours by meeting delightful Conservation Village. Here we Pollok House, a National Trust building together and having a delicious lunch in could admire the small stone cottages once owned by the Maxwell family. The the converted kitchens at Pollok House. with picturesque and colourful gardens, house is set in beautiful gardens, adjacent Lynda and Robin Gilmore

3 journal JULY 2015 LOOTED ART IN THE GDR he Nazis were not the only people had no real say in this matter either. in Germany who looted works of Precisely what became of the Tart from Jewish and other families. cottage and artworks following the This was also the case in East Germany abovementioned meeting remains after the Second World War. The result unclear but in 1997 Susanne heard for is that some German citizens who the first time of the existence of the purchased works of art from galleries Darss Museum in Prerow, which she and auction houses in the post-war thought might be another name for years may have inadvertently acquired the Schäfer-Ast Museum. On making items that were misappropriated from enquiries, she was surprised to discover their rightful owners. that the Schäfer-Ast-Haus was not being In 1951 my late wife Susanne used as a museum at all but was being inherited many paintings and drawings rented out to a tenant and that the from her father, the artist, cartoonist Darss Museum had no knowledge of and illustrator Albert Schäfer-Ast, who the whereabouts of the artworks. had died in Weimar that year at the Susanne died in March 2002 aged age of 61. In addition to the artworks, 75 and, despite having made many Susanne inherited cash deposited in other enquiries during the 1990s, a number of bank accounts as well she was never able to obtain any as a timber-built holiday cottage in Albert Schäfer-Ast in 1933 information about what had become of Ostseebad Prerow on the Baltic coast. her inheritance. She received absolutely As her mother, Steffie, was Jewish, confirmed as the sole living heir and nothing from it other than some small Susanne had been sent to England as had engaged a London-based lawyer royalties from books of drawings a Kindertransport refugee, aged 12, (Rechtsanwalt), Dr Rudolf Munster, published in Germany’s western zone of in May 1939. Steffie, who was also an to oversee the work of the occupation after the death of her father. artist, had followed later that year on a Nachlassverwalter in the administration In 2007, however, I was amazed to domestic permit, which meant that she of the Schäfer-Ast estate. Dr Munster discover that – far from being under had had to work in the UK as a domestic therefore appointed a second German the watchful eye of the municipality in servant. Albert, who was not Jewish, Nachlassverwalter – who, I believe, Prerow – the paintings and drawings had stayed in Germany. carried out his duties in an exemplary that had been in the control of the From the early 1920s until his death, manner – but in 1960 he too fled to last Nachlassverwalter in the 1960s Albert was widely known in Germany the West. had somehow been disposed of by not only for his cartoons and humorous The third and last Nachlassverwalter, him in the 1970s and that for more drawings but also for his book also appointed by Dr Munster, was than 30 years many, if not all of them, illustrations and watercolour studies of, a resident of Eisenach and is known had seemingly been in the possession inter alia, flowers, birds and insects. For to have had custody of a very large of a fellow resident of Eisenach or much of this time he was engaged as a number of Albert’s paintings and his descendants. Full details of this freelance artistic advisor and illustrator drawings, plus furniture and other transaction, including which pictures by the major Berlin-based publishing possessions. Very little is known of his changed hands, the amounts of money house Ullstein Verlag, proprietors of a activities but, following the building of involved and the relationship between number of newspapers, including the the Berlin Wall in 1961, communication the Nachlassverwalter and his associate Berliner Morgenpost, and publishers of between him and Dr Munster seems to in Eisenach, were, and are, unknown. a wide range of books and periodicals. have become increasingly difficult and On receiving news of this transaction, Towards the end of his life, after to have broken down completely in the I asked a Berlin lawyer if there was any the Second World War, Albert was early 1960s. possibility of recovering the artworks appointed Professor of Drawing at At a meeting with Dr Munster in that were now known to exist in what is now the Bauhaus University in 1962 or 1963, Susanne was told that Eisenach, but I was told that because Weimar. there appeared to be no possibility the transaction had apparently taken Since Albert died intestate, the of settling anything in the GDR in a place more than 30 years previously, the court in Weimar initially appointed satisfactory manner in the foreseeable – as I now know disputed – statute of an employee of the university as an future. (The removal of any assets such limitations in Germany meant that any administrator (Nachlassverwalter) of the as cash or artworks from the GDR possible legal action was ‘time-barred’. Schäfer-Ast estate. Among other duties, was at that time prohibited.) Susanne Also, the lawyer discovered that the this gentleman compiled an inventory therefore assented to a proposal that, Nachlassverwalter responsible for this of all the artworks that had been left for the time being, Albert’s cottage action had died in 1982. in Albert’s cottage in Prerow and in in Prerow should be used by the local So there the matter rested – until his flat in Weimar. The list comprises authority as the Schäfer-Ast Museum – in November 2012 I was informed by some 1,500 watercolour paintings and at least this is what she was told would a Schäfer-Ast enthusiast that a large drawings plus around 500 lithographs, happen. I think she also believed that number of the artist’s paintings and etchings and other artworks. The Albert’s artworks would be retained by drawings were now being offered for Nachlassverwalter left for West Berlin. the municipality, either in the Schäfer- sale on the internet. On checking the By the late 1950s, Susanne had been Ast Museum or elsewhere, though she continued on page 5 

4 JULY 2015 journal Bergen-Belsen Memorial Day aving served the service, which was in Germany also attended by HRH Hduring the Cold The Duke of Gloucester War and being aware and German President of the treatment of Joachim Gauck, my mother and her members of the nearby family in Germany in Hannover Jewish the period leading community, and Jewish up to and during the youth leaders. A British war, I decided in my veteran who had capacity as an AJEX been in the regiment standard-bearer to that liberated Belsen visit the concentration was present too and camp site and take was interviewed by part in this year’s German TV news – for ceremonies to mark his age he was doing the 70th anniversary remarkably well. Due of its liberation. to the service over- I arrived on the day running from the in a drizzle which made The Duke of Gloucester and German President Joachim Gauck lay flowers at a morning event, the mourning wall during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation the event even more of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp Jewish memorial sombre as people service began late but without umbrellas were huddled back of the camp site for the other everyone waited patiently. together for shelter. In one way, faiths, colours, political views and Following the ceremonies at it was comforting to see strangers sexual orientations, reached by a Belsen, courtesy buses were laid on getting close to one another for stone path winding its way past to take visitors to Hohne Garrison a common event. In another way, mounds of earth which marked for a lunch in the great ballroom at I myself – with no umbrella – the places where the open pits had the Round House. The troops still felt we should be braving the been filled with bodies, some too stationed in Hohne acted as hosts elements with heads bowed stoically numerous to count. These had been and took care of visitors’ parking and respectfully towards the prior used only because the process of and moving around. Due to the occupants of the concentration taking small groups into the forest, return of troops from Germany, the camp. Those inmates would have making them dig their graves and camp is due, in a couple of months, had to endure such extremes that shooting them to fill the graves had to be handed back to the Germans we – for once – could have/should been too slow. Even in the nearby from whom it was captured. The have cast aside our comforts and Hohne Garrison camp, during the camp played an important role attempted to connect to the feelings Cold War troops were told not to dig for Belsen survivors as they were they must have had toiling in the in the grounds of the camp as it was taken from there and housed in rain with no protection or watching likely more bodies would be found the barracks, the ballroom being relatives being killed whilst standing buried beneath and they needed to made into a massive hospital and in the rain with no shelter. I almost remain undisturbed. recovery room. Unfortunately, many felt like telling people to put their Following the morning ceremony, survivors who saw liberation didn’t umbrellas away and endure – to be the Jewish contingent moved to see freedom until many years later strong as they tried to be. Are we – the Jewish memorial for a further and some died at the camp. They especially the survivors of the camps service, which was attended by ex- had no homes to come back to and and their surviving generations – so serving soldiers from the German, the process of finding family and soft that we don’t think twice about Dutch, American, Belgian, French and places to go to took time and some our own comforts and how lucky we British soldiers, some in uniform and felt resentment towards the British are to be here? some veterans in their blazers and hosts for keeping them there for The first ceremony of the morning representatives of AJEX. The Forces so long. was at the main memorial at the Padre, Rabbi Reuben Livingstone, took Daniel Millan

 Looted art in the GDR continued website, I realised that the works on art restitution cases, and I subsequently ideal world, if I ever managed to recover offer were among those which had noticed that Albert’s artworks had been any of the paintings or drawings I would been misappropriated from Susanne’s removed from the internet site. wish to bring relatively few of them inheritance in the 1970s, but I felt at As of this date, these matters are to the UK for my family and would be that time that there was nothing I still sub judice, but from Dr Bischof I glad to donate the rest to a number of could do about this. However, some have learned that even if a legal claim museums and public art galleries, which time later, I was recommended to get should be ‘time-barred’, that may not I am sure is what Susanne herself would in touch with another Berlin lawyer, Dr necessarily be the end of the story. For have wanted. Ulf Bischof, who has special expertise in the moment, I can only say that, in an John Buck

5 journal JULY 2015 To attribute the motive of ‘social engineering’ to the construction of an eruv is to imply a political dark side to its purpose that is misleading, malevolent and damaging to harmonious communal relations. Mr Phillips would do well to familiarise himself with the needs of a Modern Orthodox community, which adds value to the community at large, rather than suggesting the facilities they require are a The Editor reserves the right cause of anti-Semitism. The causes of anti- to shorten correspondence Semitism are ignorance and prejudice not submitted for publication communal tolerance and accommodation. David Kaye, Pinner, Middx

Sir – Peter Phillips raises issues regarding the RECOGNITION OF CONTRIBUTION OF FORMER JEWISH REFUGEES establishment of the Bushey eruv. They are TO THE WAR EFFORT not new and are a small storm in a teacup which soon passes. Sir – Helen Fry (May) has rightly raised same emotions overtook me during the In Barnet we have an eruv despite all the the question of what might be done to recent anniversary commemorations, for issues mentioned in his letter – plus several ensure that the substantial contribution of unfortunately my foreboding later turned more. The Borough of Barnet, or certain former Jewish refugees to the war effort out to be justified. areas of it, has not become an enclave of is remembered. The question is far from Leslie Baruch Brent, London N19 Ultra-Orthodoxy: the eruv raised no extra rhetorical: the Kindertransport Newsletter anti-Semitism nor involved any ’social (surprisingly) published a scandalous Sir – I read with great interest Helen Fry’s engineering’ – whatever that means in this letter last year from an unknown and suggestion that there should be some context. There was a fear of bird massacres clearly demented or malicious contributor form of monumental memorial to the because of the wires – but none has been who accused Jewish refugees of having refugees from the Third Reich who served reported (what of telephone or electric shunned wartime service in the armed in so many different ways with the British cables?). Certain rabbis in the area opposed forces and of being, ipso facto, unpatriotic. forces during the Second World War. it and still do, but purely on halachic I responded vigorously by denying this My father, Richard Lehniger, of mixed grounds; individuals can choose whether to false accusation and demanded to know Czech- and German-Jewish heritage and use it or not. It is a great sight to see children what his contribution to the war effort had Czechoslovak nationality, was one such. being wheeled especially to synagogue, and been. There was no response. He lost his life in a Special Boat Service raid adults in wheelchairs can now be taken for Helen Fry has, of course, published a on the Normandy coast in 1942. services and visits. book covering this topic but she is right In many ways the best memorial to Finally, it is not the eruv that attracts in suggesting that we should think of these soldiers is in the many publications people – though it might some – but the a more permanent way of honouring of Helen Fry, one of which contains an expanding Jewish communities of Bushey, those who volunteered to serve in the account of my father’s contribution. Barnet and elsewhere wanting liberation armed forces during the war. There were I do think, however, that a memorial on Shabbat. indeed a great many of us, and some monument of the kind Dr Fry proposes Bernd Koschland, London NW4 lost their lives. (Others served the country is highly desirable and I wonder whether well in important civilian occupations.) A the AJR will consider giving formal support ANTI-SEMITISM NEVER FAR AWAY memorial, preferably in a place like Hyde to this proposal. I would only add to her Sir – I’d like to congratulate you on two Park or some other central London locality, suggestion that it should not be confined articles in particular in the June issue of the would be a good way of achieving this. to those of German and Austrian origin Journal. First is Anthony Grenville’s excellent Maybe the AJR could take this up with the but to all refugees from the Third Reich. overview of expressions of anti-Semitism and Holocaust Commission or, preferably, with Irene Walters, London N8 prejudice in the last few months, to remind the Prime Minister himself. Prince Charles us that though prejudice against minorities might well wish to support such a move. ‘SOCIAL ENGINEERING’ may not be directed at Jews, its articulation All the recent rejoicings when Sir – Peter Phillips’s comments (June) means that anti-Semitism is never far away. commemorating VE Day left me, relating to the Bushey eruv as ‘social I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking that paradoxically, in a strangely sombre and engineering’ to tempt Orthodox Jews are political hostility towards Ed Miliband was depressed frame of mind. The reason misguided and misinformed. expressed sometimes in terms very close to was that it cast my mind back 70 years There are many modern Shabbat- anti-Semitism, especially in what my parents’ when, on the VE Day, I – by then a young observing Jews whose lives are significantly generation used to call the ‘gutter press’. infantry officer about to be dispatched to enhanced by the erecting of an eruv, which The second excellent article is that by Italy – happened to be passing through allows them to carry and push buggies on Edith Argy entitled ‘Vive la différence’, giving London at the end of my leave. I found Shabbat thereby enjoying a full communal thanks for the presence of immigrants today, myself surrounded by a wildly euphoric, life on that day. especially in the NHS and London’s transport celebrating crowd, some of them distinctly That is the prime purpose of an eruv. system. I find it incongruous that individuals inebriated. A few days earlier I had While Jewish communities should be free who owe their lives to policies in the past of been to the cinema and had seen the to provide facilities to support all levels of accepting refugees should turn their backs horrendous Pathé News report on the observance, there is no evidence in favour today on those in similar situations. liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration of a ‘social engineering’ motive: Ultra- With regard to Peter Phillips’s relief at camp. I was nearly sick at what I saw and, Orthodox Jews – I assume Mr Phillips means the outcome of the recent general election, for the first time, I had the most awful the Chasidic and Charedi communities – do I presume he never expects to be poor, ill, foreboding about the fate of my family in not seem to be enticed into areas simply unemployed, homeless or old. Otherwise Germany. It is hardly surprising that I was because Modern Orthodox communities he would no doubt have voted differently. unable to share in the euphoria – and the have constructed an eruv. Gaby Weiner, Lewes

6 JULY 2015 journal Sir – Further to Edith Argy’s report that she resurrected and has continued to this day. ten years to try and give its citizens a saw only white faces during a recent visit In 2014 the company celebrated 75 years as night’s sleep. It has been verified by foreign to Augsburg, Germany, I have found this a well-known international family trading journalists that the rockets were fired from to be equally true in Poland. I have been company. In the decades and up to this day within civilian areas – that is how much one of the survivors accompanying the there have been three generations of family Hamas cares for its citizens! No mention 200-strong British contingent to Poland on members active in the business, which of the tunnels built with bricks and mortar the annual March of the Living. I continue began with one man and one cherished supplied by Israel for houses to be built in to be surprised by the absence of non-white English-speaking refugee secretary and now Gaza - tunnels certainly not intended to be faces on the streets, in the shops, among counts over 40 people – and this in the age used for a friendly visit. hotel staff – indeed anywhere in Warsaw, of computers! As for including Hamas in peace Lublin, Crakow and smaller cities and villages I am sure there are other 1930s refugees negotiations, this would make a mockery we visit. The situation was as true this April with similar business histories – not to of peace when they have openly stated that as it was during my first March in 2012. mention contributions by them to the their final aim is the destruction of Israel. Eve Kugler, London N3 arts, sciences, education, economics and As for occupied territory, a German film international diplomacy – to mention but director said to me that his parents came SCOTLAND THE AJR WAY a few at random. Their contribution to from a part of Germany that became Poland Sir – The luggage taken care of from home the British economy is even greater than after the war but, if you are the aggressor, to hotel room – what bliss! The pouring rain realised. you have to bear the consequences. just beginning in tune with the bagpipes Nina Hofman, Lugano, Switzerland Israel was attacked soon after its playing in the synagogue no less! Well, now foundation and had to defend itself and I have experienced it all …. Sir – I should like to add my memories to secure its borders. Leaving the rain and bagpipes behind, those of Peter Briess – no less illustrious I remember Mr Kinnock looking at the for me the trip went from one memorable albeit a little late .... Golan Heights and saying you can never give experience to another and, judging by the My mother, Hilde Galton, opened her this up – you would be shot at every day. noise level emanating whilst food was being flower shop, Galton Flowers, in Golders Sometimes the aim of security might served, it was not only the food that was Green in 1948. Her shop in Berlin was go a little too far but, if you have suffered enjoyed but the company too. I certainly did. destroyed on Kristallnacht after we as a a number of terrorist attacks, it is hard to Thank you, Susan and Agnes, and all family of four managed to get out to arrive find a balance. who helped to make your meticulous in the UK in April 1939. I trained in floristry Gisela Feldman, Manchester planning and hard work the success that I in Switzerland and later carried on the was privileged to be part of. business here. Sir – What a letter by Ms Salinger! She June Wertheim, Esher, Surrey We knew the parents of Peter Briess should follow the example of J. D. Salinger, very well – they were regular customers, as the author of The Catcher in the Rye, and Sir – We would like to put on record our were Fred and Carola Weldon and Lord and become a recluse and not publish anything. grateful appreciation of the excellent five- Lady Kissin. I spent many happy teatimes in Of course the IDF was aware of the risk day trip to Scotland, beautifully planned and Richoux in Golders Green, which, I think, was to civilians in the Gaza conflict. More often organised by your staff. Susan Harrod did the first of the chain (in those days, Golders than not, warnings were issued to civilians an amazing job of ensuring that everything Green Road was like Bond Street!). to vacate schools and privately occupied went like clockwork. She was extremely well There are many more names I could houses, where Hamas kept its rockets etc. supported by your teams from Stanmore add to the list that are personal to us – That these warnings were not heeded is and Leeds and, of course, by Agnes and among them Helmut Rothenberg and his Hamas’s fault. colleagues in Glasgow. family, Freddie Knoller, whose daughter Ms Salinger’s statement that the There was a really good spirit of friendship had a boutique a few doors away from Palestinian Authority needs a willing partner among the participants. We sincerely hope ours, Sir Ralph and Lady Zahava Kohn, in peace negotiations is laughable. The that it may be possible to repeat this Lucie Rie (ceramist), the family Battsek, Sigi well-known saying – that the Palestinians experience some time in the future. and Muriel Nissel (he late of the Amadeus never missed an opportunity to miss an Anita and Ernest Simon, Pinner, Middx String Quartet), and Lord Ludwig Schon opportunity – is rather apt. The IDF is (chemicals). there to defend Israel and it has always ‘THE JOYS OF ADS’ These were all loyal customers who performed admirably and in a far more Sir – Our friend Peter Briess’s thoughtful then became friends and we are privileged humane manner than, I believe, any other letter in May impels me to add some facts on to have played a significant part in their army would have done. one of the refugee companies he mentions. family weddings, celebrations and religious Janos Fisher, Bushey Heath Gee Lawson Ltd was not founded by Max events, all within the realm of flowers. Sir – Your correspondent Caroline Salinger Hofman but by my father Arthur Sterne and Their contribution to the UK – and to our seems to promote some interesting ideas. ably taken over on his retirement by Max, his wellbeing – cannot be measured. She suggests that had the Hamas son-in-law. Our son is the third generation of My mother died in 2003 but Galton rockets achieved their intended purpose management. Arthur founded the company Flowers is still going strong – attending to of murdering a few thousand Israelis, she in October 1939 after the usual six months’ the floral requirements of the offspring! She would be happy that proportionality had wait for a work permit together with Gustav would be so pleased. been achieved. Lawson, grandfather of Chancellor of the Your magazine is great – took it over after I would nevertheless like her to clarify Exchequer Nigel and great-grandfather of my mother died – and is so interesting and whether the Israeli casualties would all have Nigella of haute cuisine fame. The rules informative. to have been religious Jews or just plain, at the time were that foreigners were Brita Wolf, London NW3 conti ordinary Jews and would any Christians, not allowed to be company directors, Bedouins or oppressed Palestinian Muslims hence Gustav as a naturalised Briton was ISRAEL AND GAZA also qualify in her arithmetic? nominated and Arthur – ever the optimist Sir – I am saddened to read Caroline Salinger’s Ms Salinger is also in favour of the – was the export manger within six weeks view (May) on the Israeli-Gaza situation. Israeli government including Hamas in the of the Second World War being declared. Israel forcibly evacuated Gaza to return it to negotiations for the future of the area. Their tiny office in Finsbury Circus was the Palestinians. The reward was Hamas and Given that the group currently ruling Gaza burnt out in the great Docklands and rockets fired on innocent civilians. have clearly and repeatedly, in Arabic as City fires on 29 December 1940 but was No other country would have waited continued on page 16 

7 journal JULY 2015

jumble of hairy legs emerges from red shorts in an apparent rugby tackle by the well-known Academician Wolfgang REVIEWS Tillmans. Nearby, a more subtle image evokes Gauguin: Dancing in Solitude is a A century-long saga ART milky blend of shape and colour by Eileen THE LADY IN GOLD: THE Cooper RA. Tree No 7 by Academician EXTRAORDINARY TALE OF GUSTAV NOTES Tony Bevan in acrylic and charcoal swirls KLIMT’S MASTERPIECE, PORTRAIT OF attractively against its white background. ADELE BLOCH-BAUER GLORIA TESSLER A few figurative works share space with by Anne-Marie O’Connor abstracts, including Untitled (Watch), a New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 368 colourful acrylic on aluminium clock by pp. hardcover, ISBN 9780307265647 he fun starts at the entrance to Craig-Martin himself. Two subtle pieces nne-Marie O’Connor begins her the Royal Academy’s Summer by Mick Moon, Noon Fishing and Dawn monumental book with a Prologue Exhibition (to 16 August 2015). Fishing, are both visually and texturally Athat describes what happened at TThe sweeping staircase is coated in the end of the century-long saga about exciting. multi-coloured strips, painstakingly laid Jock McFadyen expands the landscape which she writes, when a young Los by Turner Prize nominee Jim Lambie. theme he curates in Room II to invite a Angeles attorney comes to Vienna’s Outside, on the Annenberg courtyard, Belvedere Palace ‘to lay claim to a broader depiction of Britain. Notable are painting he had spent years fighting for’. Conrad Shawcross’s contrasting steel the contrasts between a snowy landscape cloud-scape The Dappled Light of the Sun is bisected by a black path and another in more rollercoaster than cloud, promising which a massive white moon hovers over not sunshine but rain. a deep blue sky dwarfing tiny buildings. For several years the Summer While political messages are rare this Exhibition has been engorged with year, an imaginative narrative often takes random works shoved into every available over. Sculptures or two-dimensional space. Curator Michael Craig-Martin tries art works resemble sets for Harry Potter a different take: by painting the galleries or Game of Thrones – fantastical and magenta pink or turquoise, and putting threatening black, brooding shapes .… less on the walls, he has enabled visitors to McFadyen’s painting of Dungeness under a move freely around the space, in what he calm blue sky is nominated for the Charles describes as choreographing the exhibition Wollaston Award. around people. Grayson Perry’s huge tapestry of Julie The show won’t give you a specific and Rob, a strong but tender Asian couple, artistic direction for 2015 but it does open dominates one end of the room. Room IV, your eyes and mind to many different curated by David Remfry, examines the materials from which art can be made. texture of film and hair. I loved Amer Fort So there is no suspense in store For example, you can’t miss Matthew and Orange Yellow by Güler Ates, featuring for the reader as he or she proceeds through the three separate sections Darbyshire’s super-life-size statue in the the back of a woman veiled in orange in an Wohl Central Hall, made from purple and 80 (short) chapters of the book. old Indian fort. An untitled seated bronze Nevertheless, it is a gripping story, laying and yellow polycarbonate and steel and figure with a tray by Mimmo Paladino bearing the unbearable name Captcha bare in considerable detail aspects of the exemplifies the excellent sculptures this intellectual and artistic life of fin-de-siècle No. 11 (Doryphorus). It looks as though year. Playful bronze miniatures sit beside Vienna up until 1938. The first section it is made from CD boxes. Your eye is Antony Gormley’s heavy abstracts. also describes the intricate relations quickly drawn to Room III, where a But finally, to return to painting, I between the various sections comprising was struck by The Old House Dreams It Viennese society, focusing in particular Is Still There by Peter Messer – a tender on the several branches of the Bloch- image of a ghost building between trees Bauer family. The Bloch-Bauers played a prominent and shrubbery which have long covered role in society as wealthy patrons of the its traces. arts and it was Adele, the young wife Most of the 1,200-plus works in this of Ferdinand, who was the model for year’s Summer Exhibition will be on sale Klimt’s painting. The second part of the to the public. book relates – again in considerable, and often harrowing, detail – what became of the family and other Austrian Jews after the Anschluss, describing exactly how their homes, commercial enterprises, Annely Juda Fine Art stocks and shares, bank accounts and other property were stolen by the Nazis, 23 Dering Street aided and abetted by the Austrian (off New Bond Street) population and authorities. The author also relates how individuals were abused, Tel: 020 7629 7578 beaten, sent to concentration camps, Fax: 020 7491 2139 raped and murdered. A few of the descendants of the Bloch-Bauer family managed to survive, however, and that CONTEMPORARY is the key to what transpires in the last Grayson Perry Julie and Rob 2013 (Image: PAINTING AND SCULPTURE part of the book. Victoria Miro, London) The third and final section recounts

8 JULY 2015 journal the six-year legal battle undertaken by Those two Bloch-Bauer descendants, fast becoming obsolete, and his last an unknown American-Jewish attorney, Maria Altmann and Nelly Auersperg, bombing mission was over Berlin, the Randol Schoenberg, grandson of the were the leading figures in the legal limit of the aircraft’s operational range. composer, together with Maria Altmann, battle to reclaim the Klimt painting and, Disaster struck when his aircraft Adele’s niece, to regain ownership of the while not always in agreement with one was hit and, as fuel emptied, it proved painting from the Austrian authorities. another as to the best way to proceed, impossible to reach England. He was The author, who is a journalist, has both eventually benefited enormously (as forced to crash-land near Amsterdam used her professional skills to trace and did Randol Schoenberg), together with during the early hours of 8 September interview many of the surviving members several other Bloch-Bauer relatives. The 1941. The two rear gunners had of a once prosperous and extended picture was purchased for $135 million already bailed out: one was captured family. She has also spoken to officials at by one of American Jewry’s leading and the body of the other was never various levels of Austrian governmental, figures, Ronald Lauder, and now hangs found. Stevens and his navigator were judicial and art circles, presenting the in his Neue Galerie in New York. discovered by German soldiers and reader with a veritable smorgasbord As readers will be aware, Woman of taken prisoners of war. of facts and figures pertaining to the Gold, the British-American film of the During the next four long years myriad aspects of the complex litigation story, went on general release earlier Stevens was sent to a series of camps and emotional commitment of those this year after having been screened where rations were scarce. He always involved. in the Berlinale Special Galas section existed at great personal risk: had the As one reads the book the brilliant of the 65th Berlin International Film Germans ever learned his true identity, society of Vienna in the first third of the Festival. The World Jewish Congress he would have been tortured and twentieth century takes shape before (WJC) and The Weinstein Company summarily executed as a traitor. our eyes through the depictions of the announced that Academy Award-winner As it was, escaping became his raison painters, poets, writers and philosophers, Helen Mirren would receive the WJC d’être and his great advantage was many of them Jews, who were the flower Recognition Award for her portrayal of being a German in his own country. He of this society. Sigmund Freud, Alma Maria Altmann in the film and for helping was able to understand what the guards Mahler, Stefan Zweig, Gustav Klimt and to educate the public about the issues of said and his linguistic skills also enabled the painters of the Secession. Arthur Nazi-looted art. him to forge the vital documents needed Schnitzler and even Theodore Herzl Dorothea Shefer-Vanson when anyone broke free. grace the pages of the book with their Stevens was always recaptured presence, often situated in the cafés they Life of a heroic, if enigmatic, but, on the first occasion, he visited tended to frequent, whether in order to his hometown of Hanover, where he drink their morning coffee, play chess, man learned that his mother had committed read the newspapers or meet friends. ESCAPE, EVASION AND REVENGE: suicide in July 1939. Relatives gave food Reading this book with hindsight THE TRUE STORY OF A GERMAN- and money but he was later captured one’s heart sinks at the insistence of JEWISH RAF PILOT WHO BOMBED in Frankfurt. certain members of the Bloch-Bauer clan BERLIN AND BECAME A POW Having been recaptured after covering to remain in Vienna in order to retain by Marc H. Stevens 350 miles in a second successful escape, control of their possessions. While the Pen & Sword Aviation 2011, 223 pp. he was sent to Stalag Luft III, near Sagan, reader knows the inevitable fate that designed to make breakouts impossible. paperback, £12.99, ISBN 1-84884- awaits them – stripped of everything but Nevertheless, he helped to plan the lucky to be left alive at best, or shipped 554-5 ‘Great Escape’ and the ‘Wooden Horse’ off to a concentration camp in the worst ho could have imagined that escape, although he never got back to cases - we see how each individual does the brave RAF pilot who England himself. his or her best to retain every last vestige Wflew 22 combat After the war, when the of decency and honesty. Adele’s niece, operations before true nature of his exploits the newly-married Maria Altmann, is becoming a prisoner of came to light, Stevens reunited with her bridegroom when he war was in fact a German- was awarded a Military returns from months of starvation rations Jewish refugee on the run Cross. His commanding and hard labour in Dachau and the young from the police? officer said he acted with couple are obliged to conduct their lives Georg Franz Hein ‘conspicuous gallantry under the watchful eye of the Gestapo escaped Nazi persecution and went quite low agent who has ‘appropriated’ their by fleeing to England before dropping his apartment. They managed to escape in with his brother Erich to bombs’. just the clothes they were wearing (and continue his education. At the beginning of a concealed pair of diamond earrings) by Their wealthy family the Cold War Stevens using false papers and pretending they stayed in Hanover and served as a British spy were going to a dentist’s appointment. many relatives perished in before emigrating to Adele’s sister Luise managed to escape the Holocaust. Canada. There he married to Yugoslavia together with her husband Unfortunately, once and enjoyed a successful Viktor and their two children. The family he had finished school professional life starting as survived the Nazi occupation, although in London Georg was a personnel manager for not without considerable suffering, but soon in trouble. Having an aeroplane company. He after the war the Communist government squandered the remains of the family never told his Catholic wife or two sons under Tito took power and Viktor was fortune, he turned to crime to support of his Jewish origins. arrested for having been a ‘capitalist himself and ended up in Wormwood Stevens died in 1979 and was always who cooperated with the Nazis’ and Scrubs. reluctant to discuss the war with his summarily executed. His teenage But immediately war erupted, while son Marc, the author of this biography, daughter Nelly was permitted to visit out on licence and still a German citizen, who provides a painstaking and thrilling him in his prison cell on the night before the 20-year-old committed identity theft reconstruction of his brilliant father’s his execution. This harrowing experience and joined the RAF under the name of life. The book is meticulously researched overshadowed her whole life. Nelly Peter Stevens. He was chosen to train as and provides unique insight into an eventually emigrated to Canada, married a pilot and flew solo for the first time extremely courageous and heroic, if a member of the Austro-Hungarian in August 1940, six months later flying enigmatic, man. The story would make aristocracy, and became a leading figure combat aircraft. a very good film! in medical research. Stevens flew a Hampden, which was Janet Weston

9 journal JULY 2015 ‘THE LAST FAREWELL’: INAUGURATION OF KINDERTRANSPORT MEMORIAL IN HAMBURG

The statue sculpted by Frank Meisler in honour of the Kindertransport that was unveiled in Hamburg with the plaque that accompanies it

he AJR was delighted and town of Danzig/Gdansk. leader of the Kindertransport honoured to support the The AJR was represented at Organisation of Germany. ‘Also, Tinauguration of The Last the inauguration of the Hamburg about 500 children were sent Farewell, a statue sculpted by the statue by Sir Erich Reich, Chairman by their parents from northern internationally acclaimed artist of the AJR-Kindertransport Special Germany to England. Most of Frank Meisler, himself a Kind, in Interest Group, and staff members them came from Hamburg but Hamburg on 6 May. Andrea Goodmaker and Carol some were from Kiel, Jever, In 2006 Frank Meisler was Rossen. The monument was Bremen, Schwerin and Wismar. awarded the Freedom of the City unveiled by the Mayor of Hamburg, Their ages ranged from three of London in recognition of his Olaf Scholz. months to 17 years.’ From work producing a similar statue ‘After Berlin and Frankfurt, Hamburg the transports went by at Liverpool Street Station, where Hamburg was one of the hubs of the train to Rotterdam and from there he and hundreds of others arrived transportation,’ said Lisa Bechner, by ship to England. from Nazi-occupied Europe. He has also created monuments in Berlin, Rotterdam and his home 30 YEARS AS A Visit to the PROFESSIONAL London Canal Museum ARTS AND EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHER Thursday 16 July 2015 JULY DIARY t the Kindertransport Group monthly lunch meeting in Wed 1 Dan Michman, Professor of Modern Jewish History and Chair of the Finkler AMay, our speaker was my Institute of Holocaust Research at Bar-Ilan younger son Paul Lang, making a At the London Canal Museum you can see University, Ramat-Gan: ‘Shoah, Holocaust, welcome return visit. inside a narrow boat cabin and learn about Churbn and More: On the Emergence of the history of London's canals, the cargoes Names for the Lethal Nazi Anti-Jewish This time, Paul told us about carried, the people who lived and worked on Campaign’. At Wiener Library 6.30 pm – his 30 years as a professional the waterways, and the horses that pulled 8 pm, admission free, tel 020 7636 7247 photographer since he was a their boats. Sun 5 English Chamber Choir and Jazz Trio teenager – though even before Peer down into the unique heritage of a huge ‘The Jewish American Songbook’ Songs by that he was into photography! He Victorian ice well used to store ice imported George and Ira Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, from Norway and brought by ship and canal Kurt Weill and many more. At JW3, 8 pm, tel projected for us a photo of one of Immanuel on 020 7433 8988 his earliest assignments when, at his boat. This unique waterways museum is housed in To 2 Oct 2015 ‘Humanity After the sixth birthday party, he positioned a former ice warehouse built in about 1862-3 Holocaust: The Jewish Relief Unit, his little friends in our garden and 1943-1950’ This newly curated temporary for Carlo Gatti, the famous ice cream maker, exhibition at the Wiener Library marks took a group photo of them …. and features the history of the ice trade and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Paul also showed us the cameras ice cream as well as the canals. Bergen-Belsen. The exhibition focuses on the he has used over the years, ranging Following on from this visit we will have lunch Library’s outstanding collections relating to the post-war relief and rehabilitation work of from a simple Instamatic to a modern in a nearby restaurant. the Jewish Relief Unit in Bergen-Belsen and digital camera, which he now uses For further details, please contact elsewhere. 10 am-5 pm Monday to Friday for weddings and barmitzvahs. and until 7.30 pm on Tuesdays. Admission Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 or at free. Tel 020 7636 7247 David Lang [email protected]

10 JULY 2015 journal ‘DEEDS NOT WORDS!’ DEMANDS MEETING ON HOLOCAUST IN HUNGARY well attended special seminar The event at the Wiener Library provided focusing on Hungary’s role as chair an opportunity to explore this question. The Aof the International Holocaust members of the panel were Paul Shapiro, Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) was held at Director of the United States Holocaust the Wiener Library in May. The seminar was Memorial Museum’s Jack, Joseph and organised jointly by the AJR, which is part of Morton Mandel Center for Advanced the UK delegation to IHRA, and the Library. Holocaust Studies; Dr Mária Vass-Salazar, The purpose of the gathering was to Deputy Head of Mission (standing in for assess critically the Hungarian Government’s His Excellency Péter Szabadhegy, Hungarian approach to memorialising the Holocaust Ambassador to the UK, who was unable and its impact on Hungarian civil society as to attend); Susan Pollack, a survivor of Paul Shapiro, Susan Pollack well as to evaluate Hungary’s plans for the Auschwitz and Belsen, born in Hungary; and education. IHRA chairmanship. Michael Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Susan Pollack spoke passionately of the The IHRA describes itself as an the AJR. The meeting was chaired by Ben need for Hungary to reassess its attitude ‘intergovernmental body whose purpose is Barkow, Director of the Wiener Library. towards the Holocaust. Not words but to place political and social leaders’ support Keynote speaker Paul Shapiro provided a strong legislation and education were behind the need for Holocaust education, historical overview of Hungary’s role in the required: ‘The world will be watching remembrance and research both nationally Holocaust, outlining its complicity in those Hungary!’ she declared. and internationally’. The IHRA has played events, and touching on the present-day AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman a leading role in commemorative activity situation with the rise of the anti-Semitic described the purpose, origins and across the world since its founding in 1998 and anti-Roma Jobbik Party. He further development of IHRA and, in particular, its and operates a rotating chairmanship, which criticised Hungary’s ruling Fidesz Party members’ commitment to the Declaration last year was held by Britain and this March for its trivialisation and distortion of the of the Stockholm International Forum on passed to Hungary. Holocaust and its rehabilitation of figures the Holocaust. In recent years, however, serious concerns such as Miklós Horthy, Hungary’s war-time In an emotional audience discussion, have emerged about the politics of Holocaust ruler and ally of Hitler. issues such as Hungary’s ‘victimhood’ and commemoration in Hungary. This raised the Dr Mária Vass-Salazar mounted a defence Fidesz’s ‘insincerity’ were repeatedly raised. question: Was it possible for Hungary to of the Hungarian Government’s approach to The overall sentiment expressed was that provide the moral leadership in Holocaust the Holocaust and anti-Semitism generally deeds not words regarding Hungary’s commemoration that is demanded by taking and outlined measures her Government was attitude to the Holocaust and present-day on the IHRA chairmanship? taking in the realm of policy, legislation and anti-Semitism were required. An obscenely tragic situation: The fate of Günther Unger n Berlin in the 1930s, my father dentistry. An additional room was Following a brief further exchange and Bruno Unger were not only installed in his father’s practice and, of correspondence, all contact with Icolleagues but also close friends. before Günther actually started work in the family ceased until, a few years By coincidence, Bruno’s son Günther 1950, he and a group of friends went ago, a letter appeared in the Berlin and I were in the same class at the out in a launch for a cruise to the nearby journal Aktuell from a Ralf Unger in Grosse Hamburgerstr. Schule Jewish dormant volcanic Mayor Island off North New Zealand. I knew Günther had a secondary school, now known brother called Heinz but I took as the Moses Mendelssohn a chance and wrote to Ralf, Gymnasium. Günther and I who was indeed Günther’s were the best singers in the younger brother: Ralf had class, though he had a slight changed his name as he didn’t advantage over me in that he want to be associated with the could memorise songs a little well-known food company. more quickly than I and he Fortunately, he and his wife Pat was thus chosen whenever were planning to visit the UK the teacher, Alfred Loewy, shortly afterwards and we met wanted a newly learnt song at the home of an ex-Berlin demonstrated. Loewy was lady friend whose parents murdered in Auschwitz and, were even closer friends with not long after the Wende, I the Ungers than my parents took the initiative in having had been. the music room in the school, Pat has just written to me which had been undamaged (from left) Suzi Goldberg (had recently arrived from that a New Zealand television Theresienstadt), Pat Unger, Mina Gillespie (Günther’s fiancée), and restored, named the Ralf, Günther company has made a film Zimmer Alfred Loewy. commemorating the disaster The Ungers emigrated to New Zealand Island. All of a sudden, a storm blew up as part of a series of such and I have and to this day I can hear Bruno saying and the boat was driven on to the rocky requested a copy. Pat and Ralf have four to my father at the station while waiting shore and smashed to pieces, resulting sons and seven grandchildren. The eldest for the train ‘Dieses ist meine schwerste in the deaths of 22 people, including son is called David Günther and the third Stunde!’ (This is my darkest hour). Little Günther. I well remember my parents’ son, Simon, has a son named Bruno. All did Bruno realise that he would have to reaction when they received the letter children and grandchildren are either endure an even more serious time later. informing them of this tragedy: it will graduates or undergraduates. Sadly Ralf They settled in Auckland and Günther not escape readers of this journal how died recently. studied, and eventually qualified in, obscenely tragic this situation was. Rudi Leavor

11 journal JULY 2015 PINNER Home Office Insights has had very good reviews and is very Leslie Sommer gave us insights into different from our usual choice. his posts in the Home Office including Irene Goodman Prison Service (parole, deportation), Fire Service (Green Goddess during strike), and Coroner’s Office (disabled access). WELWYN GC A Man of Principle? INSIDE Leslie observed the precept that a good Lesley Urbach spoke to us about civil servant should listen well and get the political and personal life of the on with everybody. Herbert Morrison, on whom she has Walter Weg just completed her Masters degree. AJR Morrison, whose father was a policeman and who lost an eye in an accident as a child, was responsible for the evacuation EALING Female Flyers HGS History of the Wiener Library of children from London during the Paul Lang gave us a fascinating talk The Wiener Library’s Katy Jackson gave Blitz. One of his daughters married Peter about the part played by women in us a most informative and interesting Mandelson. Morrison was described as a aviation. He began with an account of account of the history of the Library. man of principle but, as we learned, his the early pioneers such as Amy Johnson Along with all the plans for the future, principles changed like the wind! and Amelia Earhart, continued with the her PowerPoint presentation was quite Hazel Beiny key role played by women during WWII remarkable. Facts and figures are – flying aircraft from factories to airfields still being updated. The Library now – and ending with the situation in the provides an incredible online service last 20 years, which has seen women with an interactive map of the world GLASGOW BOOK CLUB A Most become pilots of commercial airlines as on which one can pinpoint a town and Enjoyable Afternoon well as space travellers. obtain a family history. The May Book Club was held at the Leslie Sommer Hazel Beiny home of Anthea Berg. As usual, it was a most enjoyable afternoon spent discussing our book, Philippa Gregory’s ESSEX (WESTCLIFF) From Obscurity The Constant Princess, which was DUNDEE A Delightful Afternoon to Lord Chief Justice enjoyed by everyone. Followed by a A delightful afternoon at the home We had a very intimate meeting with the lovely tea. of Zofia Allen. We were delighted to very knowledgeable Godfrey Gould on Agnes Isaacs welcome Karola and Peter Regent and the life of Rufus Isaacs. Rufus, born in Charlotte Gamzu to our gathering. 1860, was a Sephardi of Dutch descent There was no shortage of topics who rose from obscurity to the position CARDIFF Residents of Ostrawa of conversation – rather of finding of Lord Chief Justice, which aroused sufficient time to explore the numerous Members enjoyed a delicious deli lunch anti-Semitic feelings. with rye bread, salmon and other points of interest over a delicious tea. Larry Lisner Armed with all these topics, we look goodies. David Lawson presented his forward to future gatherings here. fascinating talk about residents of Agnes Isaacs Ostrawa. He had done detailed research ST JOHN'S WOOD ‘The Kaiser's and it was especially interesting to Jewish Soldiers’ see how descendants of the original Dr Toby Simpson, Learning and individuals had fared, and particularly ILFORD ‘Mishmash: A Walk through Engagement Manager at the Wiener gratifying to note how large the families Jewish Trivia’ Library, gave a very interesting talk had become and how much they had Another session of nostalgia, this time entitled ‘The Kaiser’s Jewish Soldiers’. achieved. from Tony Zendle, who gave us a talk We also heard about the history of Kathryn Prevezer on ‘Jewish Trivia’, which included clips the Library, where this story is well from old films, all fondly remembered, documented, and about its founder, Dr as well as amusing trifles to astound Alfred Wiener. NORTH LONDON ‘London and the us. An unusual but – as always – very Kitty Balint-Kurti Wine Trade‘ pleasant morning. Debbie Pearson talked to us on the Meta Roseneil subject ‘London and the Wine Trade’ as HULL CF Lunch and Documentary it has developed over the past decades. Film One has to say that the talk was largely A delicious lunch was followed by a historical – although we were given a SHEFFIELD CF The Life of Geoffrey showing of the excellent documentary chance of a taster, red or white …. Perry film about Sir Nicholas Winton, The Herbert Haberberg Ian Vellins gave an absolutely fascinating Power of Good. talk on Geoffrey Perry, a refugee from Wendy Bott Germany who became a well-known WEMBLEY Special Chocolate Tasting millionaire publisher. While serving as For Research Purposes … an officer in the British army, Perry was BOOK CLUB A Popular Choice We were treated to a talk, including involved in the shooting and capture of Meeting at Joseph’s Bookstore in some fascinating scientific facts, by the British traitor Lord Haw-Haw. The London’s Temple Fortune district, we Professor Michael Spiro on the history talk generated much lively discussion discussed the novel Butterfly’s Shadow of chocolate, with a special tasting – for and was followed by the usual excellent by Lee Langley, which was enjoyed by research purposes of course! This was refreshments. all who read it. Our next book is Ian followed by tea and cakes …. Renee Martin McEwan’s The Children Act, which Kathryn Prevezer

12 JULY 2015 journal

OUTING TO REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE OUTING TO THURSDAY 9 JULY 2015 KRISHNA TEMPLE 2.15-5.00 pm Aldenham, Herts Monday 3 August 2015 ‘The Seagull’ by Chekhov Its lakeside forest walk, colourful gardens As guests assemble at a country house for the staging of an avant-garde open-air play, artistic and graceful pastures provide an idyllic temperaments ignite a more entertaining drama behind the scenes, with romantic jealousies, setting for a magnificent timbered mansion. self-doubt and the ruthless pursuit of happiness confusing lives, loves and literature. See the Victorian interior of the Manor house Directed by Matthew Dunster and featuring Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee, ‘The Seagull’ and hear about the fascinating history of the was the first of Chekhov’s great works and is celebrated as one of the most important plays Hare Krishna movement. of the nineteenth century. The estate offers a retreat to a world of yoga, meditation, sacred music, pure Tickets £22.50 pp vegetarian food, theatre, seminars, In the event that the performance cannot be completed owing to bad weather, tickets will workshops, community schooling, and the be exchanged for an alternative performance. If you are unable to make the alternative date dairy farm. arranged by the AJR there is no time limit on exchanging your tickets: as long as you keep Following on from our visit, we will have your original tickets you can attend another performance, even a year later, at a date to suit. a vegetarian lunch at the Temple. However, no refunds will be given. For further details, please call For a booking form, please contact Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 or at [email protected] or email [email protected]

JULY GROUP eventS CONTACTS

Book Club 1 July Social Discussion Hazel Beiny Café Imperial 1 July tbc Southern Groups Co-ordinator Ilford 1 July Social Morning with Music 07966 887 434 [email protected] Pinner 2 July Sarah Walford, Nutritionist: ‘Feel Better: Simple Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing with Food’ Wendy Bott Sheffield 5 July Afternoon Tea at Botanical Gardens Northern Groups Co-ordinator Newcastle 6 July Barbara Winton Event 07908 156 365 [email protected] Ealing 7 July Dr Eric Moonman: ‘The Best of Health’ Susan Harrod Liverpool 7 July Afternoon Tea at Tea Rooms Groups’ Administrator Glasgow Book Club 9 July Social 020 8385 3070 [email protected] HGS 13 July Lynn Julius: ‘Jews in the Arab World’ Essex (Westcliff) 14 July Speaker: Otto Deutsch Agnes Isaacs St John’s Wood 14 July David Barnett: ‘Judith Montefiore’ Scotland and Newcastle Groups Radlett 15 July Lesley Urbach: ‘The Story of Labour MP Co-ordinator Herbert Morrison’ 07908 156 361 [email protected] Brighton 20 July Jenny Manson: ‘From Pogrom to Public School, 1918-19’ Kathryn Prevezer Marlow CF 20 July Social Get-together Southern Groups Co-ordinator 07966 969 951 [email protected] Edgware 21 July Lesley Urbach: ‘The Story of Labour MP Herbert Morrison’ Wembley 22 July Nick Dobson: ‘Dazzling Dahlias – a Colourful Esther Rinkoff Introduction with Slides’ Southern Groups Co-ordinator 07966 631 778 [email protected] Oxford 23 July Summer Luncheon Welwyn GC 23 July Mike Levy: ‘Great Jewish Lyricists KT-AJR (Kindertransport) (Gershwin etc)’ Andrea Goodmaker Kensington 27 July Social 020 8385 3070 [email protected] Norfolk 28 July Musical Social and Lunch North West London 28 July Trip to Rinkoff Bakery Child Survivors Association–AJR Nottingham 29 July Lunch at home of Ruth and Jurgen Henri Obstfeld North London 30 July Kathryn Prevezer: ‘My Trip to WWI Battlefields’ 020 8954 5298 [email protected]

13 journal JULY 2015  family anouncements Death Gerry (Gerhart) Sigler (born Prague 05.04.21, died London 30.05 2015) passed away at the grand old age of 94 years. He will be sorely missed by his two children Janet and Nicholas, their partners, his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Arriving in this country on the Kindertransport in 1938, he contributed much to the Jewish community, took an enduring interest Are you, or is someone you in Holocaust learning, and was a man of great humour, intelligence, education and kindness. know, a Jewish Holocaust survivor in financial difficulty?

Six Point Foundation gives grants to help with CLASSIFIED all kinds of one-off expenses such as home adaptations, medical bills, travel costs and Books Bought Joseph Pereira (ex-AJR caretaker temporary care. Modern and Old over 22 years) is now available for DIY repairs and general maintenance. No job too small, We help UK-resident Jewish Holocaust very reasonable rates. survivors/refugees with less than £10k p.a. Please telephone 07966 887 485. in income (excluding pensions/social security) and less than £32k in assets (excluding primary residence/car). Eric Levene WHY NOT TRY AJR’S 020 8364 3554 / 07855387574 For information please contact The Association MEALS ON WHEELS of Jewish Refugees on 020 8385 3070. [email protected] SERVICE? I also purchase ephemera The AJR offers a kosher Meals on Wheels [email protected] service delivered to your door once a week. www.sixpointfoundation.org.uk The meals are freshly cooked every week by Kosher to Go. They are then frozen prior to delivery. LEO BAECK HOUSING ASSOCIATION The cost is £7.00 for a three-course meal CLARA NEHAB HOUSE (soup, main course, desert) plus a £1 RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME delivery fee. spring grove Our aim is to bring good food to your door Small caring residential home London’s Most Luxurious without the worry of shopping or cooking. with large attractive gardens RETIREMENT HOME 214 Finchley Road close to local shops and public transport For further details, please call AJR Head Office on 020 8385 3070. London NW3 25 single rooms with full en suite facilities. 24 hour Permanent and Respite Care  Entertainment Entertainment & Activities provided. Ground Floor Lounge and Dining Room  Activities • Lift access to all floors.  Stress Free Living For further information please contact:  24 House Staffing Excellent Cuisine The Manager, Clara Nehab House, 13-19 Leeside Crescent, London NW11 0DA In Need of a Friendly Voice?  Full En-Suite Facilities Telephone: 020 8455 2286 Want to chat to someone who cares? Call for more information or a personal tour Call The Silver Line 020 8446 2117 The national helpline for older people or 020 7794 4455 Any time, day or night [email protected] switch on electrics From your landline: 0800 4 70 80 90 Rewires and all household From your mobile: 0300 4 70 80 90 electrical work PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 www.fishburnbooks.com Mobile: 0795 614 8566 PillarCare Jonathan Fishburn Quality support and care at home buys and sells Jewish and Hebrew books, JACKMAN .  Hourly Care from 4 hours – 24 hours ephemera and items of SILVERMAN  Live-In/Night Duty/Sleepover Care Jewish interest.  Convalescent and Personal Health Care He is a member of the COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS  Compassionate and Affordable Service Antiquarian Booksellers  Professional, Qualified, Kind Care Staff Association.  Registered with the CQC and UKHCA Contact Jonathan on Call us on Freephone 0800 028 4645 020 8455 9139 Telephone: 020 7209 5532 PILLARCARE THE BUSINESS CENTRE · 36 GLOUCESTER AVENUE · LONDON NW1 7BB or 07813 803 889 [email protected] PHONE: 020 7482 2188 · FAX: 020 7900 2308 www.pillarcare.co.uk for more information

14 JULY 2015 journal Obituary Marianne Leavor, born Breslau 12 October 1933, died Bradford 15 April 2015 arianne, the only child of Rudi Organization and studied Four children came and Erna Bright (previously accountancy. along: Anthony, Jonathan, Breitbarth), was born in Marianne gained Higher Deborah and Caroline, who MBreslau, now Wroclaw. Her parents School Certificate at Princes all pursued academic careers. decided to have no more children because Road Grammar School in They eventually married and of the political situation. Rudi, a lawyer, Kingsbury and worked as a between them had eight was interned in Buchenwald and was secretary for Trans-Canada Air grandchildren. Birthdays and released only when they could produce Lines. She joined the B’nai festivals were always celebrated visas for England, guaranteed by Dr Fritz B’rith Youth Group which met for 18 people – which was a and Alice Engel. They came in March at West London Synagogue and through crowd, but Marianne wouldn’t have it 1939. which she met her husband, also called otherwise. There was great love between With Rudi unable to carry out his Rudi. The group, now adults, still meets all the family members. profession, the parents worked at menial once a year. Cancer became an interloper but jobs while Marianne as a five-year-old Rudi too was a refugee. As he lived in Marianne survived for nine years. A made good progress at school. They lived Bradford she had no choice but to move consolation for all was that, when she first in Timsbury near Bath, then in there when they married. Though she died peacefully, the immediate family were Kempley in the heart of Gloucestershire, became a good Bradfordian, she always with her. She will be sadly missed by many then in London, where Rudi worked as liked to go back to London to see her relatives and friends. a consultant at the United Restitution parents and friends. Rudi Leavor

The courage to care and the will to act found the article by Lesley Urbach about the burden of keeping the memory of this major centenary commemoration I know Herbert Morrison in the April issue of genocide alive until the modern Turks, the of was in Cardiff on April 24 and I was Ithe Journal very interesting. There is no inheritors of the perpetrators, are ready there. doubt that there are many people today, to face their history. They also carry the There was an interesting review of including politicians, who are not aware burden of their ancestors being murdered two books under the heading ‘Hitler and of their own deep anti-Jewish hostility: a second time by denial, while the rest the Muslims’ in the April edition of the fear that rescuing endangered Jews will of us avoid responsibility by colluding New York Review of Books that shows set off uncontrollable anti-Semitism, like with denial. The Holocaust Memorial Day just how much the Ottoman genocide fear of racist riots if you allow in asylum Trust slogan this year is ‘Keep the Memory contributed to Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’. The seekers, usually masks deep personal Alive’. But this becomes a means for denial two books are Islam and Nazi Germany’s hostility or racism. when only the Holocaust is selected for War by David Motadel and Ataturk in the When I speak with groups on Holocaust commemoration. And quite often this Nazi Imagination by Stephen Ihrig (both issues, I usually challenge participants to leaves out the genocide against Roma Harvard University Press). think outside their comfort zone with the in the same camps and killing fields, the I am convinced that, had the Ottoman challenging question ‘Who actually owns disabled murdered in the T4 Euthanasia genocide been brought to justice, the Planet Earth?’ Are we not all temporary programme, and all the political opponents Holocaust could – and probably would tenants for the biblical ‘three score years summarily murdered or tortured to death. – have been prevented. Not even the and ten’ or the modern four score years April 24 1915 is the date on which Holocaust has inspired enough people and ten if we are lucky? What gives the Armenian community in Istanbul to protest early enough to create the us the right to refuse to rescue fellow was literally beheaded: its leaders and will for action to prevent the many human beings from violent death on intelligentsia were rounded up and genocides since 1945. As the saying such footling self-interested excuses? decapitated in public, after which the rest goes, ‘Those who cannot remember the Morrison’s generation did not learn from of the Christian communities were evicted past are condemned to repeat it.’ Twenty the hushed-up Ottoman genocide and into the desert and murdered. Britain and years ago, when I started talking in our generation has not yet learned the France reneged on their wartime promise schools in response to the government’s lessons of the Holocaust. There is still to bring the perpetrators to justice after requirement of Holocaust education in so much unwitting denial and so much the First World War, enabling the modern the curriculum, groups of school students indifference that makes people reluctant Turkish Republic to impose denial ever regularly thought the Holocaust could to open their eyes, their minds and their since. This year, the Armenian Embassy’s never happen again. At least in the last hearts as to how their own actions – and commemoration in Westminster Abbey few years, every group has told me they particularly their inaction – might be on April 24 was ‘postponed’ (probably think that if the Holocaust happened once causing misery and suffering. meaning cancelled) on the absurd excuse it could happen again. I then tell them it How many people have given any that it was too near the election date! surely will happen again unless enough of thought to the suffering caused by the Even the Pope requested the cancellation us are determined not to allow it – which failure to bring the Ottoman genocide of the commemoration this year in Erevan means developing the courage to care to justice and closure after 100 years? in response to Turkey’s threat against the and the will to act. The generations of the survivors carry Christian community in Istanbul. The only Ruth Barnett

15 journal JULY 2015

not found anywhere else. I remember the mantra of Miss Jones, my geography teacher at school, telling us about the typical Dorothea Shefer-Vanson Mediterranean climate: ‘hot dry summers, warm wet winters’. Jerusalem’s summers are certainly hot and dry but, because of its Gardens well worth a visit elevation, its winters can be very cold and n May, after several unseasonably cold While there were also some other Japanese snow is not an unusual occurrence. and rainy days, the day for the tour of plants and trees to be found in this section, the The gardens also have sections displaying the Botanical Gardens by the group of most striking element was an unusual plaque the plants and trees of other regions, and English-speakingI ladies to which I belong engraved on an enormous green rock that had so in the European part we were treated to was dry and fine (and neither too hot nor been brought from Japan, marking the ‘ties the sight of a full-blown English oak tree. too cold). of friendship between Israel and Japan’. The Although oaks grow naturally in Galilee Our guide led us first to what she monument was erected by Japanese followers these are smaller than the European kind. euphemistically called the Japanese of Reverend Shinmin Sakamo and bears a We were told that the English oak grows Garden, but the sight that met our eyes touching text reminding the visitor of the age- faster in Israel than in its native habitat and was somewhat disappointing, with what old aspiration for peace of the Jewish people the one we saw was undoubtedly a splendid looked like half a dozen Bonsai trees (trees and all humanity. The idea of a minimalist specimen. We were also shown an olive tree that have been miniaturised by pruning and Japanese garden that inspires the visitor with a that is indigenous to South Africa, its fruit special methods of cultivation) ranged in sense of harmony and tranquility was notably being smaller and drier than the kind that pots along a rough wooden plank. This was absent, but perhaps that will be attained one grows in Israel. deceptive, however, as the gardens contain day. We ended our tour by taking the little 150 such trees, the world’s largest collection After our tour of that part of the Botanical train that chugs along the paths to tour the of them. There were many more wooden Gardens, we proceeded along the paths to rest of the garden, making our way back planks, each with its own assortment of other sections. The gardens are arranged to the entrance along flower-lined paths. trees. In addition, the garden contains a according to phytogeographic region, and On our way we encountered groups of number of Japanese cherry trees. Because so plants from South Africa are situated in the schoolchildren, both Israeli and Palestinian, of Jerusalem’s unique climate, those that Mediterranean section, where they usually feel enjoying the grass-covered play areas and the were planted to enable Israelis to enjoy the very much at home. Our guide told us with natural beauty that abounds everywhere. Sakura festival had bloomed in February, genuine sorrow, however, that many of those The gardens cover a large area comprising two months earlier than in Japan. We were plants and trees had been adversely affected several dunams on a rocky hill adjacent told that April is usually the best time to visit by the snowfall this winter, as Jerusalem’s to the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew the gardens as that is when many flowers climate constitutes a unique combination University of Jerusalem and are well worth are in bloom. of European and Mediterranean features a visit at any time of the year.

 letters to the editor cont. from p.7 well as English, stated that their aim is the It makes one wonder how many rogues treated for ailments by bogus professionals. destruction of the ‘Zionist entity’ and the in other organisations, public bodies, The absence of sufficient trained teachers elimination of all Jews from the area (only associations and institutions have escaped and lecturers gives students a bad start in the area?), what exactly would Ms Salinger detection, investigation and censure so far. life. Unscrupulous individuals continue to talk about with Hamas? The location of the Money may not be the root of all evil but offend despite tens of previous convictions. mass graves for the ‘colonising Zionists’? it certainly flourishes profusely at the top! The number of examples is endless. L. Roman, London One only needs to think back to the expenses We must all take responsibility for swindles of a few years ago. Many MPs lost allowing the present state of affairs to BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION their seats, but by no means all of them. persist by acceptance and inaction. Except Sir – A bribery and corruption scandal is They still hold positions in government for for newspapers, political correctness ensures engulfing the football world. If it were one reason only – the votes of the people. that offending matters are not brought out not for the huge amounts of money paid How is it possible for authorities to into the open. This is in direct contravention for seats in the stadia by football fans, the consistently make the headlines for a variety of democracy and freedom of speech. present state of affairs would never have of offences? We read about organisations, Moreover, it is the underlying cause of the happened. A new executive of FIFA should such as schools, hospitals and other public country’s ever increasing financial burden. be chosen primarily of Europeans. After institutions, being under scrutiny for many Its abolition has been promised many times. all, football started in Europe and England years before any action is taken against Let it be our first goal. created it! them. People die unnecessarily, being Fred Stern, Wembley, Middx

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