VOLUME 7 NO. II NOVEMBER 2007 QllEI journal ^^^^^KJI^^^^I ^ Association of Jewish Refugees Museum pieces? o one, to my knowledge, has yet pieces from a vanished German past that commented at any length on the have survived as isolated specimens in an Npeculiar reluctance of German J alien and unfriendly British environment. I scholars and academics to conduct research was forcibly reminded of this when I hap­ into the community of Jews of German pened on an otherwise excellent study by origin that settled in Britain after 1945. the distinguished historian Gotz Aly and the Usually, German Wissenschaftkr are to be well-known joumalist Michael Sontheimer, found crawling with ant-like industry over with the eye-catching title Fromms. (For any academic subject area available, with readers of a retiring disposition, Fromms is the entire field of the Holocaust, the Nazi the German brand equivalent of Durex, as persecution of the Jews, and the fate of indicated by the book's subtitle, Wie der Germany's Jews attracting a quite judische KondomfabrikantJulius F. unter die extraordinary amount of scholarly interest. deutschen Rauberfiel (How the Jewish Con­ But very few German historians actually dom Manufacturer Julius F. Fell among the bother to cross the Channel and investigate German Robbers); the book was published the situation, history and experience of the by S. Fischer Verlag, Frankfurt, in 2007. I German-speaking Jews once they ceased to considered reviewing the book, under the be refugees and took British citizenship. In caption 'Something for the Weekend, Sir?', the jx)st-war years, these numbered some Julius Fromm, shortly before his death in England but thought better of it.) 50,000, developing into a vibrant, flourishing Fromms is to be highly recommended as community that settled by and large refugees from afar, so that they come across a historical narrative. Every aspect of Julius smoothly into life in Britain, mostly not as a living subject, but as distant ob­ Fromm's life and career has been carefully integrating reasonably well into British jects from the historical past. researched, from his family origins in Konin, society. One would have thought that they My theory is that German scholars can then in Russian Poland, to the process of were well worth German scholars' time, but cope easily enough with Jewish refugees manufacturing the condoms that made his the reality is that a handful of postgraduate settling in Israel and America, where they fortune and the procedures by which he was students come over, do the research for their are part of a recognised Jewish community. robbed of that fortune by the Nazis. Every theses and are then seen no more. But they struggle to accept that a Westem aspect, that is, until Fromm's flight in 1938 I do not count studies by German European country like Britain admitted to London, where he died in 1945. The academics on individual refugees or families considerable numbers of Jews before the war authors make no attempt to research the resident here, nor those on specialised sub­ and subsequently let them evolve into a communal life of the Jewish refugees in jects like music in exile, which simply could settled and thriving community mostly at Britain, as those like the Fromms would not be written without research in this coun­ ease with its surroundings. Germans, it have experienced it. Although no fewer than try. What I have in mind is studies that deal seems to me, prefer to see European five of the eight Fromra siblings escaped to in depth with the overall post-war history countries as having behaved badly towards Britain and Julius's son Edgar lived here for and experience of the Jews from Germany the Jews during the war, seizing the decades, the impression left by this book is and Austria who made new lives for them­ opportunity of Nazi occupation to allow their not that Britain was a major country of selves in Britain. Marion Berghahn's antisemitic hatreds free rein; the exceptions, refuge for Jews from the Reich, but that the German-Jewish Refugees in Britain, re­ small countries like Denmark or Bulgaria, Fromms were fragments of flotsam who printed as Continental Britons, is a notable can be dismissed as marginal. German happened to land up on British shores and exception, but that was published in Brit­ scholars appear reluctant to take on board languished thereafter as lonely curiosities ain, in English. Otherwise, one has to fall the living reality of the Jewish refugee in a kind of social vacuum. Any picture of back on isolated studies like Steffen Pross's community in Britain; none of them has the sizable community to which Edgar 'In London treffen wir uns wieder': Vier shown more than a passing interest in Fromm and thousands of others belonged Spaziergange durch ein vergessenes Kapitel researching the AJR and its journal, for is simply blanked out. deutscher Kulturgeschichte nach 1933 or the instance. Typically, the presentation of Britain as section on Britain in the Handbuch der Consequently, when German scholars a country of refuge suffers from the authors' deutschsprachigen Emigration 1933-1945. deal with former refugees in Britain, they preconceived notion of its intrinsic hostility German historians mostly study the former all too often depict them as rarities, museum continued overleaf AjR JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

MtSHi.MPILCLS?, MORE THAN JUST A JOB' to the Jewish refugees. On a very thin Two of the AJR's most senior social workers retire selection of evidence, the authors claim to work led to the AJR identifying ever more have discovered 'deeply rooted antisemitic members around the country. When she re­ resentment' permeating all strata of British quired additional social work cover in the society, a claim that most refugees would North of England and Scotland, the Trustees reject on the basis of their own experience. agreed to the appointment of three Northem The authors cite the warnings given to social workers. newly arrived refugees about their In her retirement, Marcia intends to spend behaviour in public as further evidence of a lot of time with her family in Israel. 'Being with the AJR has been more than just a job', official hostility, when in fact these wamings . _ , ,, , . , .„,„., she says. It has been an opportunity to meet - the best-known being the booklet Helpful Marcia Goodman, Head ot the AJR s bocial J f i i u u u J Information and Guidance for Every Refugee „ . r , , 1 r SO many wonderful people who have had - were distributed by Anglo-Jewish Services team for the last ten years, was before • ,• j^ u ui ^ u ^ <.u .,,•'.,' , , amazmg lives and to be able to help them in organisations; they therefore tell us little thatasocial worker with Jewish Care. At the T v, n • w about British attitudes, but plenty about .,„,., •' , . many ways. I shall miss you all. Anglo-Jewry's ambivalent feelings towards AJR she found a warm and caring the refugees from Nazism. organisation, but felt that much needed to be Again typically, the one event in the done to offer the best possible service to all its members. history of the refugees that is discussed at The social work process was made more length is intemment and the deportation of detailed and professional. Concerned that several thousand refugees, including Edgar only members in London were visited, Marcia Fromm, overseas, but in the absence of the was delighted when the Trustees agreed that balancing context of 60 years of post-war members anywhere in the country could be Norah Gittins joined the AJR in 1983. settlement. The impression that Britain was visited. Marcia also set up social groups for At first, she worked as secretary to the ad­ not that far from Germany in its treatment members around the country and persuaded ministrator, then moved into the Membership of the Jews emerges clearly from the section the New York-based Claims Conference to Department and eventually was asked to join establish an annual budget, supplemented by the Social Work team. on the experiences of Fromm's niece Ruth the AJR. This developed into the AJR's out­ 'This is the most satisfying and fulfilling in Britain; she had come here on a domestic- standing outreach service across the country. work I have ever done', Norah says. Visiting service permit, as far as one can tell from a Marcia further persuaded the Tmstees to members in their homes, she invariably met very cursory reference. At the time of amend the AJR constitution in order to with hospitality and friendship. At the same intemment, Ruth Fromm was detained at provide assistance to all victims of Nazi per­ time, listening to accounts of the early what the book calls the 'notorious' Holloway secution, from whichever country they came. continued on opposite page Prison. Now, Holloway was no holiday camp, Marcia says she has been blessed with an outstanding team of social workers, for whom but it was not significantly worse than the camps, and the allocation of a young woman savouring the preferred tipple of his adopted nothing is too much trouble. The outreach general mn of prisons in democratic states; to Category B for purposes of intemment is land " would Sontheimer ever speak of the loaded term 'beriichtigt' is used to make patently ridiculous. The book itself later interviewing a German 'bei gutem Schnaps'? it sound like the prisons in Nazi Germany, demonstrates the falseness of the compari­ - and the garmlous New Yorker with her sites of terror where Jews were at the mercy son when it informs us that Salomon Fromm trilling laugh. Museum pieces, once again. of Gestapo interrogators and SA thugs. was never in fact detained; and his daughter If even a book as good as this, by authors An even more blatant attempt to elide was, unfortunately, just one of a number of as widely respected, falls into errors like those British and Nazi practice occurs when the young Jewish refugee women who were al­ detailed here, it is perhaps because the sub­ book discusses the categories to which the located to Category B and intemed, quite ject of the German-Jewish refugees in Britain Fromms were allocated in 1939 by the irrespective of their fathers' status. remains one of the last areas where Germans tribunals set up to decide whether they The two descendants of Julius Fromm have still not fully come to terms with their should be interned. Most of the Fromms interviewed by the authors receive the rather past, a small part of that process of 'Ver- were allocated to Category C and exempted curious style of presentation that Germans gangenheitsbewaltigung' as yet unfinished. from internment, but Salomon Fromm, reserve for Jewish refugees. Both are treated Anthony Grenville Ruth's father, was allocated to Category B, very sympathetically, but both are AJR Directors and Ruth herself, so the book claims, was introduced by distinguishing characteristics Gordon Greenfield allocated to the same category 'as a kind of that somehow set them up as curiosities. Carol Rossen Sippenhaft'. 'Sippenhaft' was the Nazi prac­ Sontheimer carefully informs us that he first AjR Heads of Department Marcia Goodman Social Services tice of imprisoning the entire families of interviewed Edgar Fromm in London 'over Michael Newman Media and Public Relations enemies of the regime, most famously those a good whisky' ('bei gutem Whisky'), while Susie Kaufman Organiser, AJR Centre of the conspirators implicated in the bomb Ruth Fromm, who now lives in New York, AJR Journal Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor plot against Hitler on 20 July 1944. To im­ is described as speaking delightfully old- Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor ply a comparison between the measures fashioned German and as breaking out into Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisennents taken against these conspirators, who were a 'merry cock-a-doodle-do' ('heiteres Views expressed in the AJR Journal are not hanged from meat-hooks with wire nooses Kikeriki') of laughter. So we are treated to necessarily those of the Association of Jewish and their relatives sent to concentration the stereotypes of the assimilated Brit Refugees and should not be regarded as such. AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

^ititin^ lOfHtifl^ NEWTONS hat with emails and texting, lose sparkle', 'Go to work on an egg' - there will soon no longer be that sort of thing. Leading Hampstead Solicitors W a call for writing a proper Eng­ Play on words is a high-class English advise on lish letter or indeed proper English. The entertainment. Shakespeare didn't start it, Property, Wills, Family Trusts correct way of complying with a request but doesn't he provide a feast? And so and Charitable Trusts for RSVP - sending bread-and-butter let­ do clerihews, spoonerisms, limericks, ters, the conventions of condolence, of rhyming slang, the cornucopia of French and German spoken congratulation and correct forms of ad­ collective nouns, and the cryptic dress (e.g. how to invite a gay bishop and crossword which has no equivalent in any Home visits arranged his partner to open a boys' club) - will be other language. Just as the Schuttelreim ignored or satisfied with a simple elec­ has no equivalent in English - although 22 Fitzjohn's Avenue, tronic burp. you can force it, if you strain, e.g. 'I saw London NW3 SNB A pity, because good English is not just a butterfly flutter by.' In German, entire a joy to read but to write. There are few poems have been written in this form, Tel: 020 7435 5351 rules and lots of conventions, but one rule ingenious and tedious in equal measure. Fax: 020 7435 8881 brooks no exception: less is Some of the best fun comes with trans- more. Hemingway called it 'cutting out lating idiom into idiom. To find the the junk'; Harold Ross, fabled editor of The equivalent of 'in for a penny, in for a New Yorker, advised his authors to 'kill pound' in 'mitgefangen, mitgehangen' is your dadings', urging them to cut the col­ a tiny triumph. Or what about render­ ourful phrases they liked best. DeWitt ing 'zart besaited' as 'shrinking violet'? Wallace, founder of the Reader's Digest They say that poetry is what gets lost JACKMAN- and the man who taught me my trade, in translation, but it need not be so. invented a technique of editing he called Some of Michael Hamburger's SILVERMAN 'condensation', which could reduce an translafions of Rilke into English strike me COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS article by a third in length without the as every bit as good as the originals. But writer being able to spot what had gone translafing is an art, and you learn strange unless he had his original manuscript in lessons on the way, one of them being front of him. that when you do French into English, you Foreigners who acquire a decent end up with far fewer words. It's like vocabulary in their new language under­ pricking a balloon. 26 Conduit Street standably take pride in displaying The English are not great trans­ it. Don't overdo it. Go easy on adjectives, lators. Enjoying such riches in their own London WIR 9TA abjure adverbs, revel in your freedom from tongue, they have little feeling for Telephone! 020 7409 0771 the iron clamp of German syntax or the others. When the War Office discovered booby traps of Czech seven-way that I spoke 'foreign', they posted me to Fax: 020 7493 8017 declension. It's your choice of words that India - Hebrew, Urdu, what's the counts, not the garlands with which they difference! I quite enjoyed the experi­ are hung. Did you know that English had ence, but then I am a firm believer in the more words than any other language - idea that we are hard-wired for learning some 80,000 I believe? And on top of languages. How else do children form that, many words have more than one grammatically correct sentences they have AUSTRIAN and GERMAN meaning to help you ginger up your never heard before? PENSIONS prose: for instance 'ginger', which is a It isn't poetry that gets lost in verb, a root, a colour, a nickname. Such translation, but impact. I'd rather write riches are an open invitation to use every English than German any day, but for me PROPERTY trick from deliberate ambiguity to pun­ the words 'ich liebe Dich' carry a punch RESTITUTION CLAIMS ning. Punning can be a subtle game or a that 'I love you' never will. In my dream EAST GERMANY - BERLIN tedious nuisance, nowhere more preva­ world, I write in English, speak French, lent than in newspaper headlines. The read German and listen to Italian. Anyone On instructions our office will financial pages and advertising slogans for Yiddish? are especially infested: 'Diamond shares assist to deal with your Victor Ross applications and pursue the matter with the authorities

MORE THAXJiSTA JOIV For further information traumas and stresses of the refugee Norah is very grateful and proud to have and an appointment community, uprooted from their native soil, been part of the dedicated AJR team. She please contact: was 'often very moving and my admiration will miss her work and colleagues very for their spirit and courage has grown much and wishes the AJR continued success ICS CLAIMS immeasurably over the years.' in providing for the needs of its 'wonderful 146-154 Kilburn High Road Norah watched the AJR go from strength and courageous members'. In her retirement, London NW6 4JD to strength. Behind the scenes, the attention she is planning to continue to play bridge, paid to the needs and wellbeing of the AJR which she enjoys so much, and perhaps to Tel: 020 7328 7251 (Ext. 107) community is quite astonishing, she leam how to play bowls. Fax: 020 7624 5002 remarks. HS AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

WELCOME TO CAMADA by Fred Stem

The first part of this article, 'My regarding our refugee status, but to no Returning to England in April 1942 on internment', appeared in the October avail. We decided to go on a hunger strike the Capetown Castle I found my way to issue. - for four days, having sent out our stock Berkhamsted, where my parents were rriving by rail in Trois Rivieres.we of food. Canadian newspapers found out living. Unannounced, I rang the bell. My were marched through the city, about our action. We won. But the next day mother screamed 'Der Bub ist da!'(The A inhabited by what seemed nine­ happened to be Yom Kippur We fought boy's here!) and called my father. Her hair teenth-century French colonials cramming hard to be recognised as Jewish refugees. was white: my internment had taken its their balconies, from which they huded It is enshrined in our Association's title! toll on her. abuse at us. It was a horrendous experi­ We moved on again, to Camp A, where Was any harm done to me? Readers ence. At Camp J, we were welcomed by we had to build our own houses. Each can make their own judgement. I lost two German PoWs singing the Horst Wessel house held 72 inmates, with showers and years, but learned a lot about life. Being Song. It was most gruelling to hear the wash basins between the halves. I even of impressionable age, much of me was words 'Wenn das Judenblut vom Messer joined a team digging the drains to the shaped by the experience. I do not spritzt' (When Jewish blood sprays from the toilets. These had no doors and occasion­ underestimate the positive contribution knife) 5,000 miles from the scene of those ally someone sailed a burning paper boat it made to my mind, enabling me to deal crimes. We managed to get separated. along the drain! Originally, we just had with many a situation. Yet, I would not We were allowed two censored letters latrines in the open, which meant sitting wish to go through it all again. It was a week, 'Prisoner of War' being embossed on bars, careful not to bend backwards! certainly not a holiday. on the envelopes. Later I learned that my Some volunteered to empty the buckets. parents were informed by the Home We slept on bunk beds - I always chose Office that I had drowned on the the top bunk, jumping in from the end to Lady Mosley's 'suite' the consternation of the fellow below. I Arandora Star\ Luckily on the previous day he current debate about internment they received a telegram from their made a bridge table, placed between the bunks. For our comfort we were issued a in the Journal reminds me of my own friends, whom I had informed on arrival T horse blanket - no sheets, my school experience. I had just reached the age of in Canada, that I was safe. The Home satchel still acting as my pillow. I eventu­ 16 when Churchill decided to intern ali Office was sorry! But they were never ally bought myself pyjamas and other us 'aliens' underthe 18B rule. My father, sorry they had interned me at the age of items with the 25 cents a day I earned. Abisz Meisels, had been sent to the Isle 16. Nor did they offer any compensation. of Man before us, but my mother, Clara Times have changed! The most exhilarating, but strenuous, Meisels, and I were collected by a Black Our first meal consisted of bread and work was felling trees in the winter The Maria and driven to Holloway Prison. We pink Canadian cheese, which, we were gates in the barbed wire surrounding the shared a cell and were locked up for nearly told, was prepared by the Germans. We camp were opened and about a dozen 23 hours a day - but I had my mother put a stop to that right away and our boys inmates, carrying axes, were escorted into with me whilst the others never knew cooked meals to perfection. There was no the woods. Trees up to 1 ft. thick were what had happened to their loved ones. shortage of ingredients. I acted as waiter, felled - a big notch cut at the bottom, My father was released from the isle as I did throughout my internment. I followed by a small one opposite until the of Man and arranged for us to receive a discovered that the kitchen staff had to tree fell in the desired direction over the parcel of goodies. One day, about eight mix bromide into our cereals to stop us first notch. Maple trees were not to be of us were waiting outside the chief diverting our thoughts! Porridge has touched. We also shaved off the barks and warden's office, chatting mostly in never since entered my home. carried the trees to a river to float them English but also in other languages. When As this was a transit camp, we moved down. They were to serve as pit props. In the chief warden came out of her office the forest we had to wear a thick grey on to Camp B, a clearing in the forest. and said to one of our number 'Lady shirt with a red patch, one ft. in diameter, We occupied ourselves with a variety of Mosley, we won't be long!', the rest of us on our backs - so that we wouldn't get jobs and asked to be able to help the war went over to the other side of the room. too far away! Rubber boots and two pairs effort. I found it rewarding to make cam­ We learned that Lady Mosley had two of socks didn't prevent frostbite and ouflage nets from green cord for covering cells, that her food was brought in from chilblains at -20°C. tanks. I also made trestle tables for the outside, and that she wasn't locked up forces. In my spare time I made a pair of Life in internment was not all work and but was allowed to work in the garden, clogs with leather straps and created a study. All the professions were repre­ a fact I've resented for over 60 years. wooden mushroom to repair my socks. sented. There was a great deal of talent I was fascinated to read a book by There was time to study too. We had for entertainment from comedy to con­ Oswald Mosley's son Nicholas, who among us good teachers, from whom I certs, to plays and even operas. Goethe's didn't share his father's and stepmoth­ learned Spanish and Gregg Shorthand, Faust in German made a huge impression er's ideas. I learned that Oswald Mosley and I taught myself trigonometry and on me; it seemed totally authentic. was arrested and sent to Brixton jail. How­ calculus. I joined a matriculation course Besides, we made an ice rink, played foot­ ever, Churchill, apparently a friend of the with Toronto University. In English litera­ ball and kept up our morale at all times. Mosleys, had him transferred to Holloway, ture we studied Julius Caesar, but did not But we never dug an escape tunnel. where he and his wife shared her 'suite' of two cells. Somehow, this caused my neglect Goethe and Schiller for our Ger­ Just before matriculation examinations resentment at her two cells to evaporate man either. I also gave dissertations on I acquired my release, my parents having and I found myself laughing at the Vohaire and Kemal Ataturk. We held or­ worked hard to obtain it. A number of us thought of Mosley - this archetypal ganised political discussions as well as were taken to the Isle aux Noix in the river fascist champion of masculinity - incar­ debating other subjects. in Montreal, where we spent several days cerated in a women's prison! Throughout that time our 'elder states­ in the company of Italian PoWs, who fed Ruth Schneider men' negotiated with the authorities us spaghetti. AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

ate themselves from them and become people, it is a way of life based on a set What is a Jew? part of the host nation. of rules and laws, which have been the There are some Jews - perhaps quite a basis of numerous civilisations. It teaches few - who have given up their identity, us to, inter alia, respect other human become completely assimilated, hide the beings, live within the framework of a by M. Storz fact that they are Jews, and do not wish family, be charitable, strive for peace for number of articles have recently to be recognised as such. They keep their all mankind, and educate our children to appeared in the Journal in which identity secret, but the people who write become upright citizens. All this can be A people agonise about their Jewish to your Journa/wish to have it both ways. done without setting foot in a synagogue identity. There were also letters whose On the one hand, they acknowledge and those who choose to do that are writers proclaimed that they 'only wished that they are Jews; on the other, they im­ sometimes referred to as 'secular'. But let to belong to the human race' - as distinct, ply that they do not wish to be Jewish. If us never forget where these standards presumably, from the Jewish race. they feel like that, why don't they keep were first laid down. Going to a For me, the answer to the question quiet about it and not disturb those who synagogue to pray is just another way of 'What is a Jew?' is simple. A Jew is a do not share their outlook? Unless, as I observing the traditions, which are person who belongs to the Jewish people, suspect, they want to influence others to fundamental to this lifestyle. usually as a result of being born to Jewish think like they do, and ultimately to cause Judaism is adapting to change all the parents. The Hebrew word Yehudi clearly the Jewish people to lose, or give up, their time without compromising fundamen­ indicates that the person concerned is a identity. tals, but one has to understand the basic member of the tribe of Judah and this is May I declare that I am a Jew? I belong principles. There are, of course, some the original meaning of the word. to the Jewish community, will always communities that attempt change of a Of course, not every Jew can relate his want to belong to the Jewish community, more radical form. I have no fear for the ancestry back to the tribe of Judah. He or in this life as well as in any future life, survival of Judaism unless we ourselves she may have originally belonged to one and I love the Hebrew language and enjoy denigrate it or water it down to become of the other tribes or may have become a the Jewish traditions. indistinguishable from non-Jewish society. Jew as a result of marriage or conversion. I hope I have not caused too much How often has it rightly been said that Nevertheless, the term Jew is used to shock by expressing these sentiments. we are our own worst enemies! embrace all who belong to the Jewish They must seem outrageous to some of people, from whichever tribe they origi­ your contributors, who seem determined nated, and including those who have to undermine the identity of their fellow On being or not being a Jew converted. readers. It is almost certainly true that the religion practised by the Jews, based on by Harold Saunders the Hebrew Bible, has kept them together n 1973 I went to Israel to 'sit shiva' after as a people in exile, or they would probably Defining a secular Jew my father died. Having had little verbal have lost their identity as a people and as Icontact with my brothers over the a community. I seriously doubt whether by Harry Bibring years, I posed the question as to what there is a distinct 'Jewish culture' other et us start with the definitions of the extent I was a Jew. An agnostic, I didn't than that linked to the religion, biblical word 'secular' as given in the practise any part of the Jewish religion literature, the liturgy, and traditional LConcise Oxford English Dictionary in ('sitting shiva' was a matter of respect to Jewish family and community life. the sense that troubles Martha Blend my father's memory); I was married to a So why do some Jews agonise so much (September): 'Concerned with the affairs non-Jew; while I sympathised with the over their identity? Some say that being of this wodd, woHdIy not sacred, not mo­ aims of Zionism, I was not a citizen of Jewish is an accident of birth, but does nastic, not ecclesiastical, temporal, Israel and couldn't consider myself a this not apply to everybody? Surely being profane, lay'. Martha Blend's interpreta­ Jewish nationalist. I concluded that it was Anglo-Saxon, Russian, Chinese etc is also tion - that being a secular Jew means the common suffering we endured that an accident of birth, but I doubt whether 'respecting the Jewish contribution to still made me feel a Jew. these people indulge in such dreary culture and standing up for Jews if they But that answer is simplistic. Among agonising about their identity as some are attacked' - is fine. But this is not other reasons, there is also the feeling of Jews do. limited to secular Jews: observant Jews guilt I experience at the thought of As for those who solemnly declare 'I practise these principles to a considerable abandoning my innermost sense of being only want to belong to the human race', extent. As for her reference to the dietary Jewish. The first question I should have this hardly makes any sense to me. First, laws, these never had anything to do with asked is: how to define a 'Jew'? From that all human beings belong to the human refrigeration - a pork chop goes off as definition could have sprung the solution race. Second, you can't 'want' what you quickly as a kosher lamb chop! As for to the question I then posed. But, before already have - you are already part of the synagogue services being 'alien to the answering, one must state who is asking human race. Western tradition' (whatever these two and who is answering the question. words might mean), this suggests she has I believe the operative word here is According to Jewish religious law, the been exposed to only one type or a limited 'only' and I suspect they are implying 'I question I asked is irrelevant: what mat­ number of such services. Today there are don't want to be a Jew or to belong to the ters is whether a child is born of a Jewish so many versions that one often cannot Jewish people.' They make a high-minded maternal line, of a female convert to the even recognise that their form of worship declaration which is intended to sound Jewish religion, or is Jewish by individual belongs to the same religion! And why is idealistic but, to my mind, is phoney conversion. According to the Halacha, the a framework to life 'nebulous'? The reasons why some people are un­ practice of Judaism, although desirable, comfortable about being Jewish vary. It To be a Jew is to be a member of a is of itself not a sufficient condition for may be self-consciousness, embarrass­ wodd community with a code of living being considered a Jew. So once a Jew ment, dislike of the religion, or perhaps that has survived for over three millennia always a Jew? According to the Halacha, they have been brainwashed into believ­ and outlasted many other civilisations. one remains a Jew for as long as one does ing the bad things said about the Jews Notwithstanding countless attempts by not convert to another religion. By that throughout the ages and wish to dissoci­ other communities to destroy the Jewish I continued on page 15 \ AJR JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

ASYLUM-SEEKERS GENUINE AND FAILED Sir - Yes, 'we too were strangers in the The Editor reserves tiie right Land of Egypt' and, with our particular to shorten correspondence background, we should show compassion 1 TO THE 1 submitted for publication and sympathy for the plight of our fellow- men (September, letters). V, EDITOR^ On the other hand, one must draw a line somewhere and there exists a vast and not subtle difference between genuine asylum-seekers and failed ones, i.e. economic migrants who, by abusing INTERNMENT DEBATE became the home of Canadian internees our lavish welfare system, become a Sir - As one of the 4,000-odd 'refugees suspected of Fascist and Nazi sympathies, burden on the state and, last but not from Nazi oppression' who was shipped as well as of captured German merchant least, on the tax-payer I recollect that in off to Canada in July 1940 as a 17-year- seamen. The most famous among them order to enter the UK and obtain the then old 'enemy alien' under Churchill's 'collar was Camillien Houde, the flamboyant necessary visa, health and police the lot' policy, I was interested in Anthony mayor of Montreal. But that is another certificates were pre-requisites plus Grenville's articles in the July and August story. It is told in meticulous detail by Ted sponsorship and a guarantee of firm issues. (I describe my own experiences in Jones in Both Sides ofthe Wire, published employment - which stringent measures more detail in On the Fringe: A Sort of in 1988. no longer apply today. Autobiography, reviewed in your July Hans Reichenfeld, Ottawa, Canada Another consideration is that many of issue.) the immigrants come from countries What was significant among the Sir - My father, Wilhelm Baumann, was where hatred of Israel and antisemitism occupants of Camp B in the wilds of New interned at Onchan Camp, Isle of Man in are rife and have been indoctrinated. The Brunswick was the spontaneous develop­ 1941. At the time, I was evacuated to government has been hamstrung in ment of groups which kept themselves Dawlish, south Devon. Aged 12,1 was first applying more stringent measures, apart from other groups. Orthodox Jews, in a Habonim camp, then in a boarding essentially due to the Human Rights Act secure in their sense of identity, carried school. On 10 March 1941 my father and earlier UN legislation, which were out the prescribed rituals associated with wrote to me saying he would be released not in force during the pre-war years. the celebration ofthe Sabbath and Jewish that week in time for Purim. He told me How many Jewish lives could have been holidays, successfully established their they had wanted to send him to Canada. saved? need for a kosher kitchen, and employed I wasn't at home when he came back and Anthony Goldsmith the services of a 'shabbes goy' to light didn't know much about his experiences Wembley, Middx the fires in their huts with the onset of there. the colder season. My father was very careful when he GENERAL SETTLEMENT FUND At the other end of the spectrum, wrote that letter as it was 'opened by Sir - Now we know that settled claims in leaders of the Austrian Communist Party Examiner 7054'. The original letter is now relation to the Austrian in Exile saw in internment the potential in the AJEX Military Museum in Hendon General Settlement Fund are being for developing new cadres for political together with his army brown sepia scaled down to about 15 per cent, it is work among their youthful supporters. photos and Iron Cross of the First World evident what a huge mistake the Claims They set up courses in the Marxist War On the German side! Conference has committed to let the approach to history and philosophy, but Bridget Bow (nee Brigitte Baumann) Austrians off the hook when it is clear that also identified the major goal of the Barnet, Herts the total valid claims are well over £1.25 Austrian party as the re-establishment of billion - never mind the £480 million Austria as an independent, democratic Sir - I was not interned but lost a good figure in Peter Phillips's letter country after the defeat of Nazi Germany, home when I was ordered to leave (September). still problematic and years away. Brighton as an 'enemy alien'. Things were Whilst writing, I have just received a In between these major groups was the just beginning to look up for me. In letter from the Fund in relation to my mass of internees of all ages, many with September 1940 I landed in a Quaker claim for family members. If the total academic and professional qualifications, hostel. There was a girl of my own age claim is scaled back to 15 per cent, I who were instrumental in developing there who had lost a good home in should be receiving approximately cultural and educational activities but did Brentwood for the same reason. Her $30,000. I do want this money, but I not neglect to establish the replica of a education was ruined. There was also a want those who really need it to have it. Viennese coffee house that became slightly older gid who had been a student I do not know what influence the AJR can popular among the officers of the guards nurse at Guy's Hospital. All the refugee apply to get money from the Settlement as well as the internees. nurses were kicked out of good hospitals. to survivors in need speedily, but you Many of my fellow internees, who Those of us who came to England under should know I intend to give 30 per cent were eventually released in Canada, had the age of 16 should have been exempted of whatever is paid out to the AJR as long distinguished careers in the arts and from enemy-alien restrictions. as it is used to make payments to sciences. Nine of them were later awarded (Mrs) A. Saville, London NW4 survivors in the UK in need (not restricted the Order of Canada, and one, Walter to Austrians), and the other 70 per cent Kohn, obtained the Nobel Prize for Sir - Internment took place because we to a similar organisation in Israel. It is clear Chemistry in 1998. were German nationals (including survivors need funds for medical, dental and ophthalmic expenses, never Some time after I left Camp B to be Austrians, etc), even if we had thrown mind food and whatever additional returned to the UK, the role of the camp away our passports! It was very likely that funds Israeli Prime Minister Olmert changed. Jewish and non-Jewish intern­ spies could have pretended to be Jewish! is paying out now. ees were segregated and dispersed to This we understood at the time. different camps, and the camp itself Bettina Cohn, Bristol Peter Simpson, Jerusalem A|R JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

NUMBER OF JEWS IN BRITAIN histories of those dentists who succeeded UNDERESTIMATED in setting up in practice, and on some of AREYOUONALOW Sir - Mr Channing (July) greatly those who did not manage to come to INCOMEANDINNEED underestimates the number of Jews in Britain. So, if any of your readers would Britain because he defines being Jewish as like to add further memories (via the OF HOMECARE HELP? being Jewish by religion. So did the 2001 Journal), I will be able to include them. AJR might be able to offer you census, which specifically asked a question Susan J. Zamet, London N6 financial assistance for cleaning, about religion and found 270,000 people gardening and caring. to be Jewish in that sense. 'OBVIOUS PARALLEL' But the total number of Jews in Britain Sir - I would like to comment on the Members who might not is very much greater Some have become excellent letter in the October issue by otherwise be able to afford Christian, but much more typical are those John D. Phillip. Of course if you start wars, homecare please contact: of us who have simply ceased to have a you should be ready to accept the Estelle Brookner, Secretary consequences if you happen to lose. To religious belief yet continue to think of AJR Social Services Dept ourselves, and are thought of by others, the Arabs, this does not seem to make Tel: 020 8385 3070 as Jews. Among the 70,000 refugees sense. Besides the examples brought by from the 1930s a large proportion falls John Phillip, if this subject comes up in into that category, especially among those arguments you could also quote Hungary from Germany. Many had ceased to be losing two-thirds of its territory to Leo Baeck Housing Association Ltd Jewish by religion generations ago. Romania, Slovakia and Croatia after Clara Nehab House Most 'practising' Jews have become fighting on the losing side. increasingly assimilated and, I suppose, the Janos Fisher, Bushey Heath, Herts Residential Care Home degree of assimilation is even greater All single rooms with en suite among those of us who are not Jewish by AJR TEA A GREAT TREAT bath/shower Short stays/Respite religion. Some - not many - have chosen Sir - How much my wife and I enjoyed and 24 hour Permanent Care. Large to drop out completely, but the great this year's operatic gathering in Watford! attractive gardens. Ground Floor Lounge majority of us secular Jews continue to It was a long trip for us but well worth it. and Dining Rooms. Lift think of ourselves as Jewish - even if the It was also the first AJR 'meeting' I have access to all floors. Easy access AJR is often prone to forget our existence! attended but I hope it won't be the last. I to local shops and public transport. Professor Walter Elkan, London NWS was frankly amazed at the large turnout. Enquiries and further information please contact: I was just a youngster of not quite nine Tfie Manager, Clara Nehab hlouse 13-19 Leeside Crescent, London NWII ODA ERZWUNGENER FREITOD years old when I arrived with my parents Phone: 020 8455 2286 Sir - The review of Erzwungener Freitod in September 1939. We were lucky. The (October) reminded me of an erstwhile many we left behind in Bedin two days neglected corner of the Zentralfriedhof in earlier ended their lives at Auschwitz, Vienna which has recently been restored Bergen-Belsen and Theresienstadt. They SPRING through the efforts of Professor Gerald are still mourned. My own life was a Stourzh of Vienna University. It provided happier one and I became education GROVE burials for those who had converted but editor of the Daily Telegraph (18 years) 214 Finchley Road to whom the Nuremberg laws were and head of its Paris office (three years). London NW3 applied and were thus denied graves in Please pass on my compliments to those other cemeteries. The history of those who organised the event and to the editor London's Most Luxurious interred there has been researched and of the A//? Journa/, which I read with great RETIREMENT HOME many of them committed suicide on the pleasure. My dear late parents used to get • Entertainment - Activities it - or one very similar - and always read it eve of their deportation. Incidentally, • Stress Free Living some of the graves are marked both by a from cover to cover Now I follow suit. cross and a Star of David. • 24 House Staffing Excellent Cuisine John Izbicki, Tonbridge, Kent • Full En-Suite Facilities Evi Wohlgemuth, London NW3 Sir - Once again we enjoyed a wonderful Call for more infomiation HELP WITH THESIS annual Tea and concert at the Watford or a personal tour Sir- In late 2003 you published a request Hilton Hotel. I would like to show my 020 8446 2117 from my late husband, Dr John Zamet, appreciation for all the good work done or 020 7794 4455 for information which would help with by the AJR in arranging happy events and [email protected] his PhD thesis 'German and Austrian Refu­ other outings to theatres etc and arranging gee Dentists 1933-1945: The Response of interesting programmes at the Cleve Road the British Authorities'. He received an Centre all year round. The meals are always WANTED TO BUY overwhelming response from relatives and good and everyone is made welcome patients of some 20 of those refugees, there. Many thanks to Susie Kaufman and German and including photographs and valuable all the staff. We are lucky to have the AJR printed material, and he was lucky enough to look after us so well. English B€»oks to meet and talk to many of the people Josie Dutch, London NW2 who contacted him. Bookdealer, AJR member, welcomes invitations to view and Sadly, he died in May this year, aged Sir - What an enjoyable afternoon my purchase valuable books. 74, two months after submitting his thesis husband and I had at the AJR Tea! The to Oxford Brookes University, but I know singers were in good voice and everybody that he would want me, through your enjoyed their selection of music. But, Robert Homung 10 Mount View, Ealing journal, to express our sincere thanks for above all, we had the opportunity of London W5 IPR this invaluable help. The thesis will catching up with friends from other parts Email: [email protected] eventually be published as a book and will of London and that was a great treat. Tel: 020 8998 0546 include a section on the individual personal Meta and Joe Roseneil, llford AJR Group de Keyser's beautiful Pieta and Eduard von Gebhardt's depiction of his sick wife REVIEWS are riveting. Much of the work is pastorally idyllic - an ironic twist when you consider 'We did what we thought the cruel cynicism with which these we had to do' paintings were despatched. Stem was fond THE KING'S MOST LOYAL of Old Masters but concemed himself less ENEMY ALIENS: GERMANS WHO with modem European art, although some FOUGHT FOR BRITAIN IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR he voluptuous charms of a Otto Dix paintings and other Expressionist by Helen Fry works were removed from his gallery to bejewelled Egyptian girl gazing Sutton Publishing, 2007, 240 pp., Tdiscreetly down at two tiny bronze feature in the Nazis' contemporaneous £18.99 hardback ISBN 978-0-7509- cymbals in her hands is the piece de Munich exhibition of Entartete Kunst 4700-4 (Degenerate Art), which sounded the death resistance of Ben Uri's exhibition Auktion n September this year, a reunion of 392, Reclaiming the Galerie Stern, knell to Jewish artists in particular and Irefugees who served in Britain's Forces freedom of expression in general. in the Second Wodd War was hosted Stern fled to Paris virtually by the Imperial War Museum and penniless. He later joined his sister attended by some 200 veterans and in London until he was intemed as their families. The gathering, sponsored by the AJR, the Leo Baeck (London) an enemy alien, first in Britain and Lodge and the Association of Jewish Ex- later in Canada. After the war, he Servicemen and Women, also served as retrieved some of his pillaged art the occasion for the launching of Dr and became a successful art dealer Helen Fry's new book The King's Most in Montreal, promoting modern Loyal Enemy Aliens. sculptors like Jacob Epstein, While researching her earlier work, Henry Moore and Auguste Jews in North Devon during the Second Wortd War (Halsgrove, 2005, reviewed Rodin. Recovering the rest of the in the April 2006 issue of this Journal), works sold in Auktion 392 is Helen Fry, an honorary research fellow complicated by the fact that dealers in the Department of Hebrew and are not legally bound to provide a Jewish Studies at University College, work's full provenance or history. London, found that one in seven of the Max Stem unwittingly colluded by 75,000 German and Austrian refugees failing to provide provenance who came here in 1933-39 enlisted in Britain's forces in the Second Wodd War records of his works. Thus the - a surprisingly high percentage, she disintegration of his gallery and a points out. While under Nazi law the vital artistic history of his times refugees were stateless, under British disappeared well before law they were still Germans and Emile Vemet-Lecomte Aimee, eine junge Agypterin Kristallnacht, an ugly hint of the Austrians: only after the war did they darkness to come. Meanwhile, the obtain British nationality. Diisseldorf. Framed by a theatrical totemic Egyptian girl with the Sephardi With the fall of Dunkirk, under Churchill's policy of 'Collar the lot!' the curtain, this painting, by Emile Vemet- nose, painted in the wake of Napoleon's British government began the full-scale march into Egypt, remains an oriental Lecomte, was successfully restituted to the internment of those it classed as enemy Stem estate after the Nazis forced its Jewish symbol of dignity in defeat. aliens. By the end of the war, the owner, Max Stem, to sell the contents of his The National Gallery's exhibition refugees had distinguished themselves gallery in 1937. The Ben Uri features Stem's Work, Rest and Play, flagged up last out of all proportion to their numbers. gallery in its launch of a European tour of month, opens with Duane Hanson's super- Without them, Dr Fry maintains, the war Nazi plundered art. realistic, life-size sculpture Traveller. Dozing would have continued longer than it did and the reconstruction of postwar Thus Boundary Road is reconstmcted while waiting for his flight - it's a pure case Europe would have been impossible in into the fateful Auktion 392 in which the of leisure imitating work. Twenty-five so short a time. distraught dealer sold his dynastic collection artists from Canaletto and Gaugin, to Dr Fry has chosen to cover only through Lempertz auctioneers in Cologne, a Ford Madox Brown offer their views of German and Austrian refugees (one place frequented by noted Nazi looters like work and play. Giovanni Battista wonders why the latter do not figure Hermann Goring. It all contributed to an Moroni's reflective sixteenth-century tailor in the book's subtitle) who enlisted in eerie atmosphere as black-and-white prints is beautifully observed and contrasts with the British Forces. She has effectively of major works from the collection by many Lam-a Knight's intense vision of women excluded overseas service in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East, as well as at work during the Second World War, and Northem European artists such as Richard the role of Czech, Italian and Polish Bumier, Wilhelm von Schadow and Maggi Hambling's portrait of the chemist refugees in the British Forces during the Johannes Koekkoek are arranged like a Dr Dorothy Hodgkin, whose very hands war One hopes she will be able to cover shadow show of vanished times. Nicaise seem to bum with intellectual fervour. these subjects in a future publication.

8 AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

The book is very easy to read, with a short notice. The span of the book is some love for others were able to hold sound structure. In sometimes lengthy wide, taking in not only the author's on.' The 'single light' refers to oil he quotes, the refugees speak for experiences in Auschwitz but also under found in a discarded sardine tin which themselves. There are chapters on the the post-war Communist regime in he used to make a light for a Chanukah participation of refugees in, among Hungary, for which he at first has some celebration. others, the (non-combatant) Pioneer sympathy. It goes into greater detail Martha Blend Corps; the Royal Armoured Corps; the than most concentration-camp Commandos (specialist fighters who accounts about the reactions of the carried out clandestine intelligence prisoners, their day-to-day existence, Painful historical testimony operations); the Special Operations and the bonding that even in such THIS HAS HAPPENED: AN ITALIAN Executive (fighters dropped behind desperate circumstances gave some FAMILY IN AUSCHWITZ enemy lines); the Royal Air Force; the measure of comfort. There are even by Piera Sonnino Royal Navy (in which no more than a flashes of humour and bursts of song Palgrave Macmillan, 2006, 218 pp. tiny percentage of enemy aliens served); when Ernst uses his trained voice to lead iera Sonnino was the only survivor the Infantry; women (it is estimated singing in the block. P of an Italian family of eight who that just under 1,000 refugee women The prisoners' contrivances to forage were deported to Auschwitz in 1944. volunteered for the Forces, most of for enough food to keep them barely Her memoir was published in Italy in them drafted into the Auxiliary alive are amazing. One such is a scheme 2004, five years after her death. Since Territorial Service); and post-war crimes by Zoltan, a fellow-inmate. Asked what there are fewer records of the Italian- investigations, intelligence and military would happen if he were caught by a Jewish Holocaust experience, this book government (an undertaking which guard, he replies: 'Stop fussing. I've has significant historical value. It is could not easily have taken place sorted it. The guard in the foodstore is written in the sparest of language. without the German-speaking a German woman. I arranged it all to There are no superfluous adjectives or refugees). In all their activities, the our mutual satisfaction. Give a little; descriptions, only events unfolding. The author underlines, the refugees' take a little.' 'What did you give?' 'What author's pain is tangible. greatest value for Britain's Forces was do you think, little one?' Living in 'dignified poverty' in Genoa, their command of the German Another time, Ernst agrees to the middle-class Sonninos made excuses language. smuggle tins of food in metal pipes he to potential visitors to hide their shabby The refugees had seen themselves is working on and is saved from home. But in 1938, when racial laws were above all as loyal German and Austrian punishment only by the guard turning introduced, their nightmare began. citizens - their Jewishness was a blind eye. Their human and social lives fell apart. secondary to them. Each wanted to play What is particularly horrifying is the The children were forced to take a part in defeating Nazism, with whose sheer vicious spite of some of the whatever work they could find, except evils they were clearly more acquainted others. 'Jew filth' seems to be their for the youngest, Giorgio, whose than the British fighters themselves, and common form of address. This is nerves were shattered. Their mother is to repay the debt to Britain for saving matched by the Jewish Kapo, whose described as believing in 'silence and their lives. As Ernest Goodman puts it bloodlust demands that he clubs a control of one's own feelings', while 'in here: 'We did what we thought we had quota of inmates to death. He gets his their house certain subjects were for­ to do ... We tried to fight for the comeuppance when spotted on a dance bidden, and love was amongst them'. redemption of the human race and to floor after the liberation. Yet there are Piera believed her eldest brother, Paulo, give history another chance.' examples of humanity: the German 'died having had no experience of love'. The book is copiously documented, guard who befriends Ernst when he is In a foreword, David Denby with much of the source material ill with dysentery, the farmer who gives comments that 'anyone who reads the previously unpublished. The author has the prisoners potatoes on the death memoir cannot fail to be moved by the provided an extremely useful select march. There is a poignant moment loving care the Sonninos offered to one bibliography of books, articles and when Helmut, the guard, surveying the another' and that their 'unselfish interviews as well as an index. With this destruction of his country during a devotion to one another ... may have volume, coupled with her earlier one, pause in the march, muses: 'I'm sitting hastened their destruction. The older Dr Fry has made a most significant in this truck in the uniform of a criminal boys might have escaped into the contribution to the study of an nation. I'm carrying a loaded rifle ready mountains.' In an afterword, Maria important, hitherto overlooked aspect to shoot near-corpses should one make Doria Russell notes 'how much help the of British participation in the Second a break for it and stagger into the snow. Sonnino family were offered until the World War. How do I escape my fate?' day they were betrayed.' Piera Sonnino Howard Spier On his return to Hungary, Ernst finds herself says 'twice solutions were that his father and favourite brother are offered that could have saved our lives' - but, she tells us, the family were A remnant of belief dead, but his mother and two sisters are alive thanks to Raoul Wallenberg. modest, lost and confused, and her THE SINGLE LIGHT After a spell of living in Israel, he follows mother wanted them to stay together by Ernest Levy one of his sisters to Glasgow. Debating at all costs. London: Valientine Mitchell, Library of whether to take up a career as an opera It is suggested that Piera survived Holocaust Testimonies, 2007, 320 pp. singer or a cantor, he decides on the because she had this story to tell. rnst (his original name) was one of latter and is now happily settled with a Initially it was a private memoir of 60 Eeight children of an orthodox family family of his own. Reflecting on what pages, typed without error, written for living in Czechoslovakia. He experienced kept him going through those dark her daughters Maria Luisa and Bice. antisemitism at an early age, months, he writes: 'Those of us with a David Denby compares her to the aris- culminating in expulsion to Hungary at remnant of belief or who had known Reviews continued on page 10 AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

cronies. Worse still, elected representatives Poems by Lotte Kramer are known to use their power for dishonest published in Japanese and dishonourable purposes. The police edition endeavour to investigate these suspicions in A selection of poems by Lotte order to verify or dismiss them. This is done, Kramer has been published in a the speaker assured us, in the most thorough hardback edition in Japan. The Corruption more destructive and professional way. If the suspicions are poems are translated and edited by Sapporo-based Professor Junko than terrorist threat found to have a basis, the material is handed Kimura. s is its yearly wont, the Jemsalem over to the State Attorney so that the A Academic Association met to toast the offenders can be prosecuted. New Year. Apart from the usual greetings What often happens, however, is that the /\7-.'\ //. 11 .S coiiliiiiicd from puiic 9 and light refreshments, the programme also prosecution mechanism turns out to be included a lecture by Mudi Levine, a retired ineffective. The legal staff of the Attorney tocratic writers of the eighteenth and police officer, on 'Con-uption in High Places'. General's office, our speaker claimed, is not nineteenth centuries for whom publi­ The speaker began by declaring that always of the highest calibre. The best and cation was an indignity to be avoided Israel was falling in the list of countries the brightest young lawyers generally leave and remarks that maybe writing graded by the extent to which they fight after a few years for better-paid employment completed the miracle of her survival. corruption. No one in Israel could fail to be in the private sector. When confronting high- Laraine Feldman aware of the scandals and accusations of powered legal counsel in the courts, the sleaze which were our daily fare in the media. lawyers representing the state are not A significant Yiddish poet Our speaker had inside knowledge of his always able to prevail. In addition, judges ALL MY YOUNG YEARS: YIDDISH subject, having belonged to one of the special are loth to incarcerate white-collar criminals POETRY FROM WEIMAR GERMANY police units investigating white-collar crime together with violent offenders. In many by A. N. StencI and dishonesty among Israel's senior cases, the end-result is a plea bargain, in introduction by Heather Valencia officials and politicians. which the wrongdoers are let off with a far Five Leaves Publications, 2007, 124 pp., lighter sentence than would otherwise be the £7.99 paperback It turned out to be a very depressing occasion. The police investigate white-collar case. n the post-First World War period, crime and political corruption on the basis Our speaker concluded with an ominous Hebrew and Yiddish writers were I of tip-offs, information from the media and warning. The venom of corruption is attracted to Berlin partly because of subjects tackled by the State Comptroller. famine and insecurity in Eastern Europe pervasive in Israeli society and could and partly because of the rise of They do not tap phones or conduct eventually undermine the foundations of our Communism, which made life difficult surveillance without having been granted democratic society: it is potentially more for Jewish writers, especially the permission by the legal system. In other destructive than any threat posed by Hebrew ones, who were actively words, they act within the bounds that terrorism. It is up to the media, the State persecuted. The Jewish cultural constrain every democratic regime. Comptroller, the police, and the Attorney renaissance in Weimar Germany was Sadly, various instances come to light in General to remain on their guard and protect first explored by Jacob Maitlis in a which officials are found to be using their our society. brilliant Yiddish essay in 1981 and position for personal gain or to favour Dorothea Shefer-Vanson became the subject of an excellent book by Michael Brenner of the University of Munich in 1996. such as Alfred Doblin, Joseph Roth and mystical Jewish ideas, full of physicality The list of writers in Berlin at that Arnold Zweig responded to this and expressionistic in style, emitting time who had written in both Yiddish nostalgia. pangs of pain. In the latter, there is and Hebrew is extensive, and includes Avrom Nokhem StencI fitted well greater harmony and acceptance of the Agnon, Bialik, David Frishman and Uri into the 'oriental' stereotype. His poems world, indeed a profound sympathy Zwi Greenberg. Berlin was a major frequently appeared in German and understanding of the simple but centre of Jewish scholarship and the translation and were well received, with hard life of the fishing village (based Yiddish academic institute YIVO was an even favourable mention by Thomas on Neuendorf on the Wolin Peninsula). established there in 1925, though it Mann. StencI came from a Hasidic In the village, life is more limited and soon moved to Wilno. The German family in Poland. Fleeing army service everyone knows his place, but there is interest in the Ostjuden was in 1919, he eventually came to Berlin. a sense of community. One's belonging ambivalent. They were reviled as He left in November 1936 for London, is not questioned - the individual simply speakers of a debased form of German where he remained neglected, except has no choice. In the metropolis, one is and as lacking the graces of Western by the ever-diminishing circle of supposed to be a free individual, but in civilisation - but also romanticised as Yiddishists, until his death (1983). reality one is lost and abandoned. mystical, oriental and primitive. During The poems translated here are taken Haike Beruriah Wiegand and Stephen the First World War, many German- from the collections Un du bist Got Watts have achieved a fair balance in Jewish soldiers encountered the Yiddish (Leipzig 1925) and Fisherdorf (Berlin their lively translations and the world of Eastern Europe for the first 1933) and are very contrasting works. contributors to the book are to be time and developed a nostalgia for a In the former, StencI is concerned with commended for their efforts to rescue lost past, an antidote to negative expressions of despair and hope, with this significant Yiddish poet from feelings engendered by acculturation struggle and conflict within the poet, unjustified neglect. and assimilation. Established writers and with God. There is the imagery of Barry Davis

10 AjR JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

ecently appointed Professor of instigation of the Holocaust remained Jewish History at the University of PROFILE unsatisfied, and difficulties arose in his RSussex, Christian Wiese is a man of mind on the interpretation by the church of stature and ambition. Although he was bom Ronald Channing the Hebrew Bible. He continued to foster in 1961 in Bonn, then the capital of the Jewish-Christian study groups and German Federal Republic, his father, a discussions exploring Jewish-Christian member of the country's diplomatic service, Christian Wiese understanding. was posted abroad. Consequently Christian Eventually he decided to embark on an spent the first 15 years of his life away from New professor at Sussex academic career and took up an appointment Germany, first in the Turkish capital Ankara University explores legacy of at Duisburg Centre for German-Jewish and then in the Chilean capital Santiago, German-speaking Jewry Studies, researching and publishing many where he attended a German school but tracts, including those on the Holocaust, learned fluent Spanish. Naturally, Christian which brought him to the attention of a much studied South American history; imbuing the wider audience. In 1999 he was appointed continent's culture helped him to develop his Assistant Professor in the Religious Studies own formative thinking. His time in Chile Department of Erfurt University. Visiting coincided with the momentous election and professorships took him to Trinity College, violent overthrow of Salvador Allende. Dublin, McGill University, Montreal and Nevertheless, Christian retains pleasant Dartmouth College,' New Hampshire, memories of the country's people and teaching Jewish studies. As a result he has landscapes. developed a strong network with colleagues Retuming home in 1975, he enrolled at a in North America, Europe and Israel devoted gymnasium near Bonn, having to catch up to modem Jewish history and thought. He with his contemporaries, especially in also undertook a second PhD on the work English and French. He also had his first and enlightened philosophy of Hans Jonas, a 'confrontation with modem German history' student of Heidegger, who migrated to - until then he had little knowledge about Palestine in 1933.* Hitler or the Third Reich. At the age of 18 he This January Christian Wiese was began studies at Tubingen University, whose to his distinguished Israeli teachers, the appointed Director of the Centre for German- eminent scholars prepared him for the option historian Moshe Zimmerman and' the Jewish Studies at the University of Sussex, of becoming a Protestant minister. Modem philosophers Emil Fackenheim and Yesha- where he has found ample opportunity for church historiography revealed to him the yahu Leibowitz. During his year he was able research. He is currently working on a new failure of the churches and the German elites to identify German Jews, who still exhibited book on the nineteenth-century Radical to challenge the Nazi regime. He was also a distinct German-Jewish culture, and he took Reform Movement in the USA and Gennany shocked to discover Christian antisemitism his first steps in research. To crown it all, he and on a study of Jewish perceptions of and the political involvement of the churches was married in Jerusalem and remains a Martin Luther. The fact that the Centre is in in the 1930s. regular annual visitor to the city. England gives him the opportunity to be in Having spent two months in a kibbutz in Christian returned to Germany to contact with German-Jewish exiles and to 1986, benefiting from his knowledge of both complete his theological studies and in 1989 undertake further projects on the refugee classical Hebrew and Greek, Christian spent graduated in philosophy with flying colours. experience and their preservation of their a year in Jemsalem among a group of theo­ Wishing to take a PhD in Jewish studies and legacy despite the Holocaust. Over the logical students, engaging in dialogue with theology, he enrolled at the University of coming years, the Centre will continue to those of different religious beliefs. Especially Heidelberg, where he was granted a require generous financial support if his valuable was the Christian-Jewish dialogue fellowship and taught Latin to support his plans to build up resources for PhD students, and, indeed, this became his main area of family. Rather than researching nineteenth- initiate sjjecial projects and further develop interest. Intrigued by Israel's beauty, he century Protestant attitudes to Judaism, he the Centre as an institute of academic toured the country to enter into discussions approached the subject the other way around, excellence are to be achieved. on all aspects of religion with many differ­ exploring the work of Jewish scholars and ent groups. Although he had anticipated their perceptions of Christian-Protestant *Newly published in English: Christian Wiese, meeting reluctance and scepticism, his expe­ philosophy and antisemitism. He completed The Life and Work of Hans Jonas: Jewish rience proved to be to the contrary. his doctorate at Frankfurt in 1997. Dimensions (Brandeis University Press, £30). He joined ulpan classes and the 'not too After a year's training. Christian was difficult' English programme. He participated ordained as a Protestant pastor, at which Annely Juda Fine Art in activities at the Leo Baeck Institute in calling he spent the next three years in a Bonn Jemsalem and met German-Jewish academ­ suburb parish. Being attached to a hospital 23 Dering Street (off New Bond Street) Tel: 020 7629 7578 Fax: 020 7491 2139 ics at the Hebrew University, where he and providing practical pastoral care among studied Hebrew, Jewish history and Jewish its patients proved extremely rewarding. CONTEMPORARY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE philosophy. He remains particularly indebted However, his troubled questioning of the

II Leeds HSFA: history of the Wiener Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) event in Library Liverpool. One of our members, Ellen Katharina Hubschmann spoke to us about Shiffman, gave a moving account of her the origins and function of the Wiener return visits to Germany. Our application Library. The Library was founded by Dr for funding for the Holocaust Memorial Alfred Wiener, who, after the First World Book is before the AJR Trustees: it is hoped War, warned the world about the Nazis' to have the book published in time for activities, for which purpose he opened HMD. Guido Alls Hendon and North London visit an office. The Library was founded in to Bletchley Park Amsterdam and was moved to London in Cleve Road: discussion and This joint outing proved a great success, 1939. It has subsequently built up a large get-together collection of archival material connected not only because the venue was an The meeting was hosted by Hazel Beiny with the Holocaust. Martin Kapel extremely interesting one but largely and Esther Rinkoff. Following a lively because our guide, Ruth Bourne, served current affairs discussion, we consumed there during the war and was able to Yomtov atmosphere in llford apple and honey and honey cake kindly convey her experiences in a very Thirty-two of us heard Dr Fred Rosner provided by the AJR Centre. Finally, we convincing manner. expand on Jewish humour in German, made suggestions for next year's Wartime requirements demanded a Yiddish and Viennese dialects - and those programme. Requests were made for strict separation of the various with knowledge of the last-mentioned Rabbi Charles Emanuel to be a speaker departments-so much so that the 8,500 laughed loudest. There was a pleasant and for us to have a speaker from people working at Bletchley Park were Yomtov atmosphere at the meeting. Waddesdon Manor followed by an outing not allowed to discuss their own area of Meta Roseneil there. Requests were also made for operation with other operatives. As a Next meeting: 7 Nov. Tba further outings, including one to the result, only the highest echelon Wiener Library, and for more topical of government knew what went on South London: The Grand Tour discussions and social get-togethers. It there. The Axis powers had no idea that Walter Woyda told us about the musical was also suggested that Hazel Beiny their most secret codes had been broken, The Grand Tour by Jerry Herman, which should be officially appointed AJR Groups allowing the Allies to plan their actions is based on Franz Werfel's Jacobowski Outings Organiser. David Lang in full possession of the enemy's plans. and the Colonel - about the refugee Next meeting: 20 Nov. First Birthday One of the most fascinating items on experience and fleeing from the Nazis. Celebration display was a remake of the Colossus, the Edith Jayne Next meeting: 15 Nov. South London's wodd's first re-programmable electronic Welwyn Garden City account of computer, containing over 2,500 Barmitzvah Celebration - 13 years valves. The original was destroyed on Greek-Jewish history government orders at the end of the HGS: 'Jews blessed with original Rabbi Simon Francis gave us a fascinating war Its sheer size is overwhelming. By cynicism' account of the history of the Jews of Greece, in an illuminating but humorous chance, close by was a modern lap-top Rabbi Charles Emmanuel, former minister manner. Even those of us who had computer, the output of which is many of Alyth Gardens Reform Synagogue, visited parts of Greece were given plenty time that of the monster original. A most spoke about the relevance of the High of food for thought, plus time for fascinating outing - thanks to all who Holy Days in the 21st century. He was questions and the chance to leaf through organised it! non-judgmental: it was better to have our the interesting books he had brought Herbert Haberberg youth in synagogue perhaps talking along. Monica Rosenbaum about football, than not having Hendon: new rules for power of them there at all. As a minister, he Next meeting: 22 Nov. 'The Wiener attorney would, of course, prefer them to pray Library' Michael Anvoner, a solicitor, told us we while in synagogue but, being an should not make home-made wills, that optimist, he expressed the hope that they Brighton & Hove: power-point some writers of wills were not suitably would do so one day. I especially liked presentation qualified, that banks could not be trusted his sense of humour: 'Whereas Christians Howard Falksohn gave a power- either, and that we should review our wills struggle with the concept of original sin, point presentation on the history of the every 2-3 years. We also discussed power we Jews are blessed with original Wiener Library, of which he is Archivist, of attorney and were informed that new cynicism.' Laszio Roman to a large number of members from all rules were to be introduced this October Next meeting: 12 Nov. Alf Keiles, The over Sussex. It was extremely interesting Forms were available - we were urged to Jewish Influence on Jazz' to see photographs of people connected register immediately. with the Wiener Library over the years Annette Saville Varied agenda in Liverpool who had made it possible to achieve Next meeting: 5 Nov. Otto Deutsch, A well-attended meeting was given an what it has, as well as to hear about its 'Coffee Houses' update by Angy Williams on next year's plans for the future. Susanne Dyke Next meeting: 19 Nov. Rabbi V Silverman, 'Jewish Jesus'

Pinner: Kitchener Camp Dr Clare Ungerson said that this defunct WWI camp near Sandwich was restored in February 1939 for use as a transit camp for 3,800 residents, mainly Jewish male refugees aged 16 to 40 from Nazi Where the enemy's secret codes were broken: outing to Bletchley Park Germany. There were volunteer Kinder-

12 AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007 transportee helpers from Dovercourt. FURTHER MEETINGS Paul Balint AJR Centre Each 42-bed hut had its own character. Essex 13 Nov. 'The Jewish History of The popular director was Jonas May, Westcliff' 15 Cleve Road, London NW6 whose brother Phineas kept a diary and Tel: 020 7328 0208 conducted the camp's choir. Many in­ Norfolk 13 Nov. Lunchtime Get- mates joined the Pioneer Corps or together emigrated to Canada or Australia. Wembley 14 Nov Social Get- AJR LUNCHEON CLUB Walter Weg together Wednesday 21 November 2007 Next meeting: 1 Nov. Tony Bernstein, North London 29 Nov. Audiologist 11.45 am for 12.15 pm The Technion in Israel' Robert Beiny Dawn Somper The first Jewish Mayor of Camden

Heat it aryd Eat It - AJR's Mcdls oir\ Wheels service Please be aware that members should not automatically assume that they are on the id you know that the AiR is the only delivering. All I have to do is heat it and Luncheon Club list. It is now necessary, on receipt DJewish organisation in London that eat it. They're very tasty!' of your copy of the AJR Journal, to phone the provides a kosher three-course, Prepared in our kitchens at the AJR Centre on 020 7328 0208 to book your place. Continental-style meal delivered to your Centre in West Hampstead, our meals are door twice a week, all for £5 per meal? delivered by AJR drivers to members KT-AJR Alongside all the other services we pro­ throughout north-west London, from Kindertransport special Maida Vale to North Harrow and from vide, members may not be fully aware of interest group our invaluable Meals on Wheels. We al­ Bushey to Archway. And, ahhough we Monday 5 November 2007 ready deliver around 750 meals per already cover a wide area, we are looking 11.45 am for 12.15 pm month. One recipient is Mrs Godfrey, who at ways of expanding the service so that lives in Wembley Park. She describes the more members in Hertfordshire and Dr Helen Fry meals as 'delicious' and adds that 'It's Middlesex can benefit. If you are 'Kinder serving in the Forces wonderful that the AJR has not forgot­ interested, please let us know. during the Second World War' ten about us just because we can't come If you would like to order the Meals on Reservations required to the Day Centre!' Wheels service, please contact the AJR Please telephone 020 7328 0208 Mr Hayman of Mill Hill also takes Centre in Cleve Road on 020 7328 0208. delivery of AJR's meals. 'I have the easy The cost of a meal is £5. We also charge Monday, Wednesday & Thursday bit,' he says. 'The AJR does all the hard £1 for delivery regardless of how many 9.30 am - 3.30 pm work - cooking, packaging and meals you want. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CENTRE IS Michael Newman CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

November Afternoon Entertainment AJR GROUP CONTACTS DIARY DATES Thur Mike Marandi Mon KT LUNCH - Kards & Games Bradford Continental Friends 26 November- Klub Lilly and Albert Waxman 01274 581189 3 December Eastbourne holiday Tue CLOSED Brighton & Hove (Sussex Region) For further information about this event, Wed Toni Green -Jewish Mother Act Fausta Shelton 01273 734 648 please call us on 020 8385 3070. Thur Kristallnacht Service Bristol/Bath Mon 12 Kards & Games Klub Kitty Balint-Kurti 0117 973 1150 Tue 13 CLOSED Cambridge Wed 14 Jack Davidoff Anne Bender 01223 276 999 Liverpool Thur 15 Katinka Seiner Cardiff Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Mon 19 Kards & Games Klub Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 Manchester Tue 20 CLOSED Cleve Road, AJR Centre Werner Lachs 0161 773 4091 Wed 21 LUNCHEON CLUB Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 Newcastle Thur 22 Margaret Opdahl Dundee Walter Knoblauch 0191 2855339 Mon 26 Kards & Games Klub Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Norfolk (Norwich) Tue 27 CLOSED East Midlands (Nottingham) Myrna Glass 020 8385 3077 Wed 28 Douglas Poster Thurs 29 Paul Coleman Bob Norton 01159 212 494 North London Edgware Jenny Zundel 020 8882 4033 Ruth Urban 020 8931 2542 Oxford 'DROP IN' ADVICE SERVICE Edinburgh Susie Bates 01235 526 702 Members requiring benefit advice please telephone Fran^oise Robertson 0131 337 3406 Pinner (HA Postal District) Linda Kasmir on 020 8385 3070 to make an Essex (Westcllff) Vera Gellman 020 8866 4833 appointment at AJR, Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Larry Lisner 01702 300812 Sheffield Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL Glasgow Steve Mendelsson 0114 2630666 Claire Singerman 0141 649 4620 South London Harrogate Lore Robinson 020 8670 7926 Hazel Beiny, Southern Groups Co-ordinator Inge Little 01423 886254 South West Midlands (Worcester area) 020 8385 3070 Hendon Myrna Glass 020 8385 3070 Myrna Glass, London South and Midlands Hazel Beiny 020 8385 3070 Surrey Groups Co-ordlnator Hertfordshire Edmee Barta 01372 727 412 020 8385 3077 Hazel Beiny 020 8385 3070 Weald of Kent Susanne Green, Northern Groups Co-ordinator HGS Max and Jane Dickson 0151 291 5734 Gerda Torrence 020 8883 9425 01892 541026 Susan Harrod, Groups' Administrator Hull Wembley 020 8385 3070 Susanne Green 0151 291 5734 Laura Levy 020 8904 5527 KT-AJR (Kindertransport) llford Wessex (Bournemouth) Andrea Goodmaker 020 8385 3070 Meta Rosenell 020 8505 0063 Mark Goldfinger 01202 552 434 Child Survivors Association-AJR Leeds HSFA West Midlands (Birmingham) Henri Obstfeld 020 8954 5298 Trude Silman 0113 2251628 Ernest Aris 0121 353 1437 AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS *A60NY AUNT' ANNA RAEBURN ANOTHER HOLIDAY IN Golden Wedding TO SPEAK AT BELSIZE SQUARE EASTBOURNE Agi Alexander, former Head of Social SYNAGOGUE DINNER After last year's wonderful holiday in Services at AJR, is pleased to announce that Eastbourne we are returning to the We are delighted to announce that the she and Simon celebrated their Golden Best Western Lansdowne Hotel. broadcaster, journalist and 'Agony Aunt' Wedding Anniversary on 20 October with over Anna Raeburn will be our guest speaker Monday 26 November - Monday 3 50 members of their family including their five at a dinner on Wednesday 7 November December 2007 grandchildren. Cousins came from Israel, Cape at Belsize Square Synagogue. The evening Price £420 will begin at 6.30 pm. Town, Los Angeles & New York, Vancouver If you wish to book a superior room, there The dinner will be part of a visit to will be a further supplement. Price & Montreal as well as from Cornwall and London by AJR members from Scotland includes Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, Colchester. and the North of England and will be transport from, and returning to, the AJR an opportunity for members from across Centre in Cleve Road, lunch on journey Deaths the country to enjoy an evening's to Eastbourne, entertainment in the hotel Nathan Susanne (nee Singer), born entertainment and socialising. Book early to avoid disappointment Nuremberg 1920, emigrated with her husband To reserve a ticket for the dinner, at a Call Lorna on 020 8385 3072 or Carol Alexander to Brazil. Died suddenly in Porto cost of approximately £20 per head (price on 020 8385 3085 to be confirmed), please contact Susan Alegre on 27 August. Much missed by her Harrod by telephone on 020 8385 3078 brother Peter Singer, sister-in-law, two nieces or by email at [email protected] SWITCH ON ELECTRICS and the wider family as well as by her friends Please note that places can be Rewires and all household in England, Germany and Brazil. reserved only by payment in advance and electrical work are offered on a strictly first-come first- PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 Wolff Lilli. With great sadness we announce served basis. Mobile: 0795 614 8566 the death of our dear mother, grandmother and Michael Newman great-grandmother, bom in Berlin. She died peacefully in her sleep aged 107 on 13 LEO BAECK HOUSING FillarCare September 2007 and is greatly missed by ASSOCIATION LTD Oualitv support and care at home family and friends. SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION Hourly Care from 1 hour - 24 hours ONE BEDROOM FLAT TO LET Live-In/Night Duty/Sleepover Care LEO BAECK HOUSE SITUATED NEAR SWISS COTTAGE LOUNGE • BEDROOM WITH FITTED Convalescent and Personal Health Care & OSMOND HOUSE WARDROBES Compassionate and Affordable Service • BATHROOM WITH SHOWER Offering expert residential and nursing care • FULLY FITTED KITCHEN Professional, Qualified, Kind Care Staff for refugees and sunrivors of the Holocaust. • RESIDENT WARDEN Registered with the CSCI and UKHCA 124-hour empathetic, knowledgeable care • CAMDEN CARE LINE I En suite facilities FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Call us on Freephone 0800 028 4643 I Activities & outings AND VIEWING CONTACT DAVID Studio 1 Utopia Village I Shabbat & festivals celebrated UGHTBURN ON 020 8455 2286 7 Chalcot Road, NVVl 8LH For more information call Jewish Care Direct LEO BAECK ACACIA LODGE on 020 8922 2222 HOUSING ASSOCIATION Mrs Pringsheim, S.R.N. Matron For Elderly, Retired and Convalescent In partnership with the Otto Schiff Housing Association BUNGALOW TO LET (Ucensed by Borough of Barnet} GOLDERS GREEN AREA • Single and Double Rooms. LARGE LOUNGE AREA, • Ensuite facilities, CH in all rooms. JEWISH CARE BEDROOM WITH FITTED WARDROBES, • Gardens, TV and reading rooms. • Nurse on duty 24 hours. OSHA Charity Registration Number 210396 BATHROOM WITH SHOWER, Jewisti Care Charity Registration Number 802559 • Long and short term and respite, FULLY FITTED KITCHEN/DINER including trial period if required. 24-HOUR CALL BELL SYSTEM Between £400 and £500 per week FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 020 8445 1244/020 8446 2820 office hours Home Care AND VIEWING CONTACT 020 8455 1335 other times C

14 AJRJOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007

O.V BFJ.\G OR NOT BEING .4 JF:\\ ' cont from page 5 Central Office for definition, of course, I remain a Jew in medium referred to as language are the Holocaust Claims the eyes of Jewish law. use of such words. Language is, therefore, Michael Newman How do some dictionaries define the the expression of the collective thought- term 'Jew'? Definitions can be gleaned processes of people who use any given Article II Fund improvements from the following: Chambers: A person of language. In English one speaks of Indo- The Claims Conference has announced Hebrew descent or religion: an Israelite: Americans and many other so-called major improvements in the eligibility (offensively) a usurer a miser etc. v.t. (of­ Americans. All are 'All-American'. Why criteria forthe Article II Fund. The Fund fensively) to overreach or to cheat. SOED: does one not speak of Judeo-American provides the equivalent of a compen­ One of the Hebrew or Jewish people, or but of an American Jew? This inversion sation pension to Holocaust survivors one who professes Judaism; Longman's demonstrates the common mindset of who were interned in ghettos or con­ Encyclopaedia: Accepted designation of Anglophones: the 'Jew' seems a group centration camps. believers in Judaism; Britannica: The name apart. With immediate effect, only the in­ came to mean the followers of Judaism, On an individual level, Jewishness is a come of the applicant - and not that including in-born or proselytes, the racial specific concept and construct; it is of their spouse - will be considered signification diminishing as the religious independent of any other definition. The when calculating household income. increased. Later refers to racial history; attempt to flee Judaism is itself a badge Previously, a couple's joint income Hebrew Dictionary: One of the sons of Is­ of a Jewish identity. could not exceed $21,000 or $32,000 rael, a Hebrew, one of the people of Jews; It is simplistic to say 'I was born a Jew if both partners were Holocaust victims. Thejewish People: Judaism is the religion and will die a Jew.' My genes - at least The income of the applicant should not - and, in a broader sense, the culture - of some of them - will point to ancestors who be more than $16,000. Additionally, a unique people which has been known lived in the Middle East in the past. Scien­ from 1 October 2007 social security, old as Hebrews, Israelites and Jews. tists can point to the chromosome that age or incapacity pensions will be dis­ By these definitions, as far as non-Jews made me male; they may now, or will in regarded as income. are concerned, Jewish maternity is not a the foreseeable future, point to the part necessary condition and, to the world of the DNA molecule that made my skin The Conference estimates that as a outside, the practice of Jewish rites white, my hair black, and my nose aqui­ result of these changes, $250 million appears a sufficient condition. To the line. There is no part of the DNA molecule (£125m) in payments will be distrib­ racist, the presence of one Jewish grand­ that can be identified with being born a uted to an additional 6,000 survivors parent of either gender would 'tint' one Jew - not unless one considers Jews a race. worldwide over the next ten years. The a Jew (see above: a person of Hebrew But, since Jews are of all colours, they can­ Claims Conference is writing to previ­ descent). It appears that to the outside not be a racial uniqueness. My Jewishness ous applicants, whose claims have been world a Jew remains a Jew even when then is not in my genes. So, obviously I 'on hold', to inform them that they may converting to Christianity. The Conversos was not born a Jew but I was born into a now be entitled to receive the monthly or, as the Spaniards called them, the New household that practised the Jewish rites. payments of $320 or £160. Christians, are an example. These terms Is that sufficient for being Jewish? Had my were applied not only to the person who parents converted to another religion be­ Ghetto Fund fore my birth, would I still be a Jew? That had converted but also to many genera­ Following negotiations with the Claims again depends on who gives the answer! tions thereafter (see above: refers to racial Conference, the German government history). Again, by virtue of any of these A Jew who has abandoned his faith has has announced the creation of a Fund definitions, I am a Jew. been labelled a 'cultural Jew'. What is this to pay compensation to Holocaust sur­ If Jewishness causes Jews to huddle Jewish culture that he lives by? Is it the vivors who worked voluntarily in together because of persecution, then same as the culture of an ultra-orthodox ghettos during the Second Wodd War. most Jews are Jews only because of that Jew? I don't believe so. I have never heard The Fund will make one-time pay­ persecution. It follows that Jewishness is an agnostic or atheist who has lapsed ments of 2,000 euros (approximately 'what has been done to us'. It is not that from his church described as a 'cultural £1,400) to an estimated 50,000 Jews make antisemitism; it is antisemitism Christian'. Holocaust survivors. Because the Ghetto that makes Jews. There is obviously no simple answer to Fund provides compensation for work Words are the medium for articulating the question of why I consider myself performed in a ghetto, survivors who thoughts. The building blocks of the Jewish. After all this, I am none the wiser! received awards from slave-labour compensation from the German Foun­ Arts and Events Diary - November dation: Remembrance, Responsibility and Future will be entitled to apply.

To 25 Nov Lotte's Journey. A play based on Thur 8 Prof Siegbert Prawer, 'Sigmund Application forms are available from the life of the German-Jewish artist Freud's Shakespearean Autobiography' this office. Written enquiries should be Charlotte Salomon. New End Theatre, Taylor Institute, St Giles, Oxford, 5.15 pm sent to Central Office for Holocaust Hampstead, tel 0870 033 2733 Mon 12 Prof Ralph Anderegg (University of Claims (UK), Jubilee House, Merrion To 25 Nov Auktion 392: Reclaiming Galerie Cologne), 'Climate Change and Protection' Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL, by stern, Dusseldorf, Ben Uri Gallery, tel 020 Club 43 fax to 020 8385 3075, or by email to 7604 3991 Thur 15 Mitchell Wax, 'Chagall - the Man [email protected] Thur 1 Nov 'Portrait de I'oiseau-qul-n'existe and his Art' (illustrated talk) Kenton pas' Song recital celebrating birthday of Synagogue Hall, 8.15 pm. B'nai B'rith Polish-Jewish composer Szymon Laks (1901- Jerusalem Lodge. Tel Tom Heinemann on Mon 26 Dr Ian King, 'Georg Weerth, 83). Viktor Ullman Foundation. Hinde Street 07973 137 718 Forgotten Revolutionary (1822-1856)' Methodist Church, London Wl, 7.30 pm. Mon 19 Jens Bruning (Writer and journalist, Club 43 [email protected] Berlin), 'Early Voices of the Holocaust: The Mon 5 Dr Thomas Otte (University of East First Sound Documents Recorded with Club 43 Meetings at Belsize Square Anglia), 'Dervishes, Spies and Dracula: The Life Survivors by the Psychologist David Boder Synagogue, 7.45 pm. Tel Hans Seelig on of Armenlus Vamberg (1831-1913)' Club 43 in 1946'Club 43 01442 254360

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Newsround

Pope visits Vienna memorial Holocaust Centre's new expansion plans Pope Benedict XVI has visited the Holo­ caust memorial in Vienna's Judenplatz, Centre for primary schoolchildren to open in 2008 where he met with Chief Rabbi Paul Chaim Eisenberg and other leaders of the city's he unique and incomparable had stood on the concourse of Liverpool Street remaining 7,000 Jews. During a three-day Holocaust Education and Memorial Station, part of a larger installation 'pilgimage' to Austria, Pope Benedict said TCentre at Laxton, in the beautiful commemorating the arrival of children of the his prayer at the memorial was meant 'to Nottinghamshire countryside, announced a Kindertransport at the stadon in 1938 and 1939 show our sadness, our repentance and our friendship with our Jewish brothers'. new two-year development programme at a sent to safety in Britain at great personal celebration of its recent twelfth anniversary. sacrifice by their parents in Germany, Austria Yad Vashem recipient of annual The Centre's plans were revealed by the its and Czechoslovakia. The statue has been award (^-Founder and Director, Dr Stephen Smith, loaned to Beth Shalom by World Jewish Relief, Yad Vashem is this year's recipient of the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. The who was virtually unknown to the refugee, the organisation which commissioned it and award is bestowed upon a person or survivor and wider communities when the which, as the CBF, was primarily responsible institution 'whose work has made an Centre opened its doors as Beth Shalom in for initiating the Kindertransports. exemplary and outstanding contribution 1995. Today, however, Dr Smith is an The anniversary also saw the launch of the to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among men...'. Previous international authority on Holocaust Paul Oppenheimer Fund in memory of the late winners include UNICEF, King Hussein I of education, chairs the national Holocaust Belsen survivor and leading British motor Jordan, and Professor Stephen Hawking. Memorial Day Trust and, with his brother, the engineer who was one the Centre's most The award was made in Oviedo, Spain, in Centre's Chief Executive, Dr James Smith, is regular speakers. Scholarships in his name will the presence of the Spanish royal family. the co-founder of the Aegis Trust to combat enable students to undertake Holocaust studies Indian Jewish anger over genocide and of the memorial and educational at the Centre and at former death camps in promotion of bedspread centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Europe. An Avenue of Memory will form the Leaders of India's Jewish community say Currently, the Holocaust Centre reaches new entrance to the Centre, featuring six pillars they are outraged by a new line of bedspreads called 'The Nazi Connection' and teaches an amazing 22,000 children (and of rock, standing up to five metres in height, which used swastikas in its promotional more than 300 schools) annually through its on which will be inscribed the names and material. There are some 5,500 Jews living education programmes. The new objective is sayings of survivors like Paul who dedicated in India. to increase, by the end of 2008, this number to themselves to the Centre. New study finds world Jewish 40,000 by introducing new education pro­ President of the Board of Deputies Henry population of 13.1 million grammes and expanding the physical build­ Grunwald QC and Holocaust survivor Dr A study by the Israel-based Jewish People ings to house them on site. At the centre of Martin Stem called on others to join thejewish Planning Institute has concluded that there are 13.1 million Jews in the world. these expansion plans are the completion and community in condemning the genocide in This is an increase of almost half a million introduction of the primary schoolchildren's Darfur. Abdul Jabar, President of the Darfur people, or about 4 per cent, compared experience of the uprooting, loss of family and Union in the UK, delivered an appreciative to 1970 figures. The largest increase in the homes, and threat to survival brought by the emotional response. 'What is happening in number of Jews in the Diaspora was noted in the former Soviet Union and in Eastern Holocaust, calling for the almost impossible Darfur has a long history,' he said, 'but we Europe. There are currently some 450,000 choices imposed on such young lives. To be never thought it would come to genocide.' Jews left in those countries, with about known as The Joumey, this major new exhi­ 221,000 in Russia and 79,000 in Ukraine. Appeal to AJR members: Dr Stephen bition has now overcome unforeseen building Smith, Director of the Holocaust Centre, is Majority of Israelis support use of conversion setbacks and, with a revised lay­ issuing an appeal to AJR members (many of nuclear weapons out, is opening in September 2008. Already the whom generously donated items for display in About 72 per cent of Israelis support the Beth Shalom's main Holocaust exhibition) for recipient of funding from the AJR Charitable ID and other documents, photographs, on loan use of nuclear weapons in certain circum­ Trust, among a number of leading charitable or to be copied, and for other memorabilia to stances, according to a recent Canadian survey. The study, conducted jointly by the foundations and generous individuals who be displayed and used as teaching aids in the new children's Holocaust exhibition The Simons Foundation and Angus Reid Strat­ value the Centre's outstanding work, The Jour­ Journey. He is also inviting former refugees egies and reported in the Jerusa/em Post, ney has now received additional backing from and survivors to record their stories and/or to spanned a sample of 1,000 adults in the Heritage Lottery Fund. talk to groups of primary schoolchildren. In Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the USA the first instance, please write to: Dr Stephen and Israel. 37 per cent of Israelis believed As the youngsters enter the exhibition Smith, The Holocaust Centre, Laxton, the use of nuclear weapons to prevent a through a new children's garden, they will see Nottinghamshire NG22 OPA, telephone 01623 war would be justified, while 35 per cent at its centre the bronze statue of a little girl, 836 627 or email [email protected] to believed the weapons could be justifiably obtain a form. the work of sculptor Flor Kent. From 2003 it used during a war.

Published by the Association of Jewish Refugees in Great Britain, Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL Telephone 020 8385 3070 Fax 020 8385 3080 e-mail [email protected] Website wvvw.ajr.org.uk

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