A Centenary Ather to My Surprise, I Calculate That I in Kent
VOLume 14 NO.4 APRIL 2014 journal The Association of Jewish Refugees
A centenary ather to my surprise, I calculate that I in Kent. He arrived in London with his wife mind, AJR and WR became synonymous.’ have now written the front two pages Susanne and young son Michael in August More than anyone else, it is to Werner of this Journal for 100 consecutive 1939, was briefly interned in 1940, and in Rosenstock that the Journal owes its house issues,R since becoming Consultant Editor in 1941 joined the newly founded AJR. style, its appearance, its choice of contents January 2006. That is some 150,000 words. Rosenstock acted as General Secretary and indeed much of its essential spirit and My workload has been greatly lightened character. The Journal’s principal concern by the support and co-operation that I was to inform its readers about matters that have received from our Executive Editor, were of the greatest immediate significance Dr Howard Spier, who month after to them, in Britain, Germany and Austria, month has shouldered the demanding and Palestine/Israel. However, it was the task of putting the entire 16 pages of Journal’s policy, as the publication of the Journal together. I wish to take this a group of refugees, to remain strictly opportunity of thanking Dr Spier and all neutral in matters of British politics not the others who have contributed to the directly relevant to them; as far as party Journal over the past years, not least those politics or elections were concerned, readers whose letters and comments have it limited its coverage to specifically spurred me on and kept me aware of what Jewish concerns (for example, it largely the AJR Journal means to our members. restricted its reports on the early post- In writing my articles, I have taken war general elections to detailing the much of my inspiration from my numbers of Jewish MPs elected to each predecessors, Richard Grunberger, who parliament). In the early years, the process acted as Editor from 1988 to 2005, and of naturalisation probably occupied more Werner Rosenstock, Editor from January column inches than any other British- 1946 to December 1982. Many readers based topic. will remember Grunberger’s articles, The Journal’s front page was divided lucid and concise in their presentation of into two sections: the left-hand column material, trenchantly argued, informed was taken up by brief, unsigned editorial by a remarkable breadth of historical and articles on news items or topics of cultural knowledge, and frequently laced immediate current interest, while the with a strong dose of polemic. Rosenstock, other two columns were devoted to a on the other hand, an editor who largely longer, more reflective piece, often by a kept his own views and personality named contributor. Inside, the Journal out of the Journal, is no longer as well soon developed regular columns, mostly remembered as he deserves; his articles Cover page of first issue of AJR Information unsigned. ‘Home News’ reported on were almost all unsigned or at most had events and developments in Britain the bare initials ‘WR’ at the end. So, despite (from 1976 Director) of the AJR almost generally alongside columns covering more my great debt to Grunberger, this article is uninterruptedly from its foundation in specific areas such as ‘In Parliament’, ‘What written in tribute to Rosenstock, the founding summer 1941 until his retirement at the the Press Says’ or ‘Law and Life’. ‘News from father of what started out as AJR Information. end of 1982. From January 1946, he Germany’, and later ‘News from Austria’, Werner Rosenstock was born in Berlin combined this with the position of Editor kept readers informed about their countries in 1908 and studied law but his career as of the Journal, initially sharing it with two of origin and the pressing matter of restitution a lawyer was cut short in 1933. He held men with journalistic experience, Ernst soon gave rise to numerous lengthy and positions in the organisations set up under G. Lowenthal, who left for Germany in complex articles. After 1948, reports from the Nazis to represent the Jews of Germany; 1946, and Herbert Freeden (Friedenthal), the newly established Jewish state appeared in the anguished months between the who left for Israel in 1950. During his prominently, often under the heading anti-Jewish pogroms of November 1938 41 years of service, Rosenstock probably ‘News from Israel’. The column ‘Anglo- and the outbreak of war, he worked in contributed more than any other single Judaica’ reported on events in Anglo-Jewry. departments responsible for the transport of person to making the AJR what it is. On his The Journal soon developed an impressive unaccompanied Jewish children to Britain 80th birthday, C. T. Marx, AJR Chairman cultural dimension, including book reviews, and for organising the emigration of Jewish from 1976 to 1994, stated simply: ‘He was arts features and a column on the cultural men released from concentration camps who prominent in AJR affairs from its inception life of the refugees from German-speaking were to be accommodated at Kitchener Camp and for so many years that, in many people’s continued overleaf journal APRIL 2014
SPECIAL EVENT A centenary continued Kindertransport Mitteleuropa by PEM (Paul Marcus). Reunion DVD Over the years of Rosenstock’s editorship, e are delighted to announce that a Judith Kerr AJR Information developed its own particular special commemorative DVD with Sunday 29 June 2014, 3 pm line on certain key topic areas. Probably the Wfootage of the Kindertransport at the London Jewish Cultural Centre (LJCC) most important was that of the German- Reunion at JFS and the reception with We are delighted that the celebrated author Jewish past, which inevitably led on to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Judith Kerr will be our guest of honour at a the highly sensitive question of relations at St James’s Palace is now available special event we are organising with the London between the Jews from Germany and the for purchase (£5 including packing and Jewish Cultural Centre. Germans in the post-Holocaust era. Already postage). Judith has become part of the fabric of British at an early stage, the Journal began to mark Filmed and produced by Alan Reich, the life and her books have enthralled and inspired the anniversaries of milestone dates in the DVD will serve as a poignant memorial to children for many decades. persecution of the Jews of Germany by the the two historic gatherings of Kinder and We especially encourage the families of our Nazis, like the boycott of Jewish businesses their families that took place in June 2013 members – Second and Third (and possibly even on 1 April 1933 and the anti-Jewish pogrom as part of the events the AJR organised to Fourth) generations – to come along. We are of 9/10 November 1938. The boycott, the commemorate the 75th anniversary of the thrilled that Judith has agreed to read from her first official measure to be taken by the Nazis Kindertransport. books When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and When against the Jews, was seen as the first act of To receive your copy, please call the Tiger Came to Tea to younger members of what became a war against the Jews, as the Andrea Goodmaker on 020 8385 3070 the audience. She will also reflect on her own November pogrom marked the first escalation or email [email protected] experiences and take questions from guests. of that war into open, government-sponsored violence, anticipating the Holocaust. The Please book early to avoid disappointment German Jews were thus allocated a special preserving the heritage of the German- and join us for what we are sure will be a position in the history of the Nazi years. Jewish past. The lasting value of that heritage memorable gathering by purchasing your tickets through the LJCC website Though they suffered less in numbers than was a constant theme in the Journal. While www.ljcc.org.uk or by calling the Jews of Eastern Europe, they experienced admitting that the relationship between AJR Head Office on 020 8385 3070. Nazi persecution first and over a longer the German Jews and their homeland was period of time, and at the hands of their own uniquely problematical, its Editor nevertheless countrymen. maintained that the cultural achievements The Nazi years called into question the of German Jewry constituted one of the entire orientation of the German-Jewish highpoints in Jewish history. community in the period of its acculturation AJR Information condemned the crimes Eastbourne and secularisation, from the late 18th century committed under the Nazis without until 1933, and the legacy of its achievement reservation and pilloried any manifestation Lansdowne Hotel in the cultural, intellectual and spiritual of renewed anti-Semitism or neo-Nazism, Sunday 20 July spheres. For his part, Rosenstock rejected the but it also acknowledged the healthier to Sunday 27 July view that the Jews of Germany, in opting for developments taking place under the new Come and join us for a week the path of emancipation and acculturation, conditions of democracy in West Germany. Make new friends and meet up with old friends had embarked on a dangerously deluded Rosenstock himself experienced that spirit £400pp for twin/double course whose folly was revealed with tragic when he travelled to Cologne with AJR £450 for single room starkness after 1933; and he denied that the Chairman Alfred Dresel in March 1964 to Sea View rooms an additional £15pp per night German Jews’ adoption of German culture attend a mass rally held at the closure of the Price includes transport to and from exhibition ‘Monumenta Judaica’. Though, as Eastbourne from Jubilee House, Stanmore and their aspiration to assimilate into German and Finchley Road (behind Waitrose); society was a flawed and misguided enterprise Rosenstock put it, ‘a visit to Germany must Sandwich Lunch on journey to Eastbourne; doomed in advance to failure. by necessity arouse mixed feelings’, he was Dinner, Bed and Breakfast; Outings, Cards Rosenstock confronted these sensitive evidently impressed by the goodwill shown and Entertainment issues throughout his editorship; he could by the over 130,000 Germans who visited the Space is limited so book early exhibition and by the willingness of thousands For further details, please telephone never forget the crimes committed by the Carol Rossen or Lorna Moss Nazis against the Jews. But he insisted on more to participate in a rally held in support on 020 8385 3070 the importance of commemorating and of a Jewish event. Rosenstock also took a broadly positive view of the experience of the Jewish refugees AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman from Nazism in Britain. His articles did Directors not ignore the mass internment of refugees Third Reich admitted to Britain at the time Carol Rossen (including himself) in 1940 or the persistence when Nazi persecution was intensifying and David Kaye of anti-Semitic prejudice in British society most other countries were limiting their intake Head of Department Sue Kurlander Social Services after 1945. Nevertheless, he regarded the of Jews: ‘It cannot be stressed often enough AJR Journal British with affection, even admiration, that between the pogroms of November 1938 Dr Anthony Grenville Consultant Editor believing that in the decades since their and the outbreak of war, Britain admitted Dr Howard Spier Executive Editor Andrea Goodmaker Secretarial/Advertisements arrival the refugees had been able to attain a more Nazi victims from Central Europe than largely satisfactory position in British society. any other single country.’ This was not a view Views expressed in the AJR Journal are not Rosenstock took a notably favourable view of shared by all AJR members but, coming from necessarily those of the Association of Jewish British policy in the period 1938/39, citing Rosenstock, it earned their respect. Refugees and should not be regarded as such. the large number of Jewish refugees from the Anthony Grenville
2 april 2014 journal
1) Heinz Biberfeld (Berrys) and Gerd Lederman at Garnethill Hostel, 1943; 2) group of former refugees, Glasgow, 1953 (Wuga Collection); 3) group including Yutta and Ursula Salomon, Hamburg; 4) Garnethill Boys' Hostel, 1939 1 2 4
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A SCOTTISH HOLOCAUST STUDY CENTRE he Scottish Jewish Archives Centre These included the Boys’ Hostel at way, to set up a Scottish Holocaust Study is rapidly expanding its holdings on Garnethill, the Quaker-run Women’s Centre at Garnethill Synagogue, as an Tthe Holocaust era, documenting Hostel in Renfrew Street, Birkenward adjunct of the Archives Centre. Two the experiences of those who came (Skelmorlie), Whittingehame Farm consultation meetings have taken place, here on the Kindertransport, as refugees School and Polmont House. attracting former Kinder and survivors, from Central Europe during the 1930s, In recent times, some of these former members of the Second and Third or as survivors after the War. refugees or their families have been Generations, teachers and educators, There is a fascinating story to tell of passing on their documents, photographs and other stakeholders. how many hundreds made a new life in and memorabilia to be preserved at the If you wish to be kept informed as Scotland and of the contribution they Archives Centre. The Dorrith M. Sim this project unfolds, or if you found made to Scottish society. Hundreds Collection comprises over 1,500 items. refuge in Scotland and have for us a of refugee physicians obtained their Another important collection consists story or photographs, documents or British qualifications at the Royal of the papers of Viennese artist Hilda memorabilia, please contact Deborah Colleges of Medicine and Surgery in Goldwag. Haase (see below). Scotland, while refugee artists and There is now a marked increase in Deborah Haase and Harvey Kaplan architects such as Hilda Goldwag, interest in this period, with the Archives Scottish Jewish Archives Centre Paul Zunterstein and Isi Metzstein Centre receiving enquiries from schools, Garnethill Synagogue enriched the local scene. Scottish Jews universities and others. Recognising this 129 Hill Street, Glasgow G3 6UB and others set up refugee hostels for interest, we met last year the First Minister T: 0141 332 4911 children and young people, enabling in the Scottish Parliament and he pledged E: [email protected] their rehabilitation and integration. support for a feasibility study, now under www.sjac.org.uk
5 6 7 8 5) art school diploma (1937) of Hilda Goldwag, who came to Glasgow from Vienna; 6) Dorrith Sim with her parents Hans and Trude in Kassel, Germany (Dorrith M. Sim Collection); 7) dermatologist Dr Fanny Dorothea Cohn from Breslau; 8) identity card of Dorrith Oppenheim (Sim), who came to Scotland on the Kindertransport in 1939
3 journal APRIL 2014 The story of Schmuel Gonzwa y father, Schmuel Gonzwa, was having had a hungry week, he would he suffered many indignities and saw born in 1897 in Czestochowa. happily have consumed the three or horrific acts around him. Now my MAlways uppermost in his four extra spoonfuls left. mother stepped into the picture. She mind were the pogroms the Jews My grandmother was absolutely didn’t lose her cool in this calamity suffered each Easter when pilgrims delighted: at last she had found the like other women around her. She came to worship at the local shrine of ideal bochur and forthwith informed made enquiries, questioned people, the Black Madonna. Due to local anti- the rosh yeshiva that he must always and searched for ways of getting her Semitism my father was not taught send Schmuel to them and no other. husband released as soon as possible. Polish but was brought up entirely My grandmother began to take an Her arduous zeal brought on Yiddish. interest in this young yeshiva bochur. results and she discovered that the In 1918 he was in danger of being She could see a successful future for Panamanian consulate was willing, called up by the Russian army. The him. She said to him ‘Take off your at a price, to offer visas and tickets military demanded 25 years and, for kittel (white garment), remove your for one and all. She clutched at this him as a Jew, it would have been a payoth (sideburns) and become a straw and within six weeks had in her horrific and probably fatal experience. westerner. I will teach you German possession the necessary papers to get He decided with much regret to leave so you will be able to communicate her husband back. This was the time his widowed mother and siblings and with people here.’ My father took her when my grandmother, so long an flee to Frankfurt am Main with the ardent German who could not fathom Schneider Yeshiva (Seminary). the Nazi threat, rebuked her daughter Luckily for him, this brought him for wanting to send her husband to into contact with the Schwarz family Panama. ‘It’s hot there!’, she said, to – my grandparents, very orthodox which my mother retorted ‘It depends under Aguda auspices. They ran a very where it’s hotter!’ successful carpet emporium and were The relevant papers were comfortably settled, their family tree despatched to the authorities and going back to the eleventh century in my mother received a postcard stating Germany. They considered themselves ‘Schmuel Gonzwa will be released on Germans of the Mosaic persuasion. … if he is still alive.’ Sadly we didn’t My grandmother was an enthusiastic retain this communication: it would mitzvah jaeger and never missed an have been of historical interest. opportunity to give succour to the Happily my father did come back. poor. With shaven head, gaunt and full of In this case, she delighted in terrible memories which haunted his inviting an impoverished yeshiva dreams thereafter – but at least he bochur (seminary student) for Friday- was alive and back with his family. night dinner at the Schwarz home. Of course he had no intention of However, notwithstanding her zeal for going to Panama – that was just a mitzvot (good deeds), she demanded ploy. Now he had just six weeks to find a high standard of table manners and, an alternative escape route before the regrettably, some of the poor young Nazis came back for him. He recalled boys who came to the house had no a distant cousin had emigrated to idea of what was expected from them advice and groomed himself in the England in the 1920s, managed in the way of table manners. way of other German Jews. He became to find his address in London, and My father always told the story of proficient in German, although, of wrote to seek his help. At that time, how the rosh yeshiva (seminary head) course, he never forgot his native immigration to England was severely came to him and said ‘Schmuel, you Yiddish – his mama loshen (mother limited: one had to find a guarantor have the reputation of the yeshiva tongue). He had supreme business who would look after you to ensure in your hands when you go to the acumen and went into business you were not going to be a burden home of Mr and Mrs Schwarz!’ My buying and selling filigree tablecloths, on the country, where there was huge father’s heart sank when he came very much in vogue at the time. unemployment. to their dinner table with its array The years rolled on and he kept The cousin was very reluctant to of knives and forks he had never in contact with the Schwarz family. help but luckily one of his sons realised encountered. Which one to take up So much so that ten years later he the huge danger German Jews were at the appropriate moment? It was married a daughter of the house – facing and persuaded his father to an awesome dilemma but my father my mother – and was even invited to send the necessary affidavit. Thus was astute and decided to diligently join the family business. However, he my father got out of Germany and follow his host all the way. much preferred to be his own boss landed in England. Now he had the When my grandfather took up a and continued to look after his wife task of coaxing his reluctant cousin certain spoon so did he. At the next and two children by his own labour. to offer the same refuge to his wife course, it was a different knife and Until the advent of Hitler they lived and two children. It was a hard task fork and he followed suit, and thus well and were happy but after 1933 but eventually he was reunited with all through the meal. Even when my it became apparent that the lives of his family. grandfather laid down his spoon, Jews in Germany could not continue. For a few weeks we all lodged with leaving a quantity of soup on his plate, Kristallnacht arrived and my father these cousins but all too soon they my father did the same, although, was taken off to Buchenwald, where continued opposite
4 april 2014 journal
THE STORY OF SCHMUEL GONZWA Second Generation Network in Association with JW3 continued moved the four of us into the East Second and Third Introduction to Writing End of London in a flat comprising one bedroom – I was the bolster at Generation Family History for the the bottom of the bed! – a gas stove Discussion Group Second Generation on the landing, a sink ten stairs down, and the toilet in the yard, two flights Sunday 27 April Monday 28 April down. Our fellow lodgers were bugs 11:30 am-1:15 pm 2-5 pm and mice and on many occasions my at JW3 at JW3 brother couldn’t attend school due to Facilitator: Workshop led by Nick Barlay too many bug bites. Tickets £18.00 (spaces limited) My father worked at everything Gaby Glassman that came his way: cleaning windows, Tickets £5.00 (spaces limited) An exploration of Second-Generation approaches serving at tables in cafes. After all, he A discussion group for children and grandchil- to writing family history, and how First and Second had a family who were dependent dren of refugees from, and survivors of, Nazi Generation experiences can make a family history on him. Again, his business acumen persecution. compelling to read. The workshop will have a mixture didn’t desert him and he managed Gaby Glassman is a psychologist and psycho- of examples, discussion and practical exercises to to provide for his family. In 1942, therapist who has facilitated intergenerational inspire a form of writing most appropriate to unique and like many other refugees, they had and Second Generation groups in the UK and individual stories. another child – another daughter – abroad since the 1980s. Nick Barlay is the author of the recently published family which brought them much joy and The session will offer participants an opportunity history Scattered Ghosts: One Family’s Survival through made them feel young again. for dialogue in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. War, Holocaust and Revolution – see www.nickbarlay.com He was always looking out for business deals. He sought out Please book tickets through JW3 on 020 7433 8988 batteries for torches to help people or at www.jw3.org.uk find their way in the dark streets due to the blackout restrictions. He caught numerous buses to all parts of London to locate them just to make a little profit selling to local shops. Books Bought AJR TRIP TO ISRAEL By 1947 he had accumulated Modern and Old If you are interested in a possible trip enough money to put a deposit on a to Israel later this year please telephone semi-detached house in Clapton and Eric Levene Carol Rossen or Lorna Moss on we could move out of our terrible 020 8364 3554 / 07855 387 574 020 8385 3070. hovel with its menagerie. Now we had a proper kitchen, four bedrooms [email protected] and even a bathroom and toilet in I also purchase ephemera LEO BAECK HOUSING ASSOCIATION the house. My sister, then aged five, queried the two taps over the bath – CLARA NEHAB HOUSE she’d never seen hot water come out But he was pragmatic and knew that RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME of a tap. Our baths had been a Wanne Germany owed him compensation. Small caring residential home (bath tub) in front of the hearth with My mother now became his with large attractive gardens its open coal fire. devoted nurse and carer and he in close to local shops and public transport My father’s life continued to be turn helped out with domestic chores. 25 single rooms with full en suite facilities. hectic but he always had good ideas. I can recall him peeling potatoes and 24 hour Permanent and Respite Care Pretty shopping bags became popular scraping carrots. He even admitted Entertainment & Activities provided. after years of utility versions, so he on one occasion that housework was Ground Floor Lounge and Dining Room found a machinist, provided the ‘really hard work’! This had never • Lift access to all floors. material, and got a little business occurred to him before – somehow For further information please contact: The Manager, Clara Nehab House, going selling these shoppers. the meals just appeared on the table. 13-19 Leeside Crescent, London NW11 0DA For the coronation of Queen My father’s last few years were Telephone: 020 8455 2286 Elizabeth II in 1953, he bought spent quietly, watching TV, the a 14-inch television set and we highlight always news broadcasts. entertained the neighbours with tea Sadly his heart condition deteriorated and sandwiches the entire day. My and, at the age of 70 and a few father had become very patriotic. months after my parents’ 40th JACKMAN . With all this hard work, stress and wedding anniversary, he passed away. pressure to provide for his family, He was greatly mourned: a wonderful SILVERMAN it came as no surprise when, at the husband and a great father. Fate or COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS age of 60, he began to suffer from chance had tossed him around the angina and had to take life a little world, through many countries. He easier. Luckily, prior to this setback, had endured terrible experiences but he had decided, very reluctantly, to had eventually arrived in a safe haven accept a pension from Germany, much with his family intact. Just in time, a Telephone: 020 7209 5532 against his will at first – after all, who baby grandson made his life complete. [email protected] wanted money from those murderers! Meta Roseneil
5 journal APRIL 2014
Secretary's disgusting policies. Eric Sanders, London W12
‘IT TAKES ALL SORTS!’ Sir – John Farago (March, Letters) says he is ‘Openly proud to have been born a Jew in Vienna’. Proud, that is, to have been born in a city whose citizens made his fellow Jews scrub the pavements with brushes while at The Editor reserves the right the same time abusing them. to shorten correspondence As they say, ‘It takes all sorts!’ submitted for publication Ernest G. Kolman, Greenford, Middx HEARING STORIES AT FIRST HAND Sir – Honoured and proud to be chosen to Obstacle Course represent Akiva School at such a prestigious Sir – As usual, Anthony Grenville’s front- paid before emigration was permitted. event (Kindertransport Lunch: guest speaker page article about the Kindertransport When everything had been packed under Natasha Kaplinsky), we entered Alyth parents (January) is most informative and the ‘expert’s’ supervision, he put a seal Gardens Synagogue nervous but excited it is necessary – as he did – to remind on each suitcase and trunk, which had to hear the extraordinary stories of the younger readers, who have not themselves to be left untouched until all the luggage Kindertransport refugees. experienced the ‘obstacle course’ imposed had crossed the border and was out of During our lunch we had the opportunity by the Nazi authorities before Jews were the Germans’ jurisdiction. How strictly to hear first-hand stories of what it was permitted to emigrate, how burdensome the examination was enforced depended like to leave your parents at such a young these bureaucratic procedures were. entirely on the personality of the ‘expert’. age. Most of them were our age – or even However, in my experience (and I still In my case, he told us when he went for younger – and it made us feel in awe of how have all the relevant documents), his list is lunch that we should continue packing they had to cope during this time – which incomplete. Certainly in Berlin, from where while he was out and he would seal the we still find hard to comprehend! I left in April 1939, we had to obtain two luggage when he came back – a clear case On returning to school, we were buzzing Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigungen – one of somebody in an official capacity being to share our experiences and other stories from the Finanzamt (tax authority) and ‘on the side of’ the emigrant. that we have now inherited from the one from the relevant Bezirksamt (local Fritz Lustig, London N10 ‘Kinder’ themselves. district authority), both confirming that no We are really grateful to have had this taxes or penalties were due. Furthermore opportunity to enhance our knowledge of, – certainly in Berlin – it was also necessary FACTS AND VIEWS and empathy with, the lives of those people for the Jewish community to certify that Sir – Peter Simpson (February, Letters) who lived through a cruel, yet vital, lesson no money was owed to them. All these only weakens his criticism of the British in history. documents had to be produced at an government by distorting Anthony Natalie and Zohar, office situated in the Bruedervereinshaus Grenville’s wholly factual article in the Year 6, Akiva School, London (formerly the headquarters of a lodge) in January journal. His statement that ‘Churchill the Kurfuerstenstrasse, which was manned knew [there would be a war]’ is irrelevant. TREATED WITH COURTESY BY VIENNA by Nazi and Jewish officials, sitting side Mr Churchill was not a member of the SCHOOL by side. I am sorry to relate that the latter government before 1940. But perhaps Sir – George Vulcan’s offhand treatment by were just as officious and unfriendly as Peter Simpson doesn’t like facts that don’t the notoriously snotty Schottengymnasium their Nazi colleagues. support his views. (March, Letters) was most regrettable – so In my particular case, as I was 19 at the By comparison, the other Peter in the unlike my old school, the Gymnasium Wien time and the age of majority was still 21, same issue, Peter Phillips, is obviously an XIII (Hietzing), where we were treated with both my father and I considered it prudent expert on bias, when he attacks Professor courtesy until the day we left. to have me officially declared volljährig, i.e. Brent’s description of the Guardian as not Recently a plaque was mounted in the having reached the age of majority. We being based on evidence. Has Mr Phillips school showing the names of all pupils both had to attend an interview by a judge any evidence to support his accusation? excluded in 1938. I was unfortunately to obtain the relevant document. As in all Has he any evidence for stating that the unable to attend the ceremony but am cases of a change of address, the police Daily Telegraph does not lean as far to the aware that every known survivor was had to be informed with an Abmeldung. right as the Guardian leans to the left? The invited, with help for expenses offered. The But most importantly, a list had to Telegraph is known as an arch-Tory paper. Archbishop, the Bürgermaster and other be drawn up setting out every single The Guardian is known as being pro-liberal. notables were to participate in the unveiling. article the would-be emigrant wanted to I don't believe there is today a British daily (Dr) Hans L. Eirew, Manchester take with him, down to the last tube of that is as far to the left as the Telegraph is toothpaste. This list had to differentiate to the right. Of course, that depends on the CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN SEARCH OF between items acquired before and after definition of right and left – which is much VISUAL MATERIAL 1 January 1933, in the latter case stating easier when referring to arms and hands. Sir – We would like to develop our the date of acquisition and the price paid. Peter Phillips’s bias seems to be a political presentation of the history of the The list had to be presented to an ‘expert’ one, when he attempts to defend Mr Kindertransport. Could readers get in touch (Sachverstaendiger), who came to the Gove’s ravaging of our education system. if they have any visual material that we could emigrant’s residence and examined all Personally, I agree that Mr Gove is not inept include in a school’s presentation or on the articles mentioned before they were just because the Guardian said so. The our webpage? Hearing the voices of child packed. If he agreed with the values description is much too mild: ‘destructive’, survivors or seeing images from their war quoted for post-1933 acquisitions, a tax ‘ignorant’ and ‘reactionary’ are much more is particularly important for students. I’m (Ausfuhrfoerderungsabgabe) had to be suitable adjectives to describe the Education hopeful that more visual records are being
6 april 2014 journal produced now with digital film. English way’, I wasn’t allowed to knit starving. He said he was an accounts clerk. The Museum would like to present squares. My father gave him a job. Some 18 months children’s art from Terezin in April and May. Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines, Preston later he left with thanks for some other We are completing the loan agreement just career. now with Terezin Museum and I'm looking TO PALESTINE VIA THE DANUBE In June 1939, my parents were getting for venues for this important exhibition. Sir – I recently read another ‘batch’ of AJR ready to leave Danzig for Poland when the Please let me know if you can think of Journals during a visit to my mother. As doorbell rang. Our housekeeper opened anyone who may be interested in presenting usual, there were many fascinating sagas the door. Standing there was an SS man. the children’s art and history. and life stories. He put his finger to his lips and said ‘Tell Thank you again to everyone who has With regard to the query about boats of your master to leave immediately. He will contacted the Museum with letters, poems, young Zionists attempting to reach Palestine be arrested this afternoon. I was the poor memoirs and phone calls. via the Danube: in 2012 there took place in clerk to whom your master gave a job when Brian Devlin, Vienna a commemoration of the so-called I needed it badly. I am repaying his kindness.’ Children's War Museum, 4 Manse Lane, 'Kladovo Transport'. This photographic He then left. Galashiels, Scottish Borders, TD1 1NB exhibition, together with a commemorative My parents immediately packed a case tel 01896 756402 book, was dedicated to some 800 young and left for Warsaw. I was already in London. email [email protected] Austrians whose boat was unfortunately In 1940 they made their way from the held up by ice on the river as it reached the bombed Warsaw through Romania and COPIES OF NEWSLETTER SOUGHT village of Kladovo in Romania at the end of Bulgaria to Istanbul, where they boarded the Sir – At the Wiener Library we have a 1939. They were held there until September Polish ship Warszawa for Haifa. On board great collection of newsletters published 1940, when they were taken across the River the ship they had another experience. While by refugee and exile groups. Today this Sava to Sabac in Serbia, which was occupied walking on deck, my father caught a glimpse kind of material is incredibly hard to find by the Germans in 1941. The men were of a German businessman he had known as the paper quality was often poor and shot and the women and children forced to in Danzig as a Nazi sympathiser. My father publication numbers low. march to Belgrade, where they in turn were immediately informed the captain, who said To complete our holdings, we are looking executed. One can barely imagine what it he should leave things in his hands. for issues of Frau in Arbeit: periodical of was like for them during these months. In From Haifa, my parents were taken to Tel the working refugee woman. Currently 2002 the Kultusgemeinde in Vienna erected a Aviv. While sitting in a roadside café, they we have only one issue: number 17, 1941. memorial in the Jewish cemetery in Belgrade. saw the German from Danzig and from the This newsletter was published in London I confess that until I was specifically ship walking along the road. He saw my by the Gemeinschaft Werktätiger Frauen invited, I had never heard of this particular parents, smiled, walked towards their table and it would be fascinating material for tragic incident. Like the ‘death train to Iasi’ and greeted them. He was dressed in the our readers. We would be very grateful if of 1941, there are so many stories remaining uniform of a captain in the British Army. You you would consider donating any copies to be properly revealed. Those wishing for can draw your own conclusions .… you may have to the Library. Please contact further details can contact the initiator of the Alex Lawrence, Marlow Marek Jaros on 020 7636 7247 or at commemoration at [email protected] [email protected] Also, as I serve as the (part-time) Rabbi of RETURN TO HILDESHEIM Kat Hubschmann, the Liberal Jewish community 'Or Chadasch' Sir – I read with great interest Janet Senior Librarian, Wiener Library, London in Vienna, may I remind any readers Howley’s account of her family’s history planning to visit Vienna, or planning to lay from Hildesheim, Germany, in your January MILIBAND CONTROVERSY commemorative plaques, that we would love edition. My family too originates from Sir – Dr Anthony Grenville’s article to welcome them to our services – see our Hildesheim. I was born Heinz Manfred in ‘The Miliband Controversy in Historical website for details – or they can contact me at January 1937; my sister Eva Johanna was Perspective’ (December, 2013) is very [email protected] born in 1927. The family managed to get out much appreciated and has proven to be an Rabbi Dr Walter Rothschild, Berlin of Germany with ‘J’ passports in July 1939. interesting read in the office. Our family background in Hildesheim A. Williams Sir – My sister Eva was one of those who left is extraordinarily similar to that of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Austria on a ship sailing east on the Danube. David Meier family which Janet relates. My House of Commons, London According to her, these ships were organised father, Leopold Cohn, also fought in the by the right-wing Zionist organisation Betar. First World War. He was also later interned ‘THE ENGLISH WAY’ Eva was single and 18 years old. She in Buchenwald but my mother, Else Cohn Sir – I happened to be leafing through a left in early 1939. They sailed for Romania, (née Feige), managed to obtain his release past number of the Journal and spotted the whence they were accommodated on – pleading with the Gestapo was quite a little photo entitled ‘Squares for Blankets’. Turkish coastal vessels. They landed close feat in itself! It reminded me that as a refugee arriving to Netanya, where they were hidden in a My grandparents, Julius and Ida Feige, here in 1939 (on the ‘Winton Train’), my cinema. One vessel was boarded by the who owned a successful real estate agency little sister and I lived with a lovely English British navy and the refugees were interned. in Hildesheim, could also be classed as couple and I attended a local council school Robert Acker-Holt, London NW3 ‘a reasonably wealthy German-Jewish in Ashton-under-Lyne (near Manchester). family’. Their longstanding address was an In my class of ten-year-olds we were SAVED BY AN SS MAN apartment in Bernwardstr. 23, a property all given wool and needles to knit squares Sir – My parents’ lives were saved by an owned by the Jewish banking family Hess, for blankets. I could knit so I got on with SS man. In the thirties we lived in what but they were forced by circumstances (Hess it. After a while the whole class became was then Danzig, at Dominikswall 9. My sold up to emigrate) to move to another silent watching me. As you may be aware, father had a small business, Polish Asiatic apartment, in Altes Dorf, and again later to Continentals hold their knitting needles Company, which imported tea from the one in Wallstrasse. differently. The teacher asked me what I was UK. One morning in 1932 a young man, a Of course, at the age of 18 months, doing. ‘Knitting,’ I said. German, came to the office and asked my I knew nothing of life in Hildesheim but Unfortunately, in her eyes I was not father for a job. He said he was unemployed, in May 1988 my sister and her husband, knitting and, until I learned to knit ‘the had a wife and two children and was continued on page 16
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quickly. So it seems the artist took his sunflowers very seriously. The other paintings are in Tokyo, Munich and Philadelphia. Apart REVIEWS from minor differences in tone and depth in these two works, the welcoming yellow and An ambitious study ART THE FORGOTTEN the presence of dying flowers, as well as those in full bloom, suggest vibrancy and sheer KINDERTRANSPORTEES: THE NOTES presence. Sadly, the relationship between the SCOTTISH EXPERIENCE GLORIA TESSLER two artists failed to flourish as significantly as by Frances Williams the flowers. They worked together through London and New York: Bloomsbury the autumn of 1888 but at the end of the Academic, 2014 (www.bloomsbury.com), rtists rarely paint the same scene year they quarrelled – Gauguin stormed off hardback 312 pp., illustrations, £65.00 twice but Vincent van Gogh painted and van Gogh had a nervous breakdown, (online £58.50), ISBN 9781 780 938 035 seven Sunflowers in 1888-89 during mutilated his ear, and entered an asylum. ny book dealing with the Scottish Ahis time in Provence. For the first time in Yet despite the breakdown of their experience of Kindertransportees 65 years, two of these paintings hang side friendship and the opposing direction of Ashould be welcomed, especially by side at the National Gallery in Room their art, Gauguin recognised that van Gogh by Scottish AJR members, who may 46 (to 27 April 2014, admission free) in a had reached the peak of his gifts with the sometimes feel they are far from the reciprocal arrangement with Amsterdam’s Sunflowers and asked him to send him one as a centre of events in London. In her newly renovated Van Gogh Museum, which gift. The National Gallery bought its painting preface to this book, a former PhD held its own show last May, featuring both directly from the family in 1924. thesis from the University of Edinburgh, London and Amsterdam paintings. The most significant of Richard Deacon’s Frances Williams, who was provided It is one thing to paint the same thing sculptures in his new exhibition at Tate Britain by the AJR with a grant to undertake from different perspectives but what is (to 27 April 2014) is the massive, serpentine her studies, emphasises her desire unusual about these two van Gogh paintings After to highlight the story of Scotland’s piece , which appears to resemble basket- ‘forgotten’ Kindertransportees. She weave but is actually stresses the impossibility of providing a construct from simplistic generalisations regarding multiple smaller characteristics of the Kinder and their components involv- treatment in wartime Scotland. Indeed, ing wooden tubes this is Williams’s central argument, as which section each she makes clear in the introduction curve and a woven, to the book, where she refutes the stainless steel strap arguments of Judith Tydor Baumel drawing the ends and Claudio Curio, both of whom, she together. The whole emphasises, exemplify the ‘tendency writhing form is ser- to treat the minors across Britain as pentine and reflects one collective group’. In the words of the quality of form the author, ‘The Kindertransportees and empty space represented a kaleidoscope of different types of people’ and ‘their experience which is the main lacked uniformity or predictability as feature of Deacon’s a group’. work. Of particular interest is her research Yet there is no into the lives of Kinder who were After (1998) Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/ Getty Images sameness in his placed in residential care. Williams was sculptures, which able to draw on private collections is that they are near-identical – almost to the use many different materials, from steel, ‘located around the world’. These number of blooms in the vase and their size. foam, rubber, chrome, leather and marble. include the recently discovered Challis In a letter to artist Emile Bernard in August Tall Tree in the Ear, on loan from London’s family’s private collection of over 400 1888, van Gogh described his theme: ‘the raw Lisson Gallery, is a tall, tubular structure negatives and the private papers of the and broken chrome yellow will blaze forth on which does suggest the outer ear, if not a late William Fanton Drew, a teacher at various backgrounds, blues … emerald green stunted tree form, and others are convoluted Whittingehame Farm School in East and royal blue, framed with thin strips painted shapes inviting you to look from all angles. Lothian. in mine orange [red lead pigment].’ He was Deacon moves from the major to the minor Williams gives an enlightening picture experimenting at this time with subsidiary of the reception of the young people she key: the attractive Tropic, in blue and green calls ‘trans-migrants’ – described thus colours like emerald and viridian. glazed ceramic, suggests the movement of It was all inspired by the famous Yellow as they were not expected to remain in waves and Out of Order is a complex jumbled Britain. Relying on both her own research House in Arles which Van Gogh rented in mass of steel. But the overall effect, expressed 1888. He invited his friend Paul Gauguin and that of eminent historians such as particularly in Untitled, made of laminated Tony Kushner and David Cesarani, she to join him that summer so they could wood, is movement, change and even musical has been able to expose the limitations paint together in the sunny southern French notation. of the rose-coloured picture of British idyll. As he waited for Gauguin to join him, philanthropy, ‘publicly celebrated as an van Gogh painted this series of sunflower example of the nation’s humanitarian pictures to decorate his friend’s bedroom: they Annely Juda Fine Art spirit’. Her own response is a well- signalled friendship but also a kind of homage 23 Dering Street balanced one, pointing out that ‘Neither to Gauguin, whom he saw as his mentor. (off New Bond Street) the celebratory nor the critical narrative Influenced by the deceptive simplicity of Tel: 020 7629 7578 offers a representative evaluation of the Japanese art, van Gogh tried to capture the flat Fax: 020 7491 2139 event and experience.’ yellow of the flowers, working from sunrise CONTEMPORARY PAINTING Williams shows diagrammatically onwards that August as the flowers faded so AND SCULPTURE continued opposite
8 april 2014 journal the complex philanthropic welfare Cosgrove, Jew’s College rather than Jews, he was awarded the Ehrenkreuz network existing in the late 1930s on Jews’ College. Williams also seems by Hitler in 1935. national, regional and local levels. This, unsure of key Hebrew words, using Bnei In 1937 Meyer emigrated to what as she makes clear, meant a confusion Keive instead of Bnei Akiva, Evrit for Ivrit, was then Palestine and settled in the of messages and the lack of an obvious Yishvo for Yishuv. agricultural village of Nahariya, where chain of command. The dominance Ms Williams, nevertheless, deserves to he died in 1954 aged 68. of the London-based Central Council be commended for an ambitious book, His letters show that initially he was for German Jewry and the Refugee which provides challenging responses to an enthusiastic soldier – in his letter Children’s Movement created particular a number of thought-provoking issues of 02/03/15 he writes: ‘I am cheerful, problems for Scotland. Williams notes regarding Scottish Kindertransportees, energetic and healthy … in addition that the Glasgow Jewish community ranging from ‘Scottish Care for the I’m so pleased that finally I can do could have ‘provided handsomely for the Jewish Minor’ to the ‘Limitations of a something for the Fatherland.’ However, reception of the Kindertransportees in Zionist Endeavour’. in later years he becomes disillusioned Glasgow had it [their pledge of £25,000 Claire Singerman and longs for the war to stop and to get for the children] not been siphoned off out of the army. He describes in detail to London.’ She does her best to provide the type of guns the army uses, which a nuanced picture of the problems is of limited interest to non-experts, facing the host community especially A timely publication other than that the first gun his battery when wartime made resources scarce ‘IT’S NOT THE FATHERLAND’S FAULT: receives is so old-fashioned that the and the need to care for British citizens SAVE THE LETTERS FOR LATER’ barrel doesn’t recoil after a shot and was more pressing than sympathy with by Otto Meyer the gun has to be re-positioned each the ‘trans-migrants’. http://blur.by/1g48X2J 147 pp., time it’s fired. Williams frequently cites the survey The anti-Semitism Meyer encounters undertaken by the AJR/ Kindertransport translated from German into English is usually directed at Jews in general Association (KT), ‘Making New Lives by Ruth Morris and not at him personally. He seems in Britain’, which is based on replies he approaching centenary of the to accept it as inevitable and just gets to a questionnaire sent out to former First World War is receiving much on with life. Interestingly, he notices Kindertransportees. The database Tpublicity and the publication of that an Alsatian comrade of his suffers includes 87 surviving Kindertransportees this book is timed to coincide with it. some discrimination on account of his who spent some time in Scotland. It has not been published yet in actual background. Referring to this, she illustrates a book format but can be read on the As might be expected, in his letters to number of aspects of the Scottish internet without charge by clicking his wife he assures her constantly of his experience, ranging from the age when on an overview via the link http://blur. undying love, how he longs to be with Kinder were first employed to their by/1g48X2J The title is taken from her, etc. To this reader at least, these current religious affiliation. letters dated 02/04/15 and 03/03/15 in passages tend to get slightly boring and She also makes interesting use Appendix II. could easily have been omitted. of oral testimony, though making The book deals with the military The text of the book is liberally clear in her preface that the ‘fluidity service of Dr Otto Meyer in the First sprinkled with photographs – not of memory is particularly relevant as World War and is written by his youngest only of people and scenery but also Kindertransportees become older’. son, Andreas. It relates his early life of documents. Some of the quoted Many of her examples are drawn from and war service and contains five statistics are interesting: there were the interviews in her private collection. appendices: a chronological overview of approximately 100,000 Jews in the In Appendix 3 of the book she provides the latter, including a history of Jews in German army in the First World War, a selection of biographies of these military service; selected letters written of whom some 30,000 were decorated interviewees, whom, as she points to his wife and extracts from his diaries; with the Iron Cross, and about 2,000 out in a footnote in her preface, she photographs (mostly taken by him); were promoted to the rank of officer chose to provide with pseudonyms. illustrated letters to his sons (who were (between 1880 and 1914 there were Having interviewed a number of children at the time); and an epilogue. none). The so-called ‘Jewish Census’ in Scottish survivors for the educational Apart from being an enthusiastic 1916, when the number of Jews in all project ‘Gatheringthevoices’ (www. photographer, Otto Meyer was also an regiments had to be reported to higher gatheringthevoices.com), I was able to accomplished artist and his illustrations authority, greatly upset Meyer, although identify some of these people from the in the letters to his children are well the total established was kept a secret. biographies and found that Williams’s executed, interesting and amusing. Before it is eventually published in practice was not entirely consistent, as Meyer was born in 1886 and, after hard format, the book could be improved she sometimes referred to them by their a varied school career, studied law at if a complete outsider – i.e. somebody real names. Berlin University, adding a doctorate not emotionally connected with Otto My one significant concern with after his finals. Shortly afterwards he Meyer like his son – were to edit it. In Williams’s work, however, is its factual married a non-Jewish woman, who that way repetitions might be avoided: inaccuracies. Williams includes an curiously had the same surname as he. extracts from letters are quoted in the impressive array of footnotes but these His father shared ownership of a leather text, reappearing when the complete are occasionally unreliable. One example factory with his brother, Otto’s uncle, letter is shown in Appendix II, and is her reference on page 7 to Aspects but quarrelled with him and withdrew several photos appear in the text as well of Scottish Jewry, edited by Kenneth his money. Eventually, after Otto had as in Appendix III. Furthermore, quite Collins, where she misleadingly refers left school, the family settled in Rheda a few letters, which repeat sentiments to Collins’s research when in fact the in Westphalia. and opinions already expressed, as well author of the comment on ‘an ongoing He was called up for war service in as photos which are not clear enough to level of tension between the Ostjuden 1915 and joined an artillery regiment convey very much to the reader, might and Westjuden communities’ was Rynor as a ‘gunner’. He was awarded the Iron well be omitted. Equally Appendix I as Kölmel. She later states that the Talmud Cross 2nd Class in 1917, was promoted a whole is probably not very interesting Torah in Glasgow used Yiddish for to the rank of lieutenant in May 1918, for an outsider. instruction in the 1930s – though in fact and left the army in December 1918. He To sum up, the book contains much Collins does mention that this ceased had served only on the western front interesting information but could be before the First World War. Spelling and miraculously suffered no injuries further improved. It should also be errors abound: Mary Hills instead of during his service. Like all ex-soldiers borne in mind that probably most AJR Maryhill, Dr Crossgrove rather than who had served at the front, including continued on page 10
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reviews continued from page 9 members of my generation had fathers troubled relationship with her. He dated Garbo and his greatest who were German soldiers in the First The family escaped to England in friend was the renowned Frank Au- World War – the irony of many of us 1933, when a close relative was killed erbach, another Jewish refugee artist having been British soldiers in the by Nazi thugs. Despite living here for from Berlin. Second World War is not lost! the rest of his life, Freud never lost his Later his style changed and featured Fritz Lustig German accent - ‘straight from pre-war massive, sprawling nudes, which sold Berlin, educated, sophisticated, a slight for vast sums. When he died he left a burr without any harshness’. staggering £96 million. Portrait of an extraordinary life Known for his volatility, he quarrelled Greig saw Freud with his assistant BREAKFAST WITH LUCIAN: bitterly with people, falling out with his David Dawson at Clarke’s restaurant for A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST brothers Stephen and broadcaster and breakfast near his Kensington Church by Geordie Greig politician Clement, with whom he was Street home over ten years. They last never reconciled. met when Freud was on his deathbed Jonathan Cape, 2013, hardcover After a fragmented and unconven- in July 2011 aged 88. Conversation 272 pp., £25, ISBN 9780224096850 tional education, Freud, who loved ranged from trivial to the profound he character of the German refugee horses, decided to become an artist and eventually Freud let Greig record it, who became the greatest British rather than a jockey – his ‘other idea the recorded text lending an edge and Tpainter of his era is unmasked in for a career’. authenticity. a fascinating biography by journalist At home with both high society and Greig speaks to lovers, children and Geordie Greig. low life, he gambled away millions, celebrities, detailing feuds and fights For decades Mail on Sunday editor associating with gangsters, including the during a long life lived fully, giving Greig badgered Lucian Freud until he Krays, and painted and painted. Among a sympathetic portrait of an often succeeded in meeting him regularly those he painted were the Queen, very flawed man. He is stronger on for early morning meals, gaining the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, personalities than paintings and the his confidence and trust. The result, Brigadier Parker Bowles, Kate Moss, index is meticulously compiled. His great Breakfast with Lucian, provides a Francis Bacon and David Hockney. strength is undoubtedly successfully fascinating insight into this complex At the same time, his personal life pulling together such a wealth and and unusual but hugely talented artist. was bizarre and colourful. He married chequer-board of material to reveal an Freud was born in Berlin in 1922, son and divorced twice and had innumerable incredibly vivid and intimate portrait of of modernist architect Ernst Freud and lovers as well as 14 acknowledged this unique subject and extraordinary life. grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund children, including three daughters Janet Weston Freud. He was named after his mother by different mothers all born in 1961. Lucie (née Brasch), the daughter of a Controversially he painted several of prosperous grain merchant, but had a his children naked. ARTS AND EVENTS APRIL DIARY
spring grove KINDERTRANSPORT Tue 8 My Story: Eric E. Murangwa To London’s Most Luxurious commemorate the 20th anniversary of LUNCH the Rwandan genocide, Eric Murangwa RETIREMENT HOME discusses his experiences as a survivor of 214 Finchley Road 9 April 2014 the genocide. At Wiener Library, 9.30 am London NW3 – 1.00 pm. Tel 020 7636 7247 (admission Please join us for our next lunch, free but booking essential) Entertainment which will be held at North West Reform Synagogue, Fri 11 From Data to Knowledge: How Activities the European Holocaust Research Alyth Gardens, Finchley Road, London NW11 7EN Stress Free Living Infrastracture Links and Opens 24 House Staffing Excellent Cuisine Holocaust Collections to All Workshop at the Wiener Library, 9.30 am – 1.00 pm. Tel Full En-Suite Facilities Daniel Cainer will be entertaining us on keyboard 020 7636 7247 (admission free but Call for more information or a personal tour booking essential) 020 8446 2117 To book your place To Thurs 17 Displaced: Book Art or 020 7794 4455 please phone Andrea Goodmaker Exhibition 2014. At Wiener Library. [email protected] on 020 8385 3070 Admission free
AJR ANNUAL LONDON TRIP Join us for a visit to see this AJR OUTING masterpiece of Indian design Tuesday 6 May – Thursday 8 May 2014 and workmanship in the heart of London and marvel at the intricate This year’s trip will include a visit to Kenwood House; dinner at the marble and wooden carvings. London Jewish Cultural Centre with guest speaker Ian Austin MP; a guided tour of the National Theatre and a matinee performance of their Our visit will last approximately latest production A Taste of Honey; a relaxing evening and dinner at 2 hours and will consist of a an award-winning kosher Chinese restaurant; a visit to Camden Arts short welcome and introductory Centre; and a boat trip down The Thames with lunch. Plus, as always, address, a video presentation, and the opportunity to meet friends old and new. a guided tour of the Mandir. We Thursday 15 May 2014 will then have lunch at a nearby Accommodation will be at a London hotel for members based outside at 11.00 am vegetarian restaurant. London. Members living in London can participate in the daily events. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, For further details, please contact For further details, please contact Susan Harrod at Head Office on Neasden, London Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 020 8385 3070 or at [email protected] Europe’s first traditional Hindu Temple or at [email protected]
10 april 2014 journal Holocaust Commission Call for evidence n January 2014 the Prime Minister us. Over the next year we will investigate enormous responsibility to you, the launched a Commission on the what more needs to be done to ensure survivors. We want you to know that IHolocaust. I was honoured to be Britain has a permanent and fitting Britain will keep the memory of the asked to chair it, leading a talented team memorial to the Holocaust, as well as the Holocaust alive and that we are deeply with representation from across society, educational resources we need. committed to securing your legacy. including actress Helena Bonham This work is crucial for future genera- We are running a nationwide call Carter, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, tions. Survivors have played a vital role in for evidence until the end of May this cross-party representation from MPs helping our society remember and learn year and we want to hear from as Ed Balls, Michael Gove and Simon lessons but we will not always have such many people as possible. So please tell Hughes, broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky, remarkable individuals with us. There is us your views and let us make sure we educator Dame Helen Hyde, the Arts a danger that, as the events of the Holo- commemorate these dreadful events so Council’s Sir Peter Bazalgette and, from caust become ever more distant, they will that, here in Britain, no one ever forgets. the world of business, Leo Noé and Ruby feel increasingly remote to our children McGregor-Smith. and our children’s children. To respond to the call for We have an important task ahead of But the Commission also has an evidence visit www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/ the-holocaust-commission- Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky is guest speaker at KT Lunch keeping-the-memory-alive or write e were delighted to welcome was taken to South Africa and Belarus to The Holocaust Commission, Natasha Kaplinsky, the to trace her family's history. She was PO Box 72270, London SW1P 9WU. Wnewsreader and former winner joined at the Lunch by representatives Mick Davis of Strictly Come Dancing, as the guest from the Prime Minister's office, who Mick Davis is Chair of the Prime speaker at the Kinder Lunch at the New collected the opinions of Kinder on what Minister’s Holocaust Commission and North London Synagogue on Monday should form the focus of the Holocaust Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council. 3 March. Commission's work. Natasha, who has recently been As well as finding time to chat to appointed to the Prime Minister's individual Kinder, Natasha spoke to some Holocaust Commission (see above), Year 6 pupils from Akiva School, who had ‘Escape from Auschwitz’ spoke movingly about her appearance the chance to meet Kinder and hear their Holocaust Remembrance Evening on the TV genealogy programme Who experiences. at Pinner Synagogue Do You Think You Are?, for which she Michael Newman n Sunday 27 April 2014 at Chatting with Kinder Pinner Synagogue, starting at O8.00 pm, the 25th Holocaust Remembrance Evening in Pinner will recall the bravery of Rudolph Vrba, who, with his friend Alfred (‘Freddie’) Wetzler, escaped from Auschwitz and travelled through Poland to Zilina in their native Slovakia to alert the Allies of the horrors taking place in the extermination camp. Key-note guest speaker Gerta Vrbova, Clearing the hurdle who was married to Rudolph, will aulting from a springboard on to tree, beautifully adorned, reached almost talk about his incredible journey, the a ‘horse’ in the gym and clearing it to the ceiling with gifts exchanged under challenge in getting the report to the Vin one go is what we were required it and carols sung on Christmas Eve. Eggs authorities, the authorities’ reaction, to do in my second year at the realna were hidden at Easter for me to find. Our and Rudi’s subsequent life in the Slovak gimnasija (grammar school) in Maribor, synagogue, to which I loved going from partisan army. Rudi’s grandchildren Slovenia. time to time, had an organ and mixed will also be attending and sharing their I just couldn’t get myself to do that and choir and a lot was sung in German. thoughts with us. made myself land on my knees, then get It wasn’t until I got to England that I It has been reported that on reading up and jump. But all in one go? Never! gradually experienced more yiddishkeit the Vrba-Wetzler report, Winston Well, at the end of the school year, Miss at school and elsewhere. I felt so much Churchill said: ‘There is no doubt that Engelman, the gym teacher, standing next happier here. After landing a very well this persecution of Jews in Hungary and to the horse, watched everyone intently, paid job with the Yugoslav government- their expulsion from enemy territory is small notebook in one hand, writing in-exile and eventually at the embassy, my probably the greatest and most horrible down each girl’s mark for the annual existence became blissful – or almost so as crime ever committed in the whole school report, the other hand poised to I had to go to work every other Shabbat. history of the world.’ But something inside me felt unfulfilled. help anyone across should the need arise. As a result, the deportations in Well, it didn’t – everything went smoothly. To become fully observant was a Hungary were stopped and the lives of Then came my turn. She stretched out her protracted effort but it worked out in arm, held out her hand – I didn’t take it the end. It was a hard struggle at times, 200,000 Hungarian Jews were saved. and – for the first time in my life – vaulted one which miraculously led me to my His Excellency The Hungarian and cleared that horse in one go! This life-long partner, my dear husband (now Ambassador to the UK, one of many had the desired effect, which showed up deceased). But that’s another story and dignitaries attending, will give an in my report. to describe how it all came about would address. I find this sort of thing mirrored in all fill a few more pages. Entrance is free and seating will be sorts of situations in my life. Where there’s a will there’s a way! That limited so everyone is advised to come I was brought up in a typically is exactly what happened to me regarding early. We encourage teenagers to attend assimilated milieu in Germany and later my desire to keep the mitzvot fully. Try your too – we need to pass these stories in Slovenia. In Maribor there wasn’t even utmost and the A-mighty will do the rest on while we still have the privilege of a synagogue or a minyan, not even on the and help you ‘clear the hurdle’! hearing directly from survivors. High Holidays. In Germany our Christmas Margarete Stern Brian Eisenberg
11 journal APRIL 2014 Pinner Sensitive Approach Brighton-Sarid (Sussex) A Great Meeting Counsellor and probation officer Rosemary With our speaker unable to attend due Green gave us remarkable insight into her to the rail strike, we discussed the WJR difficult work, particularly among young (CBF) and how Holocaust victims were offenders with distressing histories inside brought to the UK. Leon related his and his prison. Her sensitive approach earned her family’s experiences on their arrival here. In the trust of the most hardened inmates. addition we discussed the importance of INSIDE Walter Weg voting, Judaism and the East End. A great meeting! Shirley Huberman the HGS The Search for Nazi-Looted Art David Glasser from the Ben Uri Gallery Newcastle Trip to the Home of the AJR spoke to us about ‘Nazi-Looted Art’: an Paper Clips Project enormous amount of work is being done Brenda and Martin Levinson shared with a internationally to determine where missing well attended meeting their trip to perhaps Sheffield CF A Moving and works of art are and how they can be the most unusual Holocaust memorial in Worthwhile Experience restored to their original owners or heirs. the world: Whitwell, Tennessee, home of attended my first AJR meeting, that A most interesting afternoon. the Paper Clips Project. Agnes Isaacs of the Sheffield group to which my Hortense Gordon Igrandmother, Renee Martin, belongs. Edgware A Wonderful Lady The meeting was centred around Glasgow CF A Great Treat Dr Susan Cohen spoke in a most interesting music, with members playing their The outing to the Jack Vettriano exhibition and fluent way about Eleanor Rathbone, favourite songs and explaining why at Kelvingrove Art Gallery was a great treat. a biography of whom she has published. they were special to them. I found the The Fife-born artist is a firm favourite and Due in large part to Eleanor Rathbone’s experience both moving and thoroughly his work is enjoyed by all. Agnes Isaacs charitable work, many people found a new home in this country and many of us can be worthwhile and would encourage other Essex (Westcliff) Inside Jewish Care Second and Third Generation refugees very grateful to this wonderful lady. Jewish Care’s Teresa Clark told us about to take this opportunity to learn from Felix Winkler her work - helping the elderly with filling the First Generation while we still can. in forms, getting the right benefits and Katie Borwick obtaining the appropriate services. Among Kindertransport: A Thoroughly Thought-provoking Evening Bromley CF Lively Members the many things she told us was that the sizeable number of the Westcliff Meeting for lunch in Liane’s flat, a lively Borough of Southend and neighbouring group saw Kindertransport at group of members, including three of districts have approximately 5,000 Jewish the Palace Theatre, Southend. It the Second Generation, debated various inhabitants and that Jewish Care has 3,000 A was a powerful and well acted piece topics, including the works of historian Dr volunteers! Larry Lisner but it aroused different emotions in us. Helen Fry. Those who had seen the recent Bradford CF History of the Jews of Some of us thought it carried complete stage production of Kindertransport gave Bradford conviction; others felt the author hadn’t their impressions of it. Reminiscences were Members thoroughly enjoyed Nigel really explained how the passionate shared by all, in particular Gerda and Lore. Grizzard’s talk on the history of the Jews young child Eva evolved into the cold Dorothea Lipton of Bradford – and told Nigel some things older woman Evelyn. Nor was everyone Leeds CF Bradford’s Jewish Heritage he didn’t know! Wendy Bott convinced that the real context of late- Members enjoyed Nigel Grizzard’s 1930s Nazi Hamburg emerged from Kingston CF Enlightening and enthralling talk ‘Making Their Mark – the relationship between the young Eva Bradford’s Jewish Heritage, 1830-2014’, Moving Talk and her mother. Nonetheless, it was a accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation. Hazel showed us a video of a talk she thoroughly thought-provoking evening There was plenty of time for questions. had given about looking after her with a very enjoyable debate following Wendy Bott granddaughter, who has the neurological the next morning. David Barnett condition Rett Syndrome. We found the Ealing Personalities of Germans and talk enlightening and extremely moving. Jews Jackie Cronheim Manchester ‘Surviving the First Psychotherapist Andrea Hann discussed her Generation?’ research into the personalities of Germans St John’s Wood Lives of the Richlers We were joined by a good number of the and Jews in relation to the generations A very good meeting with Martha Richler, Second Generation for a most interesting before and after the Second World War daughter of the famous Canadian author, talk by child psychologist Leah Burman, as well as providing insight into the rise of the late Mordecai Richler, reading from his ‘Surviving the First Generation? The Impact anti-Semitism in Germany. There followed book of essays and telling us about his life. of the Holocaust on the Second Generation a very interesting interactive session. A very Her life as a cartoonist and writer was also and Beyond’. Leah dedicated her talk to the stimulating afternoon. Leslie Sommer most interesting. Avram Schaufeld memory of her late sister Carla Ornstein, who had been an active AJR member. Thanks are Café Imperial May the Sun Keep on Cambridge Archaeology: Fact and due again to Susanne Green for her help and Shining! Fiction guidance for our meeting. Werner Lachs We did the memory of Willy Field proud. A delightful talk, enjoyed also by a number We are grateful to Esther, Hazel and Susan of new Second Generation members, Kent Jewish Boxing Legend for devising such a plethora of outings over was given by Dr Pia Spry-Marques from David Barnett recounted the amazing tale the coming months. May the sun keep on Cambridge University on fact and fiction as of Jewish prize-fighter Daniel Mendoza, shining! Vera Myer depicted in books and films dealing with who in Regency England earned the archaeology. Keith Lawson equivalent of millions of pounds in today’s Ilford Legal Tour of the City of money – although he died penniless. London Edinburgh CF Sharing Food Esther Rinkoff Lawyer and part-time city guide Colin Meeting at the home of Francoise Davey took us on an armchair tour of the Robertson, we all agreed that sharing Liverpool Exhibition on Polish Help City of London, highlighting the many law food makes an occasion. We sampled for Jews during War companies active in that area. He spiced his kaposztas teszta from Hungary and wafers Over 20 members, First and Second talk with humorous anecdotes, giving us all from Vienna brought by a member whose Generation alike, attended a meeting at a very cheerful and interesting morning. family used to print the wrappers before the home of Naomi Brown. Kinga Pacak Meta Roseneil the War. Agnes Isaacs gave an interesting talk on an exhibition
12 april 2014 journal APRIL GROUP eventS AJR OUTINGS Ealing 1 April World Jewish Relief – Their Work around the World Liverpool 1 April At Reform Synagogue Hall PLANNED FOR 2014 Ilford 2 April Lucy Daniels, former Chair, British Diatetic Full Association: ‘Nutrition, Health and Enjoyment: details will appear Trying to Get it Right’ in the Journal 2 Bradford CF 3 April Social Get-together calendar months Pinner 3 April Rabbi Pete Tobias: ‘Who Killed the Rabbi?’ before each outing Sheffield CF 6 April Nigel Grizzard: ‘The Jews of Bradford’ Leeds CF 7 April Louis Harris: ‘My Activities in Machal, 1948-49’ Essex 8 April John Biggs: ‘The Porters’ Tuesday 6 May to Thursday 8 May (Westcliff) Annual London Trip – 3 days Kingston 8 April David Barnett: ‘Daniel Mendoza – Champion of of events open to all All-England’ Thursday 15 May Oxford 8 April Prof Michael Spiro: ‘The Story of Tea and Coffee’ Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple St John’s Wood 9 April David Barnett: ‘Shops and Shopping in Regency in Neasden – morning visit London’ followed by lunch Midlands West 10 April Film: ‘Nicky’s Children’ Sunday 15 June (Birmingham) Gilbert & Sullivan Opera and cream tea Book Club 23 April Social and Discussion at Grimm’s Dyke Hotel, Stanmore Edinburgh CF 23 April Social Sunday 29 June Judith Kerr OBE, a German-born British Wembley 23 April Kathryn Prevezer: ‘Interesting Buildings of the writer and illustrator, will be speaking City of London’ exclusively to AJR at LJCC. Families Glasgow CF 24 April Outing to ‘Allo Allo!’ at Eastwood Theatre welcome: children, grandchildren, Kent 24 April Outing to Leeds Castle great-grandchildren North London 24 April Kathryn Prevezer: ‘Interesting Buildings of the Thursday 10 July City of London’ Frogmore Paper Mill – lunch, Welwyn GC 24 April Camilla Goddard: ‘Bee Keeping and Helping Bees’ guided tour and making your own paper Glasgow 27 April David Glasser, Ben Uri Gallery (Yom Hashoah) Thursday 17 July Manchester 27 April Yom Hashoah Commemoration Montifiore Synagogue in Ramsgate – with lunch beforehand by the seaside Newcastle 27 April An Afternoon with Joanna Millan, AJR Trustee Liverpool 28 April Yom Hashoah Commemoration (Speaker Dr Peter Tuesday 22 July Kurer) Viennese tea at The Delaunay in Central London North West London 29 April Andrew Leigh: ‘Hammerson House: Care Considerations’ (at Alyth Gardens; lunch must be Make a note in your diary not to booked in advance) miss these exciting events! at the Warsaw-based Institute of National Remembrance on Polish help for the Jewish CONTACTS ~~ DINNER ~~ population in south-eastern Poland during the War. Susanne Green Hazel Beiny TUESDAY 6 MAY 2014 Southern Groups Co-ordinator at 7.00 pm Norfolk Goodies and Poetry 07966 887 434 [email protected] at London Jewish Cultural Centre We had a grand time eating our way Wendy Bott with Ian Austin MP through lots of goodies as well as the great Yorkshire Groups Co-ordinator & Karen Pollock MBE pleasure of listening to a reading by Kieron 07908 156 365 [email protected] of Holocaust Education Trust Pim of a poem by 13th-century poet Meir Susanne Green As part of the AJR’s annual three-day trip to of Norwich. Frank Bright North West Groups Co-ordinator London we will be holding a dinner at LJCC with 0151 291 5734 [email protected] Dundee Exploring Roots guest speakers Ian Austin and Karen Pollock. A small group of enthusiastic members Susan Harrod Ian Austin has been MP for Dudley North gathered at the second meeting of the Groups’ Administrator since 2005. In 1999 he was appointed a group. We explored our roots as well as 020 8385 3070 [email protected] political advisor to Chancellor of the Exchequer present-day problems in Europe. It was also Agnes Isaacs (later Prime Minister) Gordon Brown and was an opportunity to hear about AJR social Scotland and Newcastle Co-ordinator well known as one of Gordon Brown's closest work services from Myrna and Jim. 07908 156 361 [email protected] advisors. Agnes Isaacs Kathryn Prevezer Karen Pollock is Chief Executive of the Radlett Watermarks Screening London South and Midlands Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) and a member We were treated to a screening of Groups Co-ordinator of the Jewish Human Rights Coalition UK. She 07966 969 951 [email protected] Watermarks, about the women swimmers will talk about the work of HET in educating of the inter-war Vienna Hakoah club and Esther Rinkoff future generations. the reunion of some of them several years Southern Region Co-ordinator 07966 631 778 [email protected] A kosher supervised meal with drinks ago. One member of our group had actually will be served. been a member of Hakoah. Fritz Starer KT-AJR (Kindertransport) Andrea Goodmaker Cost £25.00 per person. All places North West London Developing 020 8385 3070 [email protected] must be booked in advance. Creative Talents For further details, please contact Martha Richler, daughter of Mordecai Child Survivors Association–AJR Henri Obstfeld Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 or at Inside the AJR continued overleaf 020 8954 5298 [email protected] [email protected]
13 journal APRIL 2014
INSIDE THE AJR continued from page 13 SPECIAL EVENT OUTING Richler, read us an essay from his book The Last Train Barney’s Version. She then told us about TO LEEDS growing up with her siblings in Canada and to Tomorrow CASTLE, KENT not being allowed to make any noise between 7.30 am and 4 pm while her father was Sunday 9 November 2014, 3 pm WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL 2014 writing, though this enabled them to develop at The Roundhouse, London NW1 Leeds Castle has been a Norman their creative talents. David Lang The world-famous composer and conductor stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used Carl Davis will perform the London premiere Welwyn GC Local Quaker Support for by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine Kinder of his tribute to the Kindertransport, The Last of Aragon, a Jacobean country house, We had a good turnout for an excellent Train to Tomorrow, on Sunday 9 November at a Georgian mansion, an elegant early- talk by Peter Colman, a local resident who The Roundhouse, London NW1. has been researching the Kindertransport 20th-century retreat for the influential and and Second-Generation Jews in the Welwyn As the date marks the anniversary of famous, and, in the 21st century, it has area. Much of his research related to Kristallnacht, the proceedings will include a become one of the most visited historic Quaker support. Lee Becket commemoration of the Reichspogrom of 9-10 buildings in Britain. November 1938. Wembley An Amazing Family We will arrive by 9.45 am for a private A fascinating talk illustrated with slides and The event will also feature The Marriage of tour of the Castle and grounds before it is film excerpts by Howard Lanning, whose Figaro Overture by Mozart and Mendelssohn’s open to the public. This will be followed amazing family all were, and still are, Violin Concerto performed by the City of Lon- by an early lunch. We intend to finish connected to the film industry. We enjoyed don Sinfonia and the Finchley Children’s Music by 1 pm. the afternoon and learned a lot about the Group, together with an outstanding young Transport will be available from Kent and movie industry. Avram Schaufeld violin soloist from the Yehudi Menuhin School. Brighton, or members from London can take North London AJR Intern Jumps into As the event will take place on a Sunday the train to Bearsted Station, from which the the Breach afternoon, we particularly encourage members Castle is a short taxi-ride away. Following a cancellation by our scheduled to bring along their children and grandchildren. The cost, including entrance, private tour speaker, AJR intern Dora Köhler most ably and transport, will be £17.50 per person. Details of how to purchase tickets will jumped into the breach and we had an The cost of lunch will be payable on the day. interesting and fruitful talk and discussion. be announced in due course, but to Thank you, Dora! Herbert Haberberg register your interest in attending please For further details, please contact email [email protected] Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 or at [email protected] OPERATIC AFTERNOON switch on electrics Rewires and all household www.fishburnbooks.com AND CREAM TEA electrical work Jonathan Fishburn SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2014 PHONE PAUL: 020 8200 3518 buys and sells Mobile: 0795 614 8566 Jewish and Hebrew books, ephemera and items of Jewish interest. He is a member of the Antiquarian CLASSIFIED Booksellers Association. The Grims Dyke Hotel, Mansion House, Joseph Pereira (ex-AJR caretaker Contact Jonathan on Old Redding, Harrow, Middx HA3 6SH over 22 years) is now available 020 8455 9139 or 07813 803 889 for DIY repairs and general This is truly an English treat, in keeping with for more information maintenance. No job too small, the house and its heritage! very reasonable rates. We begin with a guided tour of the house and Please telephone 07966 887 485. grounds, followed by a Full English Cream Tea, with sandwiches, homemade scones ‘Walter's World’ and tea fancies. Principal opera singers ormer Kind Walter Bingham travels perform excerpts from their favourite operas. PillarCare all over Israel and the international Time 2.30 arrival, 3 pm start Quality support and care at home FJewish world to bring you in-depth Place Guests to meet in the Lobby and reports in his exciting magazine-style Library Bar. Tours of the house and grounds Hourly Care from 4 hours – 24 hours programme. Topics range from cultural will begin at 3 pm. Opera begins at 4:45 pm. Live-In/Night Duty/Sleepover Care and entertainment events and social Dress Code Smart Convalescent and Personal Health Care problems to major political interviews and statements recorded live. Price £29.00 per person - Includes Opera Compassionate and Affordable Service Performance and Full Cream Tea, preceded ‘Walter's World’ broadcasts every Sunday by tour of house and grounds Professional, Qualified, Kind Care Staff from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Israel time on Registered with the CQC and UKHCA Transport will be available Israel National Radio. at an additional cost The programme can also be heard by Call us on Freephone 0800 028 4645 For further details, please contact PILLARCARE going to www.israelnationalradio.com and Susan Harrod on 020 8385 3070 THE BUSINESS CENTRE · 36 GLOUCESTER AVENUE · LONDON NW1 7BB looking for ‘Walter's World’ or by googling PHONE: 020 7482 2188 · FAX: 020 7900 2308 or at [email protected] www.pillarcare.co.uk ‘Walter Bingham Israel’.
14 april 2014 journal ObituarIES Anne Loebl, born Prague 20 December 1931, died London 4 October 2013 y mother, Anne Loebl of Belsize important in the age after Hitler so as not to Park, London, died on 4 October allow him ‘victory’. When her three children 2013 at the age of 81, four months were young, Anne set up a kindergarten as afterM she had been diagnosed with an the area they lived in lacked one. Later, she advanced incurable cancer. undertook postgraduate studies in Drama Starting life as Annalise Wertheimer, she in Education under the legendary Dorothy was born in Prague on 20 December 1931. Heathcote. She also worked as a part-time Her parents were Jan, a lawyer, and Helena. lecturer in English at Newcastle College of She had an older brother, Frankichek. Education. Her first seven years were happy ones. She Later in life, painful though it was, as had memories of her parents, who made her a member of the Survivors Group based feel loved and valued. This gave her strength at the London Jewish Cultural Centre she throughout her life. However, in July 1939, gave lectures in schools about her personal after bribing Czech officials, Anne's parents Anne with her brother Frankichek experience as one of the Kinder. When put her on the last of the Kindertransport shortly before she left, alone, on the Nicholas Winton, the British organiser of trains to leave Prague for England. The little last Kindertransport from Prague Kindertransports from Prague, was finally girl saw it as an ‘adventure’, not realising that honoured, Anne, and others like her, got she would never see her parents and brother marriage also enabled her to leave her foster to meet this inspirational man on a TV again. They were murdered in the Holocaust, parents in an honourable way. However, programme which brought them all together. being transported to Terezin in December she had to turn down a scholarship to Anne is survived by her three children, 1942 and to Auschwitz in September 1943. study English literature at Royal Holloway Naomi, Robert and Miriam, seven Anne was sent to Jewish foster parents in College, London, because she had to stay grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Newcastle upon Tyne, but it was not a happy in Newcastle on getting married. Instead, whom she loved unconditionally. She made experience. All her life, Anne deeply missed she graduated from Newcastle University in few, if any, demands but in return was truly her real parents. English Literature. Books were to remain a loved and her wisdom appreciated. Anne In 1950, aged 19, Anne married Herbert fierce passion throughout her life. is sorely missed by her family and friends Loebl, a German-Jewish refugee whose Family was the most important thing in England, Israel and the USA. May her family had made their home in Newcastle. to Anne. Both she and Herbert felt that memory be a blessing. While she was in love with Herbert, her bringing up Jewish children was even more Robert Loval
Zuza Jackson (née Vrbova), born Prague 3 May 1954, died Cambridge 17 September 2013 uza was born in Prague in May daughter. She looked after her mother when 1954. Her mother Gerta and father needed, spending time with her whenever Rudi both survived the Holocaust: she could and taking her on holiday. ZRudi escaped from Auschwitz and Gerta Despite the separation, Zuza loved her somehow escaped capture. Zuza was their father Rudi Vrba, who lived in Vancouver. second daughter. When he remarried, Zuza developed a close Zuza and her sister Helena spent their relationship with his new wife Robin. Robin early years in Prague. Their parents separated. recalls how Zuza resembled Rudi in being an Gerta met a British scientist, Sidney Hilton, amazing storyteller and always loved chatting and they decided to get married. Gerta and with her about her many experiences and her children had to leave Czechoslovakia; reflections. they escaped over the border into Poland. tragedy when Helena, Zuza’s older sister and Zuza was a wonderful daughter to her Zuza was only four years old when she best friend, died. Zuza felt as though a part father and she was like a sister to Robin. bravely walked across the border to start a of her very life force had been taken but she During the last few months of Rudi’s life, new life. They flew to Denmark, where they tried to be positive. On 20 November 1983 Zuza came to Vancouver and devoted three were given political asylum. In September her son Jan was born. Unfortunately, the months to sitting by his side. They discussed 1959 they moved to England and Gerta relationship with Michael did not last and in everything that was on their minds, especially married Sidney Hilton. They had two more 1994 Zuza took a job at Ladybird Books in issues of life and death. Shortly before Rudi children, Caroline and Peter. Loughborough, where her interest in writing died, he thought about these conversations The family moved to Birmingham, where books for young children developed. and, referring to Zuza, said ‘It’s a miracle - we Zuza completed her A-Levels and secured Zuza met Andrew Jackson in 1996 and are connected on a cellular level.’ a place at Leicester University to study they were soon married. They began a new life Zuza was an exceptionally loving person Geology with Astronomy. She found the together in Cambridge, where Zuza was truly who touched everyone with her warmth course inspirational and thoroughly enjoyed happy. She set up the company Zuza Books and charm. She believed that life was about university life. and designed books for young children. She making connections with others. She was After leaving Leicester Zuza began her career was never short of ideas for inspiring children never jealous and was always generous and in publishing. She met Michael Janulewicz and to develop a passion for literature. would share whatever she had with her on 2 December 1981 their daughter Hannah Zuza always saw the positive side of friends and family. We will all miss her was born. The family moved into an idyllic everyone. Her children’s friends would often terribly but we will never be far from her cottage in Bishop Stortford, away from the come to her with their problems for help, love, warmth and passion for life. hustle and bustle of city life. support and advice. Gerta Vrbova, Caroline Hilton, In May 1982 the family was struck by She was a wonderful and attentive Peter Hilton
15 journal APRIL 2014
very understanding about this process. There are many other archaic aspects of Jewish law that restrict women’s rights but they are too numerous and arcane to mention Dorothea Shefer-Vanson here, to the extent that a person born into the modern world will find it difficult to believe that in Israel this is still the law and is enforced The status of women in Israel by the agencies of the state. In 2004 Susan founded the Centre for he subject is tricky because, on the one was regarded as the property of her husband Women’s Justice (CWJ), an organisation hand, Israel aspires to be a modern, and this approach continues to cast its long devoted to protecting the right of women in democratic society, treating men and shadow over the situation of women in Israel Israel to equality, dignity and justice in Jewish Twomen equally in the public sphere. On today. It has given rise to many injustices Law. It has achieved much in upholding the other hand, the laws regarding marriage towards women over the centuries and it is women’s rights in the rabbinical courts and has and divorce are subject to the restrictions, not unknown for a man to deny his wife a even instituted proceedings in the civil court regulations and constraints of its ancient, divorce unless she gives him some material for damages against recalcitrant husbands. patriarchal religion. benefit or grants him custody of their children These cases have been upheld, resulting in The reasons for this are complex. Jewish or whatever takes his fancy. The rabbinical positive outcomes and setting an important religious law regarding marriage and divorce courts which judge these cases consist entirely legal precedent. was adopted when the State of Israel was of men so that the tendency is to favour men. Written together with journalist Netty established as part of the price the ‘founding Divorce isn’t pleasant at the best of times but Gross-Horowitz, Susan’s book, Marriage and fathers’ paid in order to bring the religious the lot of a woman in Israel is particularly Divorce in the Jewish State: Israel’s Civil War, parties into the coalition government. Back hard. The process involved is a long-drawn-out, has been published by the Brandeis Series then, however, the religious parties were very demeaning and painful Via Dolorosa and can on Gender, Culture, Religion, and Law. It different in their mien and outlook from the even end in failure. describes cases dealt with by the CWJ in ultra-orthodox version that now prevails. Recently I attended a talk by Susan Weiss which women were denied a divorce by their Thus, the laws set out in the Bible regarding entitled ‘How a Good Jewish Girl Became husbands or on whom various restrictions the role of women in marriage are upheld to a Radical Feminist’. Susan is an American- were imposed by the rabbinical court. this day. If a woman’s husband dies without born attorney now living in Israel. When Incidentally, even a woman who has been there having been any children - sons, that is she immigrated to Israel some 30 years ago, married abroad in a civil ceremony (which is – his brothers must either marry or release her. she was an orthodox Jewish woman with a recognised in Israel) must seek a divorce in Yes, in Israel today! There is no such thing as husband and three small children. Unable the rabbinical court. civil marriage. Members of each religious group to work in her profession, she volunteered The ultimate solution to the situation, – Jews, Muslims, Christians – may marry only for various women’s organisations, where she Susan claims, is the separation of religion in accordance with their religion, continuing encountered the problem of women denied a and state in Israel, bringing the country into the arrangement of the over 400 years of divorce by their husband (Agunot). Using her line with the tenets of a modern democracy, Ottoman rule throughout the Middle East. legal training, Susan was able to help in some enabling couples to wed according to their own If a Jewish woman wishes to get divorced of these cases but also found herself moving inclinations, and releasing the stranglehold of she can do so only if her husband agrees to away from her strict adherence to orthodox the rabbinical courts on legal procedures in this. This harks back to the time when the wife Judaism. Fortunately, her husband has been Israel. Roll on the day!
letters to the editor cont. from p.7 my wife and I, and a few other former of a new family dynasty! facilitate our fight against the SNCF. Working Hildesheim residents were invited by the Henry Carlton, London N14 with change.org, we have created a petition Stadt Hildesheim to visit our birthplace, to obtain grass-roots support. which proved a most interesting and JEWISH ‘PSEUDO-SPIES’ We need your help – and the help rewarding experience. At that time, Sir – In his interesting article about Hans of your family and friends. Please go to a certain Hans-Jurgen Hahn of the Oster (February), Dr Grenville mentioned www.change.org/petitions/sncf-pay- Robert-Bosch Gesamtschule (a UNESCO Jews in the guise of Abwehr agents being reparations-to-victims-of-the-holocaust Sign Model school) was leading a team in the helped to escape to Switzerland. Were these the petition online and ask everyone in your preservation and restoration of the chapel ‘pseudo-spies’ perhaps the ‘Jews in the family to sign it separately. After you sign it, in the Jewish cemetery, where we were Abwehr’ that Wikipedia reports? send it to everyone on your email list and shown the grave of our grandmother, Does any reader know if some Jews really ask them to sign it and send it to their family Ida Feige. spied for Hitler (under pressures that must and friends. Share it with your synagogue, In the ensuing years, my parents soften harsh judgements about them)? If so, members of any clubs or associations you passed away here in London. I have also where were they active and what became belong to and with your neighbours. ‘lost’ my sister and two uncles so, from of them? We want 76,000 names on the petition my heritage, I don’t have a living blood J. G. Landers, Chania, Crete to represent the 76,000 Jews who were relative. However, my wife and I can deported. With your help, it will happen. celebrate 50 years of marriage this year. PETITION AGAINST FRENCH RAILWAYS Thank you. We have a great son and two wonderful Sir – We have been working with members Harriet Tamen, grandchildren – hopefully the beginning of the US Congress for a law that would Attorney-at-Law, New York
Published by The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR), a company limited by guarantee. Registered office: Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL Registered in England and Wales with charity number: 1149882 and company number: 8220991 Telephone 020 8385 3070 Fax 020 8385 3080 e-mail [email protected] For the latest AJR news, including details of forthcoming events and information about our services, visit www.ajr.org.uk Printed by FBprinters LLP, 26 St Albans Lane, London NW11 7QB Tel: 020 8458 3220 Email: [email protected]
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