Volume XXX No. 3 March, 1975 INFORiMATION ISSUED BY THE ASSOOAim OF XmSM REFIKEES IN GREAT WITABI

come reaffirms the important role to be played by the AJR as the representative body of the Jews from Germany and Austria which, due FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH to its standing and experience, can safeguard the interests of our group. Board Meeting of the AJR The speaker also referred to the work of The multitude and importance of the ac­ cants who can only properly be looked after the Council of Jews from Germany of which uities of the AJR became evident anew at in the four-bed wards is lower than it was the AJR is the British constituent. After the jhe Board meeting held on January 26 at anticipated when the Home was built. death of its President, Dr. Siegfried Moses, Hannah Kanninski House. More than 60 Therefore, three of the five four-bed wards the Council elected Mr. W. M. Behr (Bri­ people, including delegates from the will be converted into single rooms thus in­ tain), Mr. H. Gerling (Israel) and Dr. C. C. Provinces, attended the meeting. Many of creasing the accommodation facilities for Silberman (U.S.A.) as co-chairmen. A few them are rendering their regular services in such new applicants or transferees from the weeks ago, a meeting of the co-chairmen was one sphere or another of our work, especially other Homes, who can equally well be cared held in London, which was also attended by |or the benefit of the Homes. Yet of no for in single rooms. Mrs. R. Fabian (Paris), Dr. H. Tramer (Tel Josser importance are those members of the The speaker also mentioned that, as the Aviv) and Dr. W. Rosenstock (Hon. Secretary Board whose standing is based on their posi­ Homes have now been in existence for of the Council). Among other things con­ tion in other organisations with which AJR almost 20 years, the reserves for their main­ cerning the work of the Council those pre­ co-operates. Therefore, the Board has been tenance set aside out of the proceeds from sent explored the possibilities of obtaining J'lghtly described as a kind of parliament of the restituted heirless and communal pro­ the means badly required for the con­ *^e former German and Austrian Jews in perty in West Germany have decreased. tinuation of the essential and constructive 'his country. Though this does not yet present an acute welfare work of the Council's constituents in The meeting was opened by the chainnan problem for the next few years, the time has various countries of resettlement. ot the AJR, Mr. W. M. Behr, O.B.E., who first come to assess the period for which special Turning to questions of Finances and Or­ Paid tribute to those Executive and Board Homes for Nazi victims will still be required, ganisation Dr. Rosenstock reported that, sub­ ?>embers who had passed away since the taking into account that former refugees of ject to the final auditing of the accounts for Board last met: Mr. Richard Schneider (long­ the comparatively younger age groups have the year 1974, it appears that the income standing member of the Executive), Mr. gradually integrated into their enviroimient. from subscriptions and donations has risen Prank Godfrey (member of the Otto Schiff The work of the AJR also includes the ad­ by 10 per cent as compared with 1973. On House Committee since its inception). Dr. ministration of Hannah Karminski House. the other hand, the expenditure is estimated Midwig Eschwege and Mr. Perez Mosbacher. which is owned by the AJR Charitable Trust. to have risen by 25 per cent, especially due He then welcomed the newly elected Board The house serves as the venue of the AJR to the repeatedly increased costs for the pro­ I'^embers who were present for the first Club and also provides accommodation in duction and postage of "AJR Information". tune : Miss M. Babington, Dr. H. G. Francken, bed-sitting rooms for seven elderly refugees. The losses in membership (195), mainly *iiss J. Lee, Mrs. I. Loewenthal, Mrs. G. The Hall is used for functions of various due to deaths, could be made up by the same ™eyer, Mr. W. R. Powell and Mrs. C. Salz- organisations. numiber of new enrolments. oerger, and Miss L Fuss (Glasgow). Tuming to matters of restitution and re­ Mr. W. M. Behr thanked Dr. Rosenstock for Dr. W. Rosenstock (General Secretary) in lated subjects the speaker stated that, apart his report. Referring to the 30th year of the his report stated that as before AJR In- from questions which sometimes arise in the publication of AJR Information, he paid spe­ 'ormation would try to present a fair balance course of the implementation of com­ cial tribute to Dr. Rosenstock's work as the Oetween news, comments and articles on sub­ pensation awards, the two main laws under editor. The recognition of our monthly was jects of special interest to readers of our which applications are still pending are the reflected in a number of messages received hackground. Lastenausgleichsgesetz and the Social In­ on that occasion. They included a letter by Turning to the work for the Homes he said surance laws. With regard to claims against the Nobel Prize winner, Sir Hans A. Krebs, jhat there was a long waiting list for the the German Democratic Republic, which has who expressed his "admiration for the part *^Iatlet Home (Eleanor Rathbone House) and now established diplomatic relations with Dr. Rosenstock played in this success story". ^ very great demand for admission to Westem countries and has also been admitted After having read out the letter, Mr. Behr Osmond House, the Home for the physically to the United Nations, efforts are in a very presented Dr. Rosenstock with a painting on iraii. People now usually apply for admission initial stage and nothing can be said about the behalf of the AJR Executive as a token of '0 one of the Old Age Homes, when they are outcome at present. their appreciation. already 80 years or older, because they want One of the great successes of the AJR Mrs. M. Casson reported that most of the '0 retain their independence in their own during the year under review was the re­ persons on the register of the AJR Employ­ Private residences as long as possible. This in duction by 50 per cent of the taxability of ment Agency were looking for work as part- t^rn has increased the average age of the re­ German pensions to former public servants time home helpers, either permanently or sidents of the Homes. and Jewish communal workers and of temporarily, e.g., in cases of illness. Al­ With regard to Osmond House the speaker German and Austrian Social Insurance pen­ together, in 1974 home help was provided on ^tressed that, like the other Homes (Otto sions. This subject would be dealt with 140 occasions. It was, however, difficult to ^chiff House, Otto Hirsch House, Leo Baeck separately by Dr. F. E. Falk. The part played meet the demands, if the prospective em­ House and Heinrich Stahl House), the Home by the AJR in having this regulation in­ ployers lived in districts far away from the *as a residential home in the meaning of corporated in the Finance Act. 1974, is re­ usual residences of former refugees or if ^art HI of the National Assistance Act and flected in a letter by the Chief Secretary to work in so-called "unsocial" hours was re­ '^ot a nursing home. This limits the the Treasury, Mr. Joel Barnett, M.P., in quired. The payments for home help vary be­ jategories of elderly people who are eligible which he described the Memorandum submit­ tween 75p and £1 per hour. *or admission, quite apart from the fact that ted by the AJR as "extremely useful in focus­ The Employment Agency also has on its ^n unduly high proportion of residents who ing on the question of payments from register free-lance workers, e.g., dressmakers •"Squire heavy nursing would create grave Austria and West Germany". The author of and home typists, to whom enquirers are ^""oblems of staffing and finance and also this Memorandum was Dr. F. E. Falk, and directed. *}ave an overall effect on the character of special tribute is due to him. Effective steps The Social Services Department dealt with ^smond House. On the other hand it has in this matter had also been taken by our 90 new clients during the year under review. turned out that the number of those appli­ friend. Dr. C. L Kapralik. The successful out­ Continued on page 2, column 1

WUh. Page 2 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975

sidents and to charge these payments to tax FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH on the so-called "arising" basis, i.e. on the amount received, whether or not remitted to Continued from page 1 the U.K., but less a deduction of 10 per cent. Altogether it looked after approximately 160 zer reported that she had conducted a great Clauses to that effect were included in the people in 1974, about 20 of whom had special number of interviews and was now in the Finance Bill 1974. During the debate on the problems and visited the office frequently. process of evaluating these interviews as well Bill, certain modifications were proposed. There were various kinds of enquiries, e.g. as other sources available. The names of the The AJR considered it its duty, in these cir­ rent tribunal cases, in which callers had to interviewees will, of course, not be revealed cumstances to ask for "some measure of fair­ be advised where they could obtain help. in the publication. One of the conclusions to ness and justice in particular to the victims of Nazi persecution" in a strong Memoran­ The department also receives frequent which she had come in the course of the in­ terviews was that quite a few people felt dum submitted to some Members of Par­ offers of voluntary help. Some of these vol­ liament and through them to the Treasury. unteers assist the Meals-on-Wheels service by more integrated 20 years ago than they do now. In perusing the interviews she will have The substantial element of indemnification in delivering the meals or helping in the kit­ the German and Austrian Pensions paid to chen. It is, however, not always possible to to keep in mind that they are subjective and that, to get a balanced picture of the overall Nazi victims was stressed and explained in offer regular work to the helpers, because detail. An initiative in this matter was also they are mainly required in cases of emergency. situation, the danger of false generalisations has to be avoided. Mrs. Pottlitzer expressed her taken by Dr. C. I. Kapralik, especially on Mrs. R. Anderman (Member of the AJR behalf of the Austrian Nazi victims. Support Executive) reported that at present the appreciation to all those who had helped her in her work. was given in particular by M.P.s Geoffrey Meals-on-Wheels Service has 80 clients, about Finsberg, Greville Janner, Q.C. and Peter 30 of whom require special diets. The meals Rees, Q.C., as well as by Lord Janner. The are provided for every day and delivered Pensions under the Finance Act 1974 result was the inclusion in the Finance Act, three times each week. The full charge is 35p 1974, of a clause by which only one-half of per meal, but there are also special arrange­ Dr. F. E. Falk. in his report about Pen­ the pensions payable under any special pro­ ments in cases of indigence. As far as the sions under the Finance Act, 1974. recalled vision of German or Austrian Law made for expenditure for provisions and staff can not that efforts by the AJR to mitigate or victims of Nazi persecution will be taxable be covered by payments from the recipients remove British taxation on pensions paid to (Section 22 (2) Finance Act, 1974). the scheme is subsidised by the AJR Nazi victims started in 1955. The first success Charitable Trust. The speaker also mentioned that, as the re­ was achieved in 1956, when a clause was in­ mittance basis has been abolished as from Both in 1973 and 1974, parties were held cluded in the Finance Act by which ac­ 6.4.1974, pension moneys accumulated in for the voluntary helpers. In 1975, it is in­ cumulated arrears of pensions awarded to Jersey etc. could be remitted to the U.K. tended also to invite the recipients of the former refugees could be spread over the without any tax liability arising from such re­ meals. years of accmal—a new principle in U.K. tax mittances. Mrs. M. Jacoby (Chairman of the AJR law reducing the liability considerably. In the Dr. Falk further reported that, after the Club) reported that beyond meeting at the Finance Act, 1961, due to efforts extending promulgation of the Finance Act, 1974, the gatherings of the AJR Club, many members over 5 years, in which the AJR took a AJR had submitted a comprehensive had established personal social contacts with decisive part, annuities ("Renten") paid to Memorandum to the Treasury and the Board each other. Quite a few also arranged to Nazi victims under the German Federal Com­ of Inland Revenue listing the special pro­ spend their holidays together. Club members pensation Law (BEG) which because of their visions relating to pensions of German and are provided with tea and supper, and the special character had been tax-exempted in Austrian Law made for Nazi victims and con­ takings cover the food expenses. There are at Germany, were entirely exempt from U.K. tax, sequently giving rise to the 50 per cent ex­ present 412 members. dating back to 1953 when these payments emption. It would be necessary to produce to In addition to the informal gatherings in began. This complete exemption continues the Revenue in each case the original pen­ the Club rooms, which are open from Sunday (now under Section 377, Income and Corpora­ sion "Bescheid", or, in the case of public to Thursday, the Club arranges functions of tion Taxes Act, 1970)—the BEG compensation servants' pensions, a statement from the various kinds, e.g. concerts, slide shows and annuities are not affected by the Finance Act, German paying body certifying that the pen­ talks. Last summer there was a most success­ 1974. sion was paid under the special laws for ful outing to Luton Hoo, where Mrs. Eva Pensions payable to former public servants Indemnification of Members of the Public Woodman rendered her invaluable services as and communal officials which were taxable in Service. an experienced guide. The festivals, e.g. Germany, as well as German and Austrian The speaker also mentioned that efforts Seder, Chanukah and Purim, are always Social Insurance Pensions, remained subject were being made to have the German and marked by special celebrations, and par­ to U.K. tax to the extent they were remitted Austrian invalidity pensions paid to Nazi ticular thanks are due to Rabbi Dr. Sakber- here. These pensions though containing a victims in this country exempted from U.K. ger for his unfailing helpfulness on such oc­ substantial element of indemnification—which tax, thus bringing their treatment into line casions. At the celebration of Mrs. Jacoby's the speaker described in some detail—were not with that of the British invalidity pensions 92nd birthday, the Children's Choir under covered by the exemption clause mentioned. which are tax free. A meeting with the Chief Mrs. Metzger-Lichtenstern, whose per­ The authorities resisted all efforts to Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Joel Bamett, formances are always greatly enjoyed by the mitigate the U.K. tax payable thereon. The M.P. was being arranged. members, rendered recitals. liability could, however, be legally avoided by Mr. Behr thanked Dr. Falk for his report Last year's Bring and Buy Sale yielded the beneficiaries remitting these pensions to and, above all, for his expert and successful £565. These proceeds were divided between territories in the Sterling area which are not efforts in a matter of greatest importance to the Gertrad Schachne Fund and the Margaret part of the U.K., e.g., the Channel Islands if, many in our midst. He also extended his Jacoby-Orgler Fund, both of which used them financially, they could do so. thanks to the other speakers as well as to Dr. for contributions towards holidays, and the Induced by the "Lonrrho Affair" and other E. A. Lomndtz, the Deputy General Secretary. Ahavah Children's Home in Israel. considerations, the Chancellor decided to After question time, he concluded the meet­ This year's Bring and Buy Sale was abolish the remittance basis for foreign ing, thanking the board members for their scheduled for Sunday, February 23. salaries and pensions received by U.K. re­ co-operation and interest. In thanking Mrs. Jacoby for her report, Mr. Behr wished her many years of undiminished vigour in carrying out her wonderful work. Mrs. M. Pottlitzer gave a progress report on the History of Immigration Research, which was inaugurated by the Council of Jews from Germany a few years ago. The Greyhound Guaranty Limited original conception had been very ambitious, but in the course of time it has tumed out Bankers that there are not sufficient qualified people available to deal with all aspects of the sub­ 5 GRAFTON STREET, MAYFAIR, ject. It also became increasingly evident that the situation varies widely from country to LONDON, WIX 3 LB country. At present, efforts are concentrated on preparing a "Sammelwerk" which is to in­ Telephone: 01-629 1208 clude one or several essays on each of the Telex: 24637 Cables: Greyty, London, W.l main countries of resettlement. Mrs. Pottlit­ AJR INFORMATION March, 1975 Page 3 HOME NEWS ANGLO-JVDAICA Co-operative Education JEWISH BOOK WEEK 1975 RACE RELATIONS ACT Rabbi Douglas Charing, minister of the March 10-13 Following representations made to the At­ Leeds Sinai Synagogue, in a sermon called torney-General, Mr. Sam Silkin, QC, by the for Jewish education in Britain to serve all , This year's Jewish Book Week will be held Board of Deputies, Section 6 of the Race Rel­ Jewish groups equally. It should be run on pom March 10 to 13 at Hillel House, 1/2 Ends­ ations Act, 1965, dealing with incitement to similar lines to that in America, where it was leigh Street, London, W.C.l. The AJR is racial hatred, may be amended and realised that sectarian teaching was useless one of the sponsoring organisations of the strengthened. The board's Jewish defence and only by active co-operation could Jewish opening lecture on Monday, March 10, when and group relations committee feels that the Pabbi Dr. David Kamhi aad Rabbi Abraham education progress. He hoped that sooner or weakness of the section is its present re­ later associations for this purpose would be Levy will speak about "The Sephardim—Past quirement that "intent" to stir up racial ?fld present". There will be a Hebrew Even­ formed in England. On a local scale, some hatred must be proven for any prosecution to centres could form an agency to include a re­ ing on Tuesday, a talk by Mr. David Kessler succeed. on "The Falashas—The Black Jews of source bank to benefit centres and teachers Ethiopia" on Wednesday, and a symposium The Attorney-General's department is test­ from the latest books and audio-visual aids. on "Aims of Jewish Education" with Dr. E. S. ing the strength of Section 6 and, as soon as Conway, Rabbi N. L. Rabinovitch and Mr. W. these tests are completed, will arrange Fascism Study Grant W. Stanton as the speakers on Thursday. All another meeting with a representative of the The Wiener Library and the Institute of lunctions commence at 8 p.m. Admission is board and with the Home Secretary, Mr Roy Contemporary History is being enabled to tree. Members of the AJR and their friends Jenkins, who is competent to amend the Act. undertake a study of the various aspects of are cordially invited. The decision of the Director of Public Pro­ fascist movements in Europe between the secutions that no successful prosecution could two world wars, by virtue of a two-year re­ Details about additional functions durmg be launched under the Race Relations Act in the week may be obtained from: Jewish Book search grant of £25,000 from the Volkswagen regard to the controversial advertisement Foundation. Professor Walter Laqueur, the Council, Wobum House, Upper Woburn placed in The Times, has been upheld by the Place, London WCl OEP (telephone 01-387 institute's director, will lead an international Attorney-General. team involved in the project. 3081). The advertisement by the pro-Arab Com­ WILSON ADDRESSES POALE ZION mittee for Justice in the Middle East suggest­ Political Attitudes of British Jews ing that British Jews who gave financial aid Prime Minister Harold Wilson was guest to Israel were thereby being disloyal to Bri­ A study on "The political attitudes and be­ speaker at the recent Yorkshire Poale Zion tain, was personally condemned by Mr. haviour of British Jews" by Dr. Of ira Selik- and Labour Friends of Israel annual dinner Silkin. He was, however, in agreement with tar, of Haifa University, has been published m Leeds. In off-the-cuff remarks after his the Director of Public Prosecutions that a by the University of Strathclyde under the Jiiain address he said that the contacts be­ prosecution would be unlikely to succeed. supervision of Professor Richard Rose. Dr. tween the British and Israeli Govemments Seliktar concludes that most strictly Or­ had been considerably strengthened in the O.B.E. FOR FORMER REFUGEE thodox Jews vote Conservative and the more past year. He also stressed that the the inclination towards Left-win? Judaism, legitimate rights of the Palestinian people The New Year Honours List referred to in the greater the support for Left-wing politics. ^ust be ensured in any settlement, but that our previous issue also includes an OBE for But since, in her estimation, the Orthodox this should not be at the expense of Israel's Mr. Keith Newlands, Director, Development groups account for only 15 per cent of the security. Policy and Planning of British Steel Corpora­ community, the moderates 35, the Pro­ tion (International) Ltd. Mr. Newlands was gressives 15 and the "nominals" 35, in its TORY PRO-ISRAEL GROUP born in Nuernberg and came to this country party political preferences it would appear in 1934. He is a member and supporter of p A pro-Israel group within the Conservative that Anglo-Jewry, although predominantly fjarty has been successfully launched on the the AJR of many years' standing. We extend middle class, is politically inclined towards third try. The "Conservative Friends of our sincerest congratulations to him on this the Left. The political behaviour of Anglo- Israel" has the support of nearly 90 MPs in­ recognition of his services to this country. Jewry could be summarised as one of high political awareness and qualified Socialist al­ cluding Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, Mr James INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE L^or, Mr. Paul Channon and Mr. Peter legiance, particularly striking as Jews are 1 nomas, QC, in addition to other front-bench For the first time London became the almost unrepresented in those social groups spokesmen. A number of former Ministers venue of the regular dialogues between the on which the support of the Labour Party is ?^aye also joined the group, the president of World Council of (non-Catholic) Churches based. Which is the Duke of Devonshire, with Mr. and the International Jewish Committee for Inter-Religious Consultations. The committee, jlugh Fraser, MP, chairman of its Parliamen- Pro-Arab Israel Society pfy group, and Mr. Michael Fidler the direc- created to represent Jewry vis-a-vis the Christian world, consists of representatives of The Israel Society at the School of Oriental the World Jewish Congress, the Synagogue and African Studies at London University is rjAt the inaugural luncheon held in the Council of America, the American Jewish under the control of a chairman, secretary *iouse of Commons, more than 20 MPs pre­ Committee, B'nai B'rith, and the Jewish and treasurer, all of whom are pro-Arab. Re­ sent were told that the establishment of the Council for Inter-Religious Relations in cently all three were instrumental in passing 'trends was necessary "to make our views Israel. Apart from the British, American and a motion through the Students' Union con­ "lore manifestly known... all present are Israeli delegations, there were three demning Israel's right to exist and branding convinced that Israel is the touchstone of Christian Arab representatives of the World her as a Nazi State. This motion induced the Western civilisation". Council from the Lebanon. pro-Israel Jewish students at SOAS to press DOCTORS SUPPORT SHTERN The meeting, as were the others held an­ for the formation of an Israel society to nually for the past six years, was strictly counter the propaganda. However, the spon­ .The Liverpool 35s Group demonstrated out- private, enabling both sides to select and sors were informed when they submitted ??de the Sefton General Hospital to demand discuss freely a variety of topics of mutual their names for chairman, secretary and yie release of Dr. Mikhail Shtern, the Soviet concern. treasurer of the society, that they were too "Jewish doctor who has been imprisoned on late. The three pro-Arab students were thus cnarges of "bribe-taking" and "swindling". elected as officers of a so-called Israel V;^9out 45 Liverpool doctors and dentists NATIONALITY OF NAZI VICTIMS Society. joined the demonstration, where many sig­ FROM GERMANY natures were collected. A petition protesting Decision of House of Lords on page 11 ^?ainst the treatment of Dr. Shtem has been Child Chazan signed by more than 200 Merseyside doctors. Joseph Lever of Prestwich at the age of 14 has been appointed chazan of the South SWANSEA CCJ Broughton Synagogue, also involving certain Gorta Radiovision ministerial duties. He has been singing in p At a Swansea executive meeting of the Service public and conducting services at several ^ouncil of Christians and Jews, tribute was Manchester synagogues since before his bar­ paid to the chairman, Mr. Len Goss, who is (Member R.T.R.A.) mitzvah and, says the president of the South :? become national organising secretary at Broughton Synagogue, Joseph has "a voice to fne head office in London. The Rev. Chancel- 13 Frognal Parade, remember". ^r Garfield H. James, joint president, who is Finchley Road, N.W.3 ^fear of Sketty, speaking of the great debt Alijra Increase ^nieh was owed to the retiring chairman asd SALES REPAIRS .ounder-secretary, said that Swansea could During 1974, the total number of Britons "e proud of its CCJ which had played an im- Special Offers Colour TV who emigrated to Israel through the World •[Rftant role in maintaining the good rel­ Grandig 26" £299. Zionist Organisation's aliya department was ationships between Christians and Jews. 832, as against 740 in 1973. This makes Bri­ jjThe Rev. L. Baker Short, Unitarian mini- Mitsubishi 14" £169. tain the only westem country to achieve a J^i", was elected to succeed Mr. Goss, and And Many Others. rise in emigration in 1974. The WZO's kib­ ^e Rev. Joseph Freedman, emeritus minister butz department sent 2,000 Britons to kibbut­ .1 Swansea Hebrew Congregation, was elected (435 8635) zim in 1974 for up to six months on "work- joint president. and-learn" courses. Page 4 AJR INFOBMATION March, 1975 i NEWS FROM ABROAD JEWRY IN THE EAST RUSSIANS IN LONDON U.S. ATTORNEY-GENERAL S.P.D. ON ISRAEL Dr. Victor Polsky, the 44-year-old physicist who was one of the most active in the fight Edward H. Levy (Chicago), 63, was ap­ At the Social Democratic Party's Foreign by Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel, was pointed Attomey General of the United Policy Conference, Chancellor Helmut tried in Moscow last October on a trumped- States, the first Jew ever chosen to head the Schmidt reaffirmed the Party's belief that up charge of "dangerous driving". Fully ex­ American Department of Justice. He is the "Israel has a right to exist in full security pecting a three-year prison sentence, he came scion of an impressive line of American and within recognised borders". He also said to trial at the height of the Soviet^American Reform rabbis, among them his great-grand­ that whether the P.L.O. could, at a later trade negotiations and, his case followed by fathers Rabbi Samuel Hirsch and Rabbi Dr. stage, be included in intemational talks on the American newspapers, was fined only 100 David Einhorn, his grandfather. Rabbi Dr. Emil Middle East problems "would depend, among roubles. A month later Dr. Polsky and a G. Hirsch, and his father the late Rabbi Gerson other things, on its behaviour and its attitude group of his relatives were suddenly granted B. Levi. to terrorism, and to the existence of Israel". the exit visas long denied them. Given five "Likewise," the Chancellor said, "we support days to leave, Polsky delayed his departure POPE'S CALL FOR DIALOGUE the legitimate rights of other states and for a month because he felt he could not let Pope Paul VI granted an hourJong peoples in the Middle East." the friends who remained behind think he audience to members of the Intemational Former Chancellor Brandt, chairman of the was running away. Every moment he and his Committee for Liaison between the Catholic S.P.D., declared: "After everything that has relatives stayed they were at risk, but to run Church and World Jewry. This private happened in my lifetime, we must insist on would have been a humiliation. audience was the first given to leading world the right of the State of Israel to live within Dr. Polsky, on a visit to London from Jewish organisations since 1960, when the Pope secure borders. In our opinion, common Israel to thank those who had appealed for received Dr. Nahum Goldmann, the president sense demands that a peaceful settlement be his release, attended receptions by the of the World Jewish Congress. found that will pave the way for a co-opera­ Women's Campaign for Soviet Jewry, the All- The Pope told the Jewish leaders of liis tion benefiting all sides of this embattled Party Parliamentary Committee for the Re­ "sincere wish that, in a manner appropriate region." lease of Soviet Jewry and the Medical and to our age... a true dialogue may be estab­ Scientific Committee. lished" between the Roman Catholic Church and the Jews. Miss Silva Zalmanson, recently released by RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS IN FRANKFURT the Russians and whose husband, Edward Replying to the Pope on behalf of the in­ Kuznetsov, is now serving 15 years' imprison­ ternational liaison committee Dr. (lerhard Demonstration in front of Robert Kempner's ment in a strict regime Soviet labour camp, Riegner, the secretary-general of the World Chambers also appeared in London before Jewish and Jewish Congress, expressed the hope that non-Jewish audiences. She attended a re­ "the meeting marks the start of a new stage On January 20, the anniversary of the ception to mark the publication of "Prison in our relations". "Wannsee Conference" in 1942, when the Diaries" by her husband. "Final Solution" of the Jewish question, i.e. HEROIC WARTIME GREEKS the mass extermination, was decided, two TOURISTS EXPELLED The Haifa Documentation Centre, after re­ extreme right-wing organisations, "Deutsche ceiving details from Poland, has revealed Buergerinitiative" and the "Frankfurter Kreis Eli Joseph, of Hendon, 19-year-old chair­ that 400 young Greek Jews were sent to the Deutscher Soldaten" organised a riotous dem­ man of Betair, a Right-wing Zionist youth gas chambers at Auschwitz concentration onstration in front of the office of the lawyer movement, and Gilead Freund of New York, camp in 1944 because they refused to help Dr. Robert Kempner. The demonstrators also a Betar leader in the United States, the Nazi guards to kill other Jews. shouted slogans like "Raus mit dem zionist­ visited Moscow on a package tour. They were A Polish historian working in the Ausch­ ischen Judenpack" and "Nieder mit der the only members of their group to be witz museum has ascertained from official Nazi Demokratie". The Police have applied for searched, although the siddurim, tefilin and documents found at the camp site, that 434 criminal proceedings against the chairman of Hebrew books they had brought with them "young and healthy" Salonika Jews had ar­ "Buergerinitiative", Rechtsanwalt Manfred were not confiscated. rived to work in the camp's crematoria sec­ Roeder (Bensheim). At the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs tion, of whom 400 were directed to the Son­ Commenting on the demonstration. Dr. they presented a letter offering to serve the derkommando. The task of the Sonderkom­ Kempner declared that he personally did not eight-year prison sentence imposed on Dr. mando was to persuade victims to enter the feel threatened. Yet, recalling his own experi­ Mikhail Shtern. Ignoring Mr. Joseph's pro­ gas chambers willingly under the impression ence as a high civil servant in the Weimar tests that he was being forced to violate the that they were going for a shower, and then Republic, he said it had also been the method Sabbath and his plea to see the British dispose of the bodies in the crematoria. The of the Nazis before 1933 to organise attacks Consul, the two were then bundled into a car 400 refused as one man to join the unit, and by small groups against individuals. In those by the KGB, taken to a forest and threatened were gassed the next day. days the State had been "too soft" in dealing with imprisonment. After this they were con­ Before the Second World War there were with such incidents. veyed to Moscow airport, arriving back at about 75,000 Jews living in Greece. Some Luton in the early hours of Shabbat morning. 54,500 were deported to Auschwitz, where 41,776 were gassed, the rest surviving as EMIGRATION slave workers and about 3,000 settling in AUSTRIAN NEO-NAZI STUDENTS Only 1,250 Jews received permission to leave Israel after the war. Protests by anti-fascist and Jewish or­ the Soviet Union in January, one month after ganisations have finally caused action to be the Soviet Government repudiated the United With acknowledgement to the news service taken against the "Bund Nationaler Studen­ States Foreign Trade Bill linking the U.S. ten", the student branch of the extreme trade concessions with the easing of emigra­ of the Jewish Chronicle. Right-wing National Democratic Party. The tion from Communist countries. If this Vienna police banned a rally planned by the remains the level for the rest of 1975, it BNS outside the university and confiscated a win represent a 25 per cent reduction in leaflet wherein the organisation claimed that the total allowed in 1974. there had been no Nazi death camps. "The Your House for:— police also filed a request for the dissolution Outnghi Purchase of the BNS. Of low cost Rental CURTAINS, CARPETS, Only the Maoist Marxist-Leninist Students' he Intercom up lo organisation of the Students' Union at 28 points FLOORCOVERINGS Vienna University voted against a demand versatile 'oner Switchboards for the banning of the BNS and decided to up to 280 SPECIALITY boycott a rally called to protest against neo- DOORPHONE fascist activities in Austria. SYSTEMS CONTINENTAL DOWN llllliiiii QUILTS KREISKY ON MIDDLE EAST During a State visit to Liechtenstein, Dr. ALSO RE-MAKES AND RE-COVERS Bruno Kreisky, the Austrian Chancellor, stated that any effort to find a military solu­ ESTIMATES FREE tion to the problems of the Middle East could in the long run lead only to Israel's DAWSON-LANE LIMITED destmction. Sooner or later Israel would

Hans Jaeger lationship between these two very different characters is extremely interesting. When gril­ led about his political past—he had been a member of SAP, a small cadre party between PORTRAIT OF A STATESMAN Social Democrats and Communists—Brandt declared that he stood by the policy of the Terence Prittie's Brandt Biography SPD but that he reserved the right to work out his own views on any new issues which might arise. He wanted to develop the SPD Books, too, have their destinies. When the biographical aspect the author has the skill into a people's party and met the resistance English edition of Terence Prittie's Brandt of also presenting a piece of general con­ of Franz Neumann, who wanted a worker's biography*, preceded by the German edition temporary history. We read about the anti- party and regarded himself as Schumacher's and enriched by essential supplements, was Nazi underground movement and its dwind­ deputy. When Ernst Reuter returned from completed, it could not be foreseen that it ling chances in the late 'thirties. There Turkey and, contrary to Schumacher, sought to Would appear after Brandt's resignation. Yet follows the chapter on the Spanish Civil War. win the confidence of the Allies, Schumacher nowadays events often run more quickly than It is well-known that Brandt's role in it has and Neumann considered him as a rival. But the printing trade can manage. A last minute been misrepresented. He was in Spain for only Brandt was instantly drawn to Reuter. Prittie postscript takes account of the change. four months and returned sadly disillusioned. writes about these things as if he had witnes­ Is the book an anticlimax under the cir­ He fell out with the sectarians and Utopians sed them. He is familiar with all the details cumstances? Certainly not for those who but he disagreed even more with those who which are certainly not common knowledge have a keen historical interest, nor for those exploited the discipline required by the among many German politicians of present who consider it possible that Brandt who, military situation and established a one-party times. The rivalries and quarrels may now after all, is still the party chief, might have a rule. appear ridiculous. But one must imagine the Come-back one day. Yet there are others who The book is also full of political wisdom turbulent scene of the first post-war years. rake the \'iew that he who stumbles deserves and piquant details. When Moscow attacked These examples are only given to show the to be held down or who, without any sense of Finland, Brandt expressed the belief that the calibre of the book. With the later years, we proportion, classify him as a man with a Nazis had encouraged the attack in order to enter a field which is more familiar: the very Left-wing" past and blame him for bring the USSR into conflict with the Western blockade of Berlin, the frustration in Federal having "weakened NATO" by making too powers. There followed the assault on elections, Adenauer's hatred of Brandt and many concessions to the East Norway. The fact that Brandt was given a his futile attempts at humiliating him, the Some reviewers of the book have said that Norwegian uniform to save him has also Berlin Wall, the Big Coalition, Brandt as Terence Prittie was "too uncritical" of been distorted by professional slanderers. Foreign Minister, then the coalition with the "i^ndt. Reproaches of this kind are often There is a statement by Gauguin's grandson FDP and Brandt as Chancellor, the success of Prompted by prejudice. If one wants the that Brandt never participated in fighting 1972, and, finally, the unexpected event of shadow to prevail, one is disappointed if one and never carried arms. liter Brandt went May 7, 1974. discovers too much light. The book shows to Sweden. Prittie's comparison between the In the postscript the author states that ^at its author understood Brandt much Norwegian and Swedish mentality is very il­ throughout his life Brandt had sought to hetter than many of his fellow countrymen. luminating. trust people, in spite of the layer of reserve. This is all the more significant as Prittie is After the war, Brandt was in Berlin with All his life he had bottled up his feelings. hy no means a Socialist; on the contrary, the the Norwegian military mission. Again, and Therefore, he was bound to be bitterly dis­ Joke has been made that he is on better certainly not for the first time, he was con­ appointed. Yet he lived up to standards of terms with Socialists abroad than with the fronted with a conflict. What so many fellow conduct which are not often to be found in Labour Party of his own country. The list of countrymen could not understand, was easy the Westem world of today. In conclusion, those to whom he gives credit for their help to understand for Terence Prittie. Brandt Prittie states that the time has not yet come and information confirms that he is not wanted to bring Germany back into the Euro­ to write the last line about Brandt's political hiased; it includes, for example, Hubertus zu pean comity. That was his decisive motive. career. Loewenstein and Erich Mende. The author He became the SPD representative in Berlin, The book is not only a fascinating portrait shovys a tremendous knowledge of German as successor to Brest who founded the of a great personality and his psychological affairs. He is careful and accurate—and he Westdeu'tsche Allgemeine Zeitung in Essen. make-up but also an outstanding picture of Soes into details. Many political writers think Again, he was faced with a very hard task as the historical background—^the Nazi era, the Jhey have to avoid details because they might he had to cope with Kurt Schumacher, the war years and the post-war period. It is writ­ Opre readers. Prittie's Brandt biography party chairman. The chapter on the re- ten with knowledge, insight, understanding ^ho\ys that thoroughness makes a narrative and a warm heart. Particularly attractive, it recreates the atmos­ phere and explains the causality. We are made aware of Brandt's cheerless NO "CARL VON OSSIETZKY J^uth and we share his feelings of loneliness, UNIVERSITY" "is character was shaped by circumstances Members of the academic staff and and conditions. Prittie explains the reasons students of the newly established University tor Brandt's somewhat detached personality Dor/on of Oldenburg (Lower Saxony) proposed to *hich did, however, not prevent him from name the new university after the pacifist pving much thought to his fellow men and Carl von Ossietzky, who was tortured to ti"om making sacrifices for their benefit. No death by the Nazis in the nearby con­ jyonder, that the author shows sympathy for centration camp of Papenburg-Esterwege. The him (without, however, being uncritical, as Qkocolates responsible Minister rejected the proposal on grounds, reminiscent of the arguments used *as insinuated). No wonder either that, on against the naming of the University of Dues­ ^he other hand, Willy Brandt became very seldori after Heine. He stated that it would ^^nsitive and was later easily disappointed. be a "lapse into the ritual of the day before We learn about Brandt's years of exile, yesterday" if a university were given a spe­ ^his part is especially interesting because it cial name. Nevertheless, as shown in a pic­ make ture recently published in the German ^outains much which is not known. Once magazine "Der Spiegel", a big sign with the °randt illegally visited Berlin. Beyond the very special gifts words "Carl von Ossietzky Universitaet" has u, *. Terrence Prittie: Willy Brandt: Poftrait ol a Statatman. been fixed at the tower of the new seat of •*6idenfeld i Nicolson. 350 pp. £3-95. academic leaming. F.H.

ISLE OF MAN BECHSTEIN STEINWAY BLUTHNER INTERNMENT 1914/18 & 1939/45 Finest selectton reconditioned PIANOS Caxton Chocolate Co. Ltd. Always Interested In purchasing I buy envelopes and folded letter well-preserved Instruments. forms from these and other camps. London N22 6UN JAQUES SAMUEL PIANOS LTD. ''lease send to: PETER C. RICKENBACK, 142 Edgware Road, W.2 14 Rosslyn Hill, London. N.WJ. Tel.: 723 8818/9. Page 6 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975

H. W. Freyhan chapter includes some interesting new mat­ erial: entries from Felix's and Cecile's hon­ eymoon diary, pleasantly frank and un­ TWO FELIX MENDELSSOHN BIOGRAPHIES sophisticated, and also a few unpublished letters from their correspondence, the bulk Since the 193945 war the literature on the Occasionally this readability is achieved at of which was later destroyed, probably at Mendelssohn family has grown to a consid­ a price: the temptation to indulge in doubtful their own wish. erable extent, and the additions have in­ generalisations and oversimplifications has Summing up the marriage, Marek says: "As cluded some first-rate contributions. Nat­ not always been resisted. To give but one ex­ far as the spying biographer can tell, he was urally the focus has been chiefly on the ample: in his description of German Jewry's never again attracted by another woman. Not family's two outstanding members, Moses and Orthodoxy before the emancipation, Marek seriously." Felix. Research on the philosopher has re­ states that "these children of Zion suffered Unlike Fanny, Cecile was no musician. cently culminated in Alexander Altmann's penalties of their own making. . . . What That she admired her husband's work is a fundamental study (reviewed in the May 1974 Salomon (sic!) had set down in the tenth safe assumption, but her tastes were not issue of AJR Information). Owing to its century B.C. the eighteenth centmy A.D. still narrow, and it is curious to find Felix writ­ medium, the composer's work is more in the obeyed. . . . The kosher laws were strictly ing to Chopin, requesting "a few bars of public limelight, but it is characteristic that observed, though the prohibition against pork music" composed specially for Cecile who in his particular case nearly all his biogra­ no longer made sense in Berlin". It cannot was particularly fond of Chopin's art'.' phers devote a good deal of space to his have escaped Marek's attention that the pro­ family background and do not lose sight of hibition still makes sense to a large number Felix's letter on his visit to Buckingham the fact that the grandfather of the most pro­ of Jews in twentieth-century New York! Palace has found its place in nearly every minent Jewish-born nineteenth-century com­ biography. Marek is in a position to add some poser happened to be the pioneer of Jewish Such passages may be dismissed as jour­ new material—nothing less than excerpts emancipation and of Jewry's entry into the nalistic quips; in general it must be conceded from Queen Victoria's own diaries. European cultural scene. that, as witness his bibliography, Marek has "June 16, 1842. . . . After dinner came consulted the relevant literature, including Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, whose acquaintance I Georg Marek's book on Felix (Gentle Graetz, Elbogen, Badt-Strauss, etc. Altmann's was so anxious to make. ... He is short, Genius — The Story of Felix Mendelssohn; book on Moses Mendelssohn was not yet dark and Jewish looking—delicate—with a Robert Hale & Co., London; £4-50) is no ex­ available to him. fine intellectual forehead. ... He is very ception: its first three chapters deal with the Many of the familiar documents are in­ pleasing and modest, and is greatly protected situation of the Jews in the eighteenth cen­ cluded. It would have been preferable for by the King of Prussia. He played first of all tury, with Moses Mendelssohn and his son Abraham's famous confirmation letter to some of his Lieder ohne Worte . . . and then, Abraham, Felix's father. Fanny to be reproduced in full. In dealing he asked us to give him a theme, upon which The author (whose book on Richard with Felix's refusal to drop the family name he coidd improvise. We gave him two, 'Rule Strauss was reviewed in AJR Information in in favour of Bartholdy, as requested by Britannia', and the Austrian National November 1968) was bom in Vienna and Abraham, Marek comments: "It was surely Anthem. He began immediately, and really I emigrated to the U.S.A., where he became a not any inclination toward Judaism. He felt have never heard anything so beautiful: the leading executive in the record industry. no such inclination, considering himself a way in which he blended them both together There is little doubt that his book has bene­ Protestant". This is something of a half-tmth. and changed over from one to the other, was fited from this dual background. Felix's Protestant beliefs are not in doubt, quite wonderful as well as the exquisite har­ Although the volume includes some new but recent publications have produced ample mony and feeling he puts into the variations, documentation, its chief merit lies less in its evidence that he was particularly proud of and the powerful rich chords, and modula­ factual information and the evaluations which his origin, e.g., his angry reaction to an anti- tions, which reminded one of all his beautiful it offers than in the manner of presentation: Jewish remark by his sister Rebekka, and his compositions. . . . We were all filled with the there is never any dullness, and every page committed report on the debate on Jewish makes fascinating reading. emancipation in the House of Commons. Continued on page 7 The complete lack of Jewish self-hatred in Felix is a significant trait of his personality. Marek does mention this fact, but with some­ what insufficient emphasis. In the matter of Zelter's succession at the Berlin Singakademie he takes a balanced view. Some antisemitic remarks were un­ DUNBEE-COMBEX-MARX doubtedly made at the Committee's meetings (the minutes were destroyed during the last LTD. war) but there were some understandable reasons for the choice of the mediocre Rungen- hagen who had been Zelter's assistant for 18 years and was more likely to stay in Berlin than Felix who, in his application, had demanded free time for travel. An equally balanced view is taken of the Mendelssohn-Wagner relationship which had by no means been hostile from the start. Marek concedes that Mendelssohn had little sympathy with Wagner's music (as with Ber­ Dunbee House lioz'), and that this was probably quite evident in his performance of the Tann­ haeuser Overture. Aversions of this kind 117 Great Portland Street, exist frequently between great composers, and the ominous result, Wagner's later anti­ London, W.l semitic attacks, after Mendelssohn's death, need not have been the natural outcome of this artistic incompatibility. Of Felix's relationship with his elder sister Fanny, and of his marriage, the book offers intelligent and appreciative evalutations. This Tel. 01-580 3264/0878 (P.B.X.)

BELSIZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE Grams: FLEXATEX LONDON, SI Belsin Sgu«r*. London. N.W.S TELEX. HOUSE OF HALLGARTEN SYNAGOGUE SERVICES are held regularly on the Eve of Sabbath 53/79 Highgate Road. London, NWS 1RR and Festivals at 6.30 p.m. and on the day INT. TELEX 2-3540 at 11 a.m. Choose Hallgarten—Choose Fine Wines ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED ^JR INFORMATION March, 1975 Page 7 TWO FELIX MENDELSSOHN BIOGRAPHIES DIE OST-BERLINER JUEDISCHE GEMEINDE Unser Mitglied, Herr K. Stein (London) Continued from page 6 erhielt das folgende Schreiben von Dr. Peter greatest admiration. Poor Mendelssohn was he enlivens his narrative by ample quotations Kirchner, dem Vorsitzenden der Juedischen quite exhausted, when he had done playing." from documents and letters, and like Marek, Gemeinde von Gross-Berlin, Orianienburger th A* y^^''s later, after a similar occasion, he includes entries from Queen Victoria's Str. 28, 104 Berlin (East Germany): tne Queen wrote: "He is such an agreeable diaries. i^^fJ: nian and his countenance beams with His comments on the music are brief and "Wir beabsichtigen einen Bild-Text-Band ""teiiigence and genius." generally adequate, except perhaps in the iiber die 300 jahrige Geschichte der Berliner enf 'November 1847, the Queen made this case of Elijah, where he tends to lean on Gemeinde herauszugeben und benotigen dafur ntry: "We were horrified, astounded and Shaw's rather biased anti-Victorian views. He Materialien, seien es nun Fotos oder Dmcker- "l^ressed to read in the papers of the death does, however, concede that the work is zeugnisse, Dokumente oder auch private I Mendelssohn, the greatest musical genius widely regarded as the finest oratorio of the Erlebnisberiehte. Dabei sollten diese Unter­ since Mozart, and the most amiable man. He nineteenth century. lagen besonders den Zeitraum zwischen 1890 ^s quite worshipped by those who knew After pointing out that the famous und 1945 umfassen. Den Abschluss des Bandes in intimately, and we have so much appre­ Christmas hymn Hark, the Herald Angels Sing soil dann eine Selbstdarstellung der heutigen ciated and admired his wonderfully beautiful is an adaption of a chorus from Mendels­ Gemeinde in unserem Teile Berlins ausmachen. compositions. We liked and esteemed the sohn's Festgesong in honour of Johannes "Bezuglich der Friedhofe hat sich der *^cellent man and looked up to and revered, Gutenberg, he remarks: "One cannot help Magistrat von Gross-Berlin jetzt bereiterklart, /'e wonderful genius, and the great mind, wondering whether those . . . clergymen who, uns in einem wesentlich grosseren Umfang als Which I fear were too much for the frail, according to newspaper reports, refuse to bisher zu unterstiitzen und dies nicht nur delicate body. With it all, he was so modest allow Mendelssohn's Wedding March in their durch die Bereitstellung entsprechender finan­ ^nd simple. . . ." churches on the grounds that it is secular or zieller Mittel, sondern durch die Beauftragung t ^^ there are some further entries which even pagan music, are aware of the origin of entsprechender gartnerischer Betriebe. In testify to the Queen's genuine sense of loss. what is possibly the most popular tune in the diesem Jahr sind u.a. die Wiederherstellung Nobody is likely to accept Victoria's view English hymnal". des einst sehr schonen Ehrenmales fiir die im °l Mendelssohn as the greatest musical The concluding chapter exposes with all I. Weltkrieg gefallenen judischen Soldaten Senius since Mozart — in preference to Beet- frankness Wagner's antisemitic attacks, in­ sowie der Sonderfelder vorgesehen, auf denen V^oven and Schubert! — and, Mendelssohn cluding the most monstrous, his whole­ die nach der Kristallnacht ermordeten Jiimself would no doubt have disagreed with hearted approval of the first Russian jiidischen Manner, deren Asche den Familien- angehbrigen noch zugeschickt wurde, beigesetzt "*e Queen's evaluation. But the reaction pogroms (omitted, as Blunt tells us, from the against such claims tended to be equally ex- sind. In der Fortsetzung dieser Arbeiten sollen English edition of Wagner's writings!), and dann in den kommenden Jahren systematisch ^Sgerated and unfounded (quite apart from this is followed up by a report on the racial prejudice). alle Abteilungen in den pflegerischen Aufga- removal and destruction of the Leipzig benkreis einbezogen werden. In view of the frequent criticism of Men­ Mendelssohn monument at the time of Sir delssohn's music as being merely smooth and Thomas Beecham's visit (1936); Blunt quotes "Die Synagoge in der Oranienburger Strasse ^motionally superficial, it is not without in­ here from J. Wulf's Music in the Third Reich wurde durch Kriegseinwirkungen so stark terest to note his own comments on the so­ and refers to its "horrifying" evidence of the zerstort, dass man sich schon 1953 entschloss, prano soloist in the Elijah premiere : "It was Nazi attitude. wegen der Einsturzgefahr den Innenraum zu ^il so pretty, so pleasing, so elegant, at the The book is lavishly illustrated (the colour sprengen. Der Verfall hat naturlich in den ^^me time so flat, so heartless, so unintelligent, plates enhance Mendelssohn's own paintings) nachfolgenden Jahren zugenommen und diese so soulless". and should be a welcome addition to the lib­ Ruine ist fiir uns ein standiger Gefahrenherd. Marek does not attempt a detailed dis­ rary of anyone not indifferent to Mendels­ Da bei der Kleinheit unserer Gemeinde der cussion of the works; in general, he limits sohn's music and personality. Wiederaufbau nicht diskutiert werden kann, nimself to statements of his personal views, andererseits eine Nutzung in anderer Art nicht l^hese are reasonably balanced, as is his sum- moglich ware, wird es sich wahrscheinlich nicht 'Uing up: "To put it plainly, he knew how to MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY PRIZE 1975 vermeiden lassen, hier eine weitestgehende .lUake us feel good. If he did not transport us Abtragung der einsturzgefahrdeten Anteile luto seventh heaven nor down into the First The winners of this year's Felix Mendels­ dieser Ruine zu erwagen, und nur einen, die ^ircle, he did offer us a place in the serene sohn Bartholdy Prize were the 27-year-old friihere Schbnheit vielleicht ahnenlassenden pianist Wolfgang Bloser, student at the Music Rest als Denkmal stehenzulassen." Utopia". Conservatory in Stuttgart, and the cellist The volume is handsomely produced, and Georg Faust (Conservatory Cologne). The '^^ generous illustrations include a good Prize was endowed by the Berlin Con­ number of Mendelssohn's own drawings and servatory in 1874 but discontinued in 1933. In sketches. 1963 the Foundation "Preussischer Kulturbe­ NEWS FROM WEST BERLIN sitz" recreated the prize; it carries a monetary Marek's book figtires among the sources The dancer, Valeska Gert, recently cele­ 'consulted by an even more recent biographer award of DM 5,000, the highest award for music students in Germany. E.G.L. brated her 75tih birthday. Forced to emigrate °' the composer, Wilfrid Blunt (On Wings of in 1933, she retumed to Germany in 1949 ^o^^S; a Biography of Felix Mendelssohn, ^niilton, London, 1974; £5-50). MEMORIAL IN DUISBURG and gave her first post-war performance in ^The author, who is the curator of the A memorial to the perished Jewish citizens Berlin, her city of birth, in the Renaissance Watts Gallery in Compton, Surrey, has writ­ of Duisburg was imveiled recently. It has Theater. ten on a wide range of subjects of which been erected near the site of the destroyed The recently published, illustrated book ''lusic is but one. His Mendelssohn volume synagogue. The speakers at the ceremony, "Berlin 1974—Das Jahr im Rueckspiegel" Presents no new research but is quite up to which was attended by Government and muni­ (Ullstein) reports about a plan to re-erect ^ate, thanks to the discretionary use of cipal officials included the Israeli Ambas­ the famous Ephraim-Palais on the Muehlen- sador to West Germany, Mr. Yochanan Meroz, P^cent standard works, such as Wemer and and the former Minister of Justice of North­ damm (now East Berlin) which was *^dcliffe. Like most Mendelssohn biographers. rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Josef Neuberger. demolished by the Nazis. Parts of the historically interesting building were deposited at a site which is now situated in West Berlin, and it is thus possible to re­ Houseowners—You can increase your Income construct the house. The director of Berlin Elderly owners of houses or flats can often substantially increase tlieir Museum, Professor Dr. Irmgard Wirth, sug­ income without investing a single penny or losing control of their property gests to re-erect it near the Museum in the in any way Linidenstrasse and use it for the collections of Judaica amd of the department of the Worth investigating! history of theatre. For full information without obligation please contact: The book also mentions the scheme by which former Berlin Jews have been given C. F. Flesch, Managing Director, the opportunity of visiting their city of birth Bremar Insurance Services Ltd., as guests of the Senate. So far, 4,000 persons have benefited from the scheme, and the Bremar House, Sale Place, London W2 IPT. Tel: 01-262 1198 waiting list comprises a further 15,000. E.G.L. a..-»«.-awi«mK^-^-«»»«aWBW5B«^^ I^MSL

Page 8 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975 GOLDMANN AND DOUBLE LOYALTIES Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the NEWS ABOUT ISRAEL World Jewish Congress, opened the organisa­ tion's sixth plenary assembly, the first ever WARNING AGAINST PRE-EMPTIVE WAR EMIGRATION to be held in Jerusalem. Govemment statistics indicate that about In his speech Dr. Goldmann emphasised Rabbi Dr. Joachim Prinz, chairman of the 18,000 Israelis left the country in 1974. In that although every Jew was entitled to World Jewish Congress goveming council, express his views about Israel's policies, in seat a letter to the New York Times con­ 1973, 54,890 immigrants settled in Israel. Mr. the final conclusion it was his duty to stand gratulating the newspaper on two editorials Pinhas Sapir, the Jewish Agency's chairman, by Israel, even if not in accord with its dealing with the situation in the Middle East has expressed concern at the smaller number policies. He highlighted "two major problems and waming against a pre-emptive war by of immigrants who arrived last year and the created by the existence of a sovereign Jewish Israel. This waming, wrote Dr. Prinz, "should greater number of Israelis who emigrated State": "what is called double loyalty" and not merely come from important newspapers during 1974. In the 25 years until 1973, some "the relationship between Israel and the dias­ and powerful govemments but, most impor­ 200,000 Israelis were estimated to have left pora". It was unrealistic to deny the potential tantly, from the organised Jewish community for overseas—an average of about 8,000 a existence of the issue of double loyalty. of tile United States, which has established year. A total of 17,000 Soviet Jews arrived in Israel could not survive or ensure the sur­ an intimate relationship of partnership with Israel during 1974, representing an almost 50 vival of the Jewish people unless the Jewish Israel aid which has provided substantial per cent drop from the record 33,400 who people "in its totality lives and acts in full- material support for Israel". Neither victory came in 1973. solidarity with Israel". In times of crisis this nor defeat would guarantee the existence of Mr Sapir told the Agency's board that, for problem of double loyalty was bound to crop up. Israel itself, he said, and this was the stake. a number of months towards the end of last As far as the relationship between Israel An Israeli victory would be even more cata­ year, 37 per cent of Soviet Jewish emigrants and the diaspora was concemed. Dr. Gold- strophic than a defeat, inviting the in­ arriving in Vienna had not continued to mami felt that it should be based on three tervention of the Soviet Union on the side of Israel. This "drop-out" rate was nearly twice principles: the unity of the whole people and the Arab States, again humiliating the Arabs as high as the overall average for the year of the equality of all parts of it; recognition by and stirring up more fervent nationalism 20 per cent. He pointed out, however, that the diaspora of the sovereignty of Israel, among them. A defeat suffered by Israel many Soviet Jews aUowed to emigrate had leaving to it the right and privilege to reach would no doubt be the end of the State "and never ihad any intention of going to Israel. binding decisions on its policies; recognition thus, probably, the end of Jewish existence in by Israel of the diaspora's autonomy. the world". FORMER SOVIET POLITICL\N'S WIDOW Dr. Goldmann urged reconsideration and, if Quoted apparently in part in the Israeli Arrival of Maria Joffe possible, improvement of relations with the press, the letter led to strong criticism of Dr. Communist bloclc and the Third World be­ Prinz and a sharp cable to him by the chair­ Maria Mikailovna Joffe, the widow of cause, "next to the survival of Israel, the man of the W.J.C.'s Israeli section, Mr. Itzhak Adolf Joffe, Commissar of Foreign Affairs future of the three million or more Jews Korn. Mr. Kom said that Dr. Prinz should after the Communist Revolution in 1917, living in the Communist world is the major not have written the letter because of his arrived in Israel as a new immigrant. She is issue we have to solve". central position in the W.J.C. Dr. Prinz re­ in her 80s. Adolf Joffe led the Soviet peace He was re-elected as president with an plied that if wished he would no longer delegation to the Brest-Litovsk Peace Con­ overwhelming majority. In his acceptance occupy such a position. He did not stand for ference between Germany and Russia and speech. Dr. Goldmann said: "I am in fairly re-election, and Mr. Philip Klutznick succeeded later became Soviet Ambassador to Berlin. good health, though I have no contract with him. He committed suicide in 1928 when his close the Almighty, of course. I would have step­ Dr. Prinz is a founder and leader of friend Trotzky was expelled from the Com­ ped down if I had seen a successor emerging. "Breira", a new organisation dedicated to the munist Party. Maria Joffe had been in a Perhaps it is my fault. I have done very Uttle centrality of Israel in diaspora Jewish life, forced labour camp for 28 years. She told re­ to groom a successor. Still, I do not intend to but rejecting Israeli hegemony over day-to­ porters that after her husband's death she stay the full course. Perhaps I will serve for day affairs in the diaspora. was charg^ with "revisionism". a couple of yeairs or so."

E. S. SCHWAB AND COMPANY LIMITED

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6 City Road, Finsbury Square, London, ECIY 2AH B. L. WEISS Telephone: 01-628 9811 CHANGE OF ADDRESS (20 lines) In order to ensure that you receive your copy of "AJR PRINTERS STATIONERS Telex: 887277 Information" regularly, please Inform us immediately of any ST ALBANS LANE • LONDON • NWll change of address. Telephone: 01-458 3220 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975 Page 9 It is suggested in the "Guidelines" that the ^Ifons Rosenberg bishops should take steps to reform the teaching and preaching of the local priests. Catholics, it is emphasised, must maintain the CATHOLICS AND JEWS strictest respect for religious liberty and should regard with particular sensitivity the The Vatican Speaks difficulties which arise for Jews when faced with the "mystery of the incamate word". "A turning point in the relations between within the last decade the Catholic Church Any sermon on liturgicai texts should be the Jews and the Catholics", this was said by has made commendable efforts towards a re­ carefully thought out so as not to distort their responsible Catholics of the Declaration on conciliation with Judaism, endeavouring to meaning, especially if they seem to show the the Church and the Jewish people. Nostra cleanse its not untarnished record in this re­ Jewish people in an unfavourable light. In­ Aetate, as adopted by Vatican H in 1965. And spect. I submit that these efforts would have formation about both the Jewish background iiow this Declaration has, if anything, been loomed very largely in the minds of the Jews of Christianity and the Jewish tradition after strengthened by the new statement of the and in pronouncements of official Jewish the coming of Christ should be included in Vatican in January 1975. bodies if, very understandably, the existence Christian education. The spiritual bonds and of the State of Israel had not loomed even historical links binding the Church to After various contacts between authorities larger on the list of priorities of official and Judaism condemn all forms of antisemitism of the Roman Curia and exponents of impor­ unofficial Judaism. and discrimination. tant Jewish organisations, an official meeting Yet, what has happened? To make this I could go on at length quoting from the Was held in Rome in December 1970. In the crystal clear I should like to quote a few sen­ "Guidelines". (bourse of this meeting it was decided to set tences taken at random from the "Giudelines Some Jews might read all this with a wry ^P an international liaison committee be­ and Suggestions for Implementing the Conci- smile. Yet, I think, it would be wrong to tween the Catholic Church and representative liar Declaration Nostra Aetate": It is the same mistake the importance of this Vatican hodies of Judaism. On the Jewish side the god inspirer and author of the books of both document. The Roman Catholic Church now inembers of this committee were named or Testaments; Jesus was bom of the Jewish speaks of "our brothers the Jews". approved by the Intemational Jewish Com- people, as were his Apostles and a large Is it perhaps a practical commentary to 'nittee for Inter-Religious Consultations. On number of his first disciples; in the spirit of what we quoted above that in 1965, during the Catholic side, they were named by the the prophets, Jews and Christians will wil­ the last session of Vatican II, I was invited ^ope. Since its establishment, the In­ lingly work together, seeking social justice to the Collegio Inglese in Rome to lunch with ternational Liaison Committee has held three and peace at every level—local, national, and the bishops of England and Wales? I also annual sessions, in Paris, Marseille and Ant- international; the Second Vatican Council visited the Secretariat for Christian Unity to J^erp. It was principally from this committee (Vatican II) has pointed out the path to learn more about the impending vote on the that the suggestion came to create a "Com- follow in promoting deep fellowship between resolution absolving the Jews from the crime niission for Relations with Judaism" in the Jews and Christians. of "deicide". I talked to an American priest. Vatican. As a distinct organism but joined to So far the "Guidelines". The document is Father Stransky. I said to him: "I welcome the Secretariat for Christian Unity, it was signed by Cardinal Willebrands, president of the efforts of the Church to put its rel­ established by the Pope to promote and the "Commission for Religious Relations with ationship with the Jews on a new basis. Don't 'oster relations of a religious nature between the Jews". It may certainly seem odd that the you think that the Jews all but ignore these Jews and Catholics. Commission is joined to the Secretariat for efforts and hardly react to them?" Father However much we may regret it that the the Promotion of Christian Unity, but this Stransky replied: "Whatever the Jews do or State of Israel is not mentioned in any of is a merely administrative arrangement, I don't do, the Church is doing its duty by these statements, it is undoubtedly true that presume. doing what is just". THE BRITISH AID COMMITTEE BIKUR CHOLIM HOSPITAL, JERUSALEM, the Oldest hospital In the Holy Land has for nearly 150 years given succour to young and old without distinction of race or colour. NEW WING FOR BRAIN DAMAGED AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN With Compliments MEDICINE AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED URGENTLY PLEASE HELP IN ANY WA Y IF YOU CAN

By signing a Covenant we can recover your tax without extra cost to you. Immortalise the names of your dear and beloved ones Arnold R by dedicating a bed or a room. In your WILL remember this most deserving charity. Horwell Limited (Pleaise note new address) LABORATORY & CLINICAL SUPPLIES BRITISH AID COMMITTEE, 2 GRANGEWAY, KILBURN HIGH ROAD, LONDON, NW6 2BP BIKUR CHOLIM HOSPITAL, JERUSALEM, TELEPHONE: 01-328 1551 127 CLAPTON COMMON, LONDON, E5 SAB Phone 01 800 3152 Page 10 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975

HANS HESS IN MEMORIAM Mr. Hans Hess, O.B.E., Reader in the History and Theory of Art at Sussex Univer­ MR. HANS P. JUDA MASCHA KALEKO sity since 1967, recently died in his 67th Mascha Kaleko, who recently died, became Mr. Hans Peter Juda, C.B.E., who died on year. He was educated in the Odenvrald- first known in the early 'thirties, when her Schule and in Wickersdorf and, after having Febmary 3 at the age of 70, was the founder verses appeared in the "Vossische Zeitung" (in 1935) and them editor aad publisher of and the "Berliner Tageblatt". Later, collec­ attended several study courses at the Sor­ the British export magazine "The Ambas­ tions of her poems were published in two bonne and in Geneva, joined his family's sador" until 1964. He became a director of volumes "Das Lyrische Stenogrammheft" shoemaking business in Erfurt. His father Thomson Publications in that year. Born in and "Kleines Lesebuch fuer Grosse". Her ar­ was one of the chief collectors of modem art Trier, he studied economics, law and tistic gifts as the writer of "Grosstadtlyrik" sociology and in 1927, when in his early 20s, made her widely known and were also re­ and in this way. Hams Hess got into close he was appointed Financial Editor of the cognised by authors like Thomas Mann and contact with leading pre-1933 artists in Ger­ "Berliner Tageblatt". In 1931, he married Els­ Alfred Polgar. Hermann Hesse once wrote many. He came to this country as a refugee beth, the daughter of Dr. Julius Goldstein, about her: "This genre of small poems, des­ in 1935, where he was also actively associated professor of philosophy in Darmstadt and cended directly from Heine, has now, after with the work of the German Kulturbund. In founder of the German-Jewish periodical the elimination of the Jews, entirely dis­ "Der Morgen"- They came to England in appeared in Germany." After the war, she 1947, he was appointed director of the City 1933. Juda (writes The Times in its obituary) published a volume "Verse fuer Zeitgenos­ Art Gallery of York and also became the became passionately committed to the sen" (1945), a "Versbuch fuer verspielte chief director of the York Festival, which country of his adoption and devoted his Kinder saemtlicher Jahrgaenge" (1961) and was started in 1951 with the then little- career to the fostering of British exports, link­ "Verse in Dur und Moll" (1967). known York Mystery Plays as its focus. His ing industrial export with sponsoring visits Mascha Kaleko was bom in Poland and works include the standard monograph on which made British artists and arts known brought up in Berlin, where she attended the Lyonel Feininger (1959) and a critical study abroad. He gave considerable help to young Jewish "Mittelschule". Until 1934 she had a artists and devoted the proceeds from the position as secretary at the headquarters of of (Jeorge Grosz (1974) which is due to be sale of his own collection of modern works to the Berlin Jewish community. Together with published shortly. the creation of a fund to enable artists to her husband, the composer and synagogue travel and widen their experience. He was a choir conductor, Chemjo Vinaver (Warsaw ABY WARBURG REMEMBERED govemor and, from 1965 to 1973, chairman of 1895-Jerusalem 1973) she emigrated to the the Central School of Art and Design and re­ U.S.A. in 1939 and from there, in the 'sixties, At the 14th conference of German Art ceived honours from the Royal Society of Arts to Israel. In 1973, she was elected a member Historians in Hamburg, Staatsrat Dr. Heinz and other institutions. In 1955 he was appoin­ of the PEN centre of the German Federal Liebrecht, in his welcoming address, paid ted O.B.E. and in 1970 advanced to C.B.E. Republic. special tribute to the memory of Aby War­ Hans Juda's success in this country was The opening poem of her "Verse fuer Zeit­ burg. His creation, the Warburg Institute, coupled with deep feelings of loyalty to his genossen", called "Einem kleinen Endgran- was not only a typical manifestation of Ham­ community of origin. He had many personal ten", is dedicated to her son, Steven Vinaver, burg and its way of life but had also made friends among the former refugees and, who later became a successful producer in history in the history of art beyond the city. throughout the time, was am interested and the U.S.A. His death in 1968 at the early age Warburg's name was inseparably linked with helpful member of the AJR. We extend our of 32 was a very severe blow for Mascha and a specific new method of approach. Dr. Lie­ sincerest sympathies to his widow. her husband. brecht said.

FAMILY EVENTS Merz.—Mrs. Hermina Merz of Kin- ALTERATIONS OF DRESSES, GERMAN AND ENGLISH COINS Entries in the column Family loch, 21 Packman Lane, Kirkella, etc., undertaken by ladies on our WANTED. High prices paid. Phone: Events are free of charge. Texts Hull, died on February 13. Deeply register. Phone AJR Employment 01-455 8578 after 6 p.m. mourned by her husband, Victor, Agency, 01-624 4449. should be sent in by the 15th of and all her family and friends. Personal the month. CONTINENTAL LADY, German- Schlesinger.—Ernst Schlesinger of speaking, seeks non-residential MIDDLE-AGED LADY would like Birthday 20, Bam Hill, Wembley Park, position as nursing companion. to meet a gentleman living in Middx. passed away peacefully on Also night duty and as travelling London area—not over 70 years The AJR CLUB extends its warm­ January 21, at the age of 77. companion. Box 466. of age. Marriage considered. Box est wishes to Mrs. E. Israit on her Deeply mourned by his wife and 468. 70th birthday on February 13; Mrs. friends. Accommodation Vacant F. Menashe on her 80th birthday LADY, Hungarian origin, attrac­ on Febraary 14; and Mrs. Martha CLASSIFIED FURNISHED ROOM, use of kit­ tive, aged 39, 5 ft. 4 in. tall. Many Lewis on her 75th birthday on chen, suitable for student in block interests including current and March 19. The charge in these columns is of flats, W.ll. Reasonable Rental. Jewish afiairs, music, etc., would Wiener.—Mrs. Hedwig Wiener of 15p for five words. Tel: 01-727 4490 after 6.00 p.m. like to meet tallish friendly gentle­ 123, The Vale, London, N.W.ll. man who is a good conversation­ celebrated her SOth birthday on Situations Vacant IN EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM, alist aged between 39 and 50. Box Febmary 22. Her family and 2 furnished rooms to let to middle- 469. friends wish her many more happy ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, aged people; own bathroom; cook­ years. preferably of Continental origin ing facilities. Tel.: 021-454 0592 or WHERE IS THE INTELLIGENT, or background, wanted by write Box 471. attractive. Lady, under 60, who Ruby Wedding London headquarters of Jewish would contact Austrian born wid­ Guttfield.—Mrs. M. H. and Mr. organisation. Candidates will be Accommodation Wanted ower, object companionship, view marriage. Box 470. Frank Guttfield of 103, High St., trained for executive position. SMALL FURNISHED FLAT or Arlesey, Beds., will celebrate their Experience or interest in editorial large bedsitter and kitchen wanted CONTINENTAL LADY, middle 40th wedding anniversary on and/or social work essential. Young by active lady, Wembley or Wemb­ forties, now on her own. Interests March 27. graduates would also be consid­ ley Park. Good references. Box 4'74. dancing, theatre, travel, wishes to ered. Box 467. meet refined gentleman. Box 473. Golden Wedding Miscellaneous Wiener. — Jacques and Ellen Women Wiener (nee Silberstein) of Pen­ REVLON MANICURIST / PEDI- Missing Persons rhyn Lodge, 14, St. Mark's HiU, LADY, preferably (Jerman-speak- CURIST. Will visit your home. ing and with an interest in music, 01-445 2915. Personal Enquiries Surbiton, Surrey, will celebrate required as housekeeper to elderly Bielitz (Polish-Silesia).—Witnesses their Golden Wedding on March 1. but active gentleman living alone EXCLUSIVE FUR REPAIRS wanted in connection with a com­ pensation claim from this town. Deaths in beautiful house adjoining golf AND RESTYLING. All kinds of course and near large town in fur work undertaken by first-class Please contact: Mr. A. Matzner, 11 Conway.—Mr. John Conway of 676, Yorkshire. Part-time help available. renovator and stylist, many years' Station Road, Belmont, near Sut­ Finchley Road, London, N.W.ll. Box 472. experience and best references. ton, Surrey. passed away in Majorca, Spain on Phone 01-452 5867, after 5 p.m. January 8 at the age of 74. Sadly for appointment, Mrs. F. Philipp, AJR Enquiries missed by his wife Betty, sister, 44 Ellesmere Road, Dollis HUl, niece and all his many friends. EXPERIENCED London, N.W.IO. Herzfelder.—Dr. E. Herzfelder, BOOKKEEPER/TYPIST last known address 6, Laurence Kingston.—Rita Kingston of 2/167, Required by City Impjorters. For Sale Pountney Hill, Cannon Street, Westend Lane, London, N.W.6, Part or full-time, male or female. London, EC4 OBL. passed away on January 20, after Top Salary. Jewish Holy-Days. ORTHOREST DE LUXE 4ft 6in a long illness. Deeply moumed by Tel: 01-405 3840 day divan bed, as new, cost £164. Accept Kaldenbach.—Dr. G. Kaldenbach. her husband, relatives and many 01-458 1032 evenings half value; also beautiful Persian last known address: 3, Burford friends. rug. Tel.: 01-328 3584. Drive, Manchester, 16. AJR INFORMATION March, 1975 Page 11

The Lords said that the apparent oddity of NATIONALITY OF JEWISH REFUGEES this decision disappeared if one bore in mind the conflicting considerations which the FROM NAZI GERMANY framers of the Basic Law tried to reconcile. They were unwilling to admit that the 1941 Decision in the "Oppenheimer v. Cattermole" Case decree had ever been part of the German law but did not wish to thmst German The case of Oppenheimer v. Cattermole having ever had legal validity. A majority of nationality on people who did not want it. ^H.M. Inspector of Taxes) has engaged the the Lords accepted this view of the invalidity Mr Oppenheimer, by not applying for German ^-nglish courts for a long time. It has now of the 1941 decree. nationality had, therefore, lost it, if not under oeen finally decided by the House of Lords The Lords also considered the German the Law of 1913 in 1948 on British nationalisa­ Against the taxpayer by rejecting his claim Nationality Law of 1913 under which a Ger­ tion, then in 1949 on enactment of the German 10 have retained German nationality. man national who is neither domiciled nor Basic Law. It must be stated at once that the case residenxco.ucmt. i^ini Germanyv,cin.o..j, lose»v/o^so hi..«s v.„....«.German. This judgement in the Oppenheimer case ,°^s not apply to the compensation annuities nationality on acquiring a foreign one, but has general application and clarifies the (Entschaedigungsrenten) paid under the they did not express a definite view on the nationality status of the Nazi persecutees ^erman Federal Compensation Law (BEG) question whether Mr Oppenheimer had lost from Germany under British law. It is not '0 Nazi victims. These annuities are, and his German nationality on acquiring the British confined to the narrow sphere of the Double [•.emain, entirely exempt from any tax, irrespec­ one in 1948. Taxation Convention. The decision makes tive of the nationality of the recipient. The House of Lords held, however, that Mr common sense in not thrusting German Mr. Oppenheimer, a German-Jewish teacher, Oppenheimer had lost German nationality by nationality on those who do not want it and enugrated to England in 1939 due to Nazi virtue of Article 116 (2) of the German are content to live in this country as British persecution. In 1948, he became naturalised Basic Law (Grundgesetz). This Article pro­ citizens, with the full rights and duties such ^s a British subject. He was granted a German vides that former German citizens deprived citizenship confers on them. It does no injus­ Public service pension from 1953 onwards, of their German nationality for racial, poli­ tice to those who wish to hold German under the German Federal Republic's law tical or religious reasons between January nationality; they can—and could since 1949— providing Indemnification in respect of 193*-—3 and Ma—.y, 1945 —are t—o b--e reinstated —as do so by signing the simple application form. fjational Socialist Injustice for Members of German nationals on application (unless they The decision of the highest British Court ^he Public Service living abroad. (BW GoeD.) have permanently returned to Germany—in gives thus effect to the intentions of the Article IX (2) of the Anglo-German Double which case they are not to be considered German lawmakers and will, we believe, be •Taxation Convention lays down that public as expatriated if they have not expressed welcomed by the majority of the Jewish service pensions paid by the Federal Republic a wish to the contrary). The House of Lords refugees from Nazi Germany living in this of Germany to residents of the U.K. shall be accepted the view taken by the German country. exempt from United Kingdom tax if the Federal Constitutional Court in a decision of Ji^ecipient holds German or dual (British and 1968 on the effect of Article 116 (2): IN COMMEMORATION OF THE MARTYRS German) nationality. "For persecutees who have not acquired Meeting on April 6 A Nazi decree of 1941 deprived all German a foreign nationality the effect of Article This year's meeting to commemorate the Jews then resident abroad of their German 116 (2) is that notwithstanding the fact Warsaw Ghetto Uprismg and the Six Million ''^tionality (and, incidentally, also of their that they did not lose their German MartjTs of Nazism will be held on Sunday, nationality by expatriation [the decree of April 6, at 3 p.m., in the New London Theatre, assets left in Germany). It was argued on 1941] the German State does not treat Parker Street, Drury Lane, London, W.C.2. oehalf of Mr Oppenheimer that he had never them as German unless they assert their Details will be announced in the next issue. «>st German nationality, since the odious Nazi German nationality by taking up resid­ As in the past, the AJR is one of the sponsor­ decree of 1941 could not be recognised as ence or making an application." ing organisations.

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Telephone for appointment: 871 Finchley Rd., Golders Green, Aii enquiries, telephone: L.ondon, N.12 N.W.11 (next to Post Office) Tel.: 01-445 0081 01-349 0856 or 01-749 6037 01-455 8673 01-452 9768 & 01-452 0515. Page 12 AJR INFORMATION March, 1975 Letters to the Editor THEATRE AND CULTURAL GERMAN JEWRY UNDER DURESS THE STEFAN GEORGE KREIS NEWS Basle. The Basle Theatre management, in Sir,—For reasons which I can't imagine H. G. Sir,—As I receive "AJR Information" by Reissner used the review of S. Adler-Rudel's surface mail, I only learned now that Professor their quest for originality, have sprung a book (your December, 1974 issue) for an Dr. Vera Lachmann, in a letter to the editor minor sensation by performing "The Last attack against the Ph.D. thesis which I wrote ("AJR Information", December, 1974), took Days of Mankind" in the foyer and staircase in Erlangen 15 years ago. He did so in a letter exception to my statement that Margarete of their new house which is still under con­ he wrote at that time to my "Doktorvater", his struction. The work, which has been called Susman "never felt quite at home" in the friend Professor H. J. Schoeps. About ques­ the world's first documentary drama, is tions of tact and taste I do not unsh to engage Stefan George circle, "because she had already staged to honour its author, Karl Kraus, on in public polemics, but I must point out that sensed an undercurrent of political mysticism the occasion of the centenary of his birth Reissner simply mis-read and therefore mis­ which later ran into the sewage of National last year. The producer Hans Hollmann is interpreted my dissertation. Had it ever Socialism". appeared in print, I simply could su.ggest to warmly praised by the critics, and great the AJR Information readers, that they should I should like to remind the learned letter credit is given to Michael Rittermann in the read the book itself. Since it was only mimeo­ writer who called my statement "misleading, part of the "grumbler" ("Der Norgler"). For graphed and very few copies have reached untrue, offensive" of the follovring facts: tioo Rittermann, who has been acting in Basle for public libraries (I do hope the Wiener Library members of the George circle, the poet Alfred the past seven years, it means the climax of possesses one), I am compelled to state that Schuler and the philosopher Ludvng Klages, his career, and a far cry from his "Blue Reissner painted "a picture of utter confusion". were distinct antisemites who contributed to Danube" days. This can be proved easily: Chapter III is the growth of the Nazi ideology. Schuler per­ devoted to the activities and achievements of sonally influenced Adolf Hitler in the 1920s. Cologne. The "Theater am Dom" produced Reichsvertretung and Reichsvereinigung. Two other non-Jewish members of the the musical "Mrs. Warren's Profession" Therein I quoted as the first and, I believe, George circle were the historian Friedrich (based on Bemard Shaw's play), with music only one the full text of statements by the by Charly Kalman, son of the "Mariza" com­ leading bodies and personalities of those Walters whose book on Stefan George has an organisations. Chapter IV describes the re­ antisemitic tinge, and the poet and literary poser. actions of Jews to the happenings, and I historian Ernst Bertram who, at least for some Berlin. Two prominent members of the quoted almost exclusively from the C. V. time, sympathised urith National Socialism. Schillertheater appear in this season's birth­ Zeitung and the Jiidische Rundschau and from I should like to mention that my point of the books "Wir Juden" by the Zionist Rabbi day list. Ernst Schroder, character actor and Joachim Prinz and Schoeps's "Wir deutschen view is confirmed by Robert Weltsch (cf. director, Salzburg's "Jedermann" from 1969 Juden" (both 1934). Thus, 1 gave a balanced Introduction to the Leo Baeck Institute Year to 1972, is 60 years old; Bernlmrd Minetti, picture of the plurality of opinions as it then Book VIII, 1963, pp. xx-xxii). bom in Kiel, still very active stage and film still existed. Chapter VI is devoted to the in­ FRITZ FRIEDLANDER, Ph.D. star, was 70 in January. Grete Mosheim, who tellectual and cultural activities of German Melbourne, Australia. also celebrated her 70th birthday, was a Jews under Hitler (a subject Herbert Freeden Reinhardt discovery and needs no introduction and Emst Simon dwelled on more lengthily HEINE MUSEUM IN DUESSELDORF much later). The concluding chapters dealt to anyone who was familiar with the German stage in the 'twenties and 'thirties. She spent urith Emigration and the Post-war situation. Sir,—Diisseldorf's new "Heine Museum" is If Reissner claimed that I presented "only a the Hitler years in the United States, but re­ picture of utter confusion and helplessness", not, as reported in the February issue of "AJR turned after the war, and ranks among the he misrepresented facts. Against SMch un­ Information," situated in "the Bolkerstrasse, most fascinating actresses of our age. scientific attitude I must raise my voice. the street where Heine was born in 1797". It (Dr. phil.) HANS LAMM. is situated in the Bilker Strasse, a street which Vienna. Oskar Werner, who acquired his 8 Munchen 22, has no connection whatsoever with Heine and international reputation by frequent ap­ Emil-Riedel-Strasse 8. is quite a distance away from the place where pearances in films all over the world ("Jules Heine was born and for which he prophesied et Jim", "The Spy who came in from the "THE LAST OF THE RATHENAU "green-veiled English ladies" would search Cold"), gave a recital evening in the Vienna when they visited Diisseldorf. Musikverein. The reviews call his in­ ASSASSEVS" On the other hand, it must be conceded that terpretations of Schiller poems "unique and Sir,—The author of the article on "The Last the new "Heine Museum" is really a model of supreme". Actress Hilde Wagener celebrated of the Rathenau Assassins" in your February her 50-year "Burg" Jubilee by playing in isstte errs in a material respect. Walther generosity and tolerance. Apart from the items mentioned in your report, it houses a "Rhenish Gerhart Hauptmann's rarely performed "Der Ratheruiu was assassinated not by three men, rote Hahn". Lofte Lang, member of the but by two, Erwin Kern, who fired at him Literary Archive" containing the literary relics from a sub-machine gun, and Hermann Fischer, of "culturally important personaUties". This "Josefstadt", is 75 years old. who threw a hand-grenade into his car. Ernst collection also includes works by Hanns Heinz Obituary. The death at 77 of Robert Werner Techow, the subject of the article, Ewers, the author of "Horst Wessel, ein had been the driver of the car from which Neumann, writer, essayist, satirist ("Mit they committed their crime. The court which deutsches Schicksal", and by Wilhelm Schaefer. fremden Fedem") is widely regretted. in due course dealt with it, the highest in the who was made president of the Deutsche Neumann was a controversial intellectual land, treated him as an accessory ("Gehilfe") Dichterakademie in May, 1933, a day or two figure, at home in many parts of the world, and sentenced him to 15 years' penal servitude, before Heine's works were burned by the Nazis including England. He had recently settled in not for murder, but for aiding and abetting in all the major cities of Germany. ("Beihilfe zum Mord"). the Tessin and died in Munich. Hans Olden, F. HELLENDALL, LL.B., Dr.Jur. actor of stage and film, died in Vienna at the H. F. ASHBROOK 5 Endersley Gardens. age of 82. 18c Belsize Park, N.W.3. London, N.W.4. S.B.

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Published by the Association of Jewish Refugees In Great Britain, 8 Fairfax Mansions. London, NW3 6JY. 'Phone: 01-624 9096/7 (General Office anrf Administration of Homes): 01-624 4449 (Employment Agency and Social Services Deoartment). Printed at the Sharon Press. 61 Lilford Road. S.E.S.