Vol. XII No. 3 March. 1957 INFORMATION ISSUED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH REFUGEES IN GREAT BRITAIN 8 FAIRFAX MANSIONS. O/fice and Consulting Hours: FINCHLEY ROAD (Corner Fairfax Road), Monday to Thursday 10 a.m.—I p.m. 3—6 p.ni. LONDON. N.W.3 friday 10 a.m.—I p.m. Te/ephone: MAIda Vale 9096/7 (General Office) MAIda Vale 4449 (Employment Atency and Social Services Dept.) A STEP TOWARDS MORAL REPARATIONS ONE YEAR'S ACfflEVEMENTS The period under review at last month's efforts in which the Council of Jews from The London visit of Senator Joachim Lipschitz general meeting was marked by new ventures Germany—of which the AJR is the British f *nd his associates was certainly an unusual event launched by the AJR, and by an extension of constituent—has taken a decisive part. We are °f more than local importance. There is no the Association's general activities. More and still occupied with these-efforts, and a note doubt that it was of great practical value to the more energy has been concentrated on con­ appearing in this issue illustrates some of the many people who have grievances against the structive work to assist those who, for one problems which the Council has had to take German indemnification authorities, and who wel­ reason or another, have to turn to the AJR up recently. comed the possibility of getting some first-hand for help and rehabilitation. The period under review was also marked general information and of discussing their per­ One of the latest examples is the creation by increased information services by the AJR sonal cases. of the Revolving Fund, from which loans are in the field of restitution and compensation. However, what made these meetings so granted to persons whose compensation claims A supplement describing in detail the provisions Memorable was the peculiar moral problem have not yet become due but whom advance of the Federal Indemnification Law, 1956, was involved. There was. in fact, more personal payments will tide over present difficulties. placed at the disposal of our readers last year, contact between leading Germans and Jews on The committee set up to decide on the appli­ and various further special issues were dedicated this occasion than at any previous encounter. The cations has, so far, allocated about £4,200 to to the description of other legislative measures. speeches of both sides, made at the various lun­ 32 applicants. Loans can only be given after Further publications of this kind are scheduled cheons and receptions, were of an extraordinary it has been ascertained that the applicant has to appear, especially when the Third Implemen­ cordiality. On the other hand, it cannot be a genuine claim for compensation; they have tary Order to the Federal Indemnification Law, denied that some Jewish observers felt a little to be repaid as soon as the indemnification which is to deal with indemnification for loss uneasy. Others objected because they are afraid authorities have granted the claim. The reasons of career, and the " Bundesrueckerstattungs- Gesetz " have been enacted. that an impression might be created that the for urgency submitted by applicants for Revolving Fund loans were varied. In some Jewish community as a whole, or even a section cases the money was required to set up homes Two Further Homes of the one-time German-Jews, is prepared to for people who had lived in furnished rooms Condone or to forget the tragedy which was Progress has also been made in work for the for many years. Other applicants needed the aged. The new wing of the Otto Schiff House enacted only twelve years ago. money for medical purposes; others again Certainly, the present Jewish generation will at 14 Netherhall Gardens was completed and because they were in dire need. There is a the House now accommodates 40 residents never get over the injuries inflicted on them under steady influx of new requests. Nazi rule. No intelligent German could expect altogether. Two sites for two further Homes "lat, and nobody assumes that money can atone Another new scheme launched by the AJR (one in Hampstead Garden Suburb and the for the mass murders of our own kith and kin. is in an entirely diflferent sphere—^the establish­ other in Kew) have been acquired, and it is It was a comfort to hear from the German ment of the AJR Club at 57 Eton Avenue. hoped that the buildings to be erected will be speakers thonselves that they are fully aware of This Club, which has now been in existence ready towards the end of this year or the this situation. Indeed, this fact could not have for more than a year, has proved a boon to beginning of next. The house in Hampstead ^en expressed in a more drastic and convincing various sections of the community. In the Garden Suburb will accommodate 47-49 resi­ Way than did Senator Lipschitz himself. Perhaps afternoons people, especially of the older dents, and the house in Kew 50-52 residents. tlie fear of some Jews that they could be suspected generation, meet informally in the pleasant sur­ At the same time, efforts are proceeding to **f " selling " their most sacred personal feelings roundings ; in the evenings, those who work find a suitable property for the establishment for their dear departed, is a little exaggerated. But during the day gather, and there are functions of flatlets. The urgency of this scheme is fully 't underhnes the perplexing nature of a unique with lectures or recitals about once a month. realised because, day after day, the AJR Social •noral involvement. Services Department is called upon by persons Another problem, which calls for constant frantically seeking accommodation. The diffi­ Nevertheless, we all feel that we cannot reject attention, is the question of restitution and culty of materialising the scheme arises from tor ever the idea of moral reparation and of compensation. Whilst the limitations of the the fact that, so far, houses in suitable districts, restoration of human relations. There is even existing legal position cannot be denied, it has if available, have not lent themselves to con­ some—though small—re-emigration to Germany ; to be recognised that in the course of the version, and vacant sites have been offered only } Jewish community is growing there and is treated years considerable progress has been made. in out-of-the-way places. ^^ an honourable way by the authorities. More­ These achievements are often taken for granted. over, we Jews should be the last to over-stress the They are, however, the result of concentrated Apart from problems of accommodation, Principle of collective responsibility. The present many other matters have to be dealt with by '^lers of Germany and their representatives do our Social Services Department. They refer "ot attempt to excuse the Nazi crimes ; on the in London there was none that had honoured him to the various difficulties people of our back­ Contrary, they are making an extraordinary effort as much as this one. ground, and especially the older ones, are con­ 1° demonstrate their desire for reparation. We Was it really only polite fofon de parler when fronted with. Many of them still have to work nave often expressed our grievances about the the German speakers stated that they were the and must be placed in employment. Others *nortcomings of the indemnification, but it is also ones to be grateful and not the recipients of the require care and personal attention because of our duty to recognise that there are many in restitution money ? Such words are not without their mental state of health, occasioned by the "ermany who, tormented by genuine qualms of significance. sufferings they have sustained. There are also •^pnscience, are eager to do all in their power to Possibly we will be reminded that today, too, those who need help or guidance in cases of ^ve the Jewish survivors a convincing sign of there is a political and educational problem in illness or convalescence, and visits to hospitals 'Germany's repentance. Germany; the reappearance of some former have become an important feature of the Social It was certainly a significant moment when the Nazis in leading positions arouses doubts about Services Department's work. German Ambassador to the Court of St. James'— the new spirit. Such problems were, however, The approval AJR Information has found ••cplying to a toast at an informal luncheon bovmd to crop up, and they will have to be amongst its readers has been most encouraging. arranged in honour ot the guests by the United watched. But, with all the mental reservations However, criticism is also welcomed and any Restitution Organisation, in conjunction with the which we naturally have, nothing should stop ouf suggestions will be appreciated. Whilst it can­ Council of Jews from Gennany—said that he was acknowledging sincerity and goodwill when it is not be the object of the paper to convey general deeply moved and, he would not hesitate to say, shown, and to express our satisfaction on such news which is obtainable in the national or ashamed, and that of all invitations which he agreeable occasions as the Lipschitz visit to Jewish press, AJR Information has tried to received in the course erf his diplomatic activities London undoubtedlv was. Continued on page 2, column I Page 2 AJR INFORMATION March, 1957 ZUR WIEDERGUTMACHUNGS­ THE AUSTRIAN ASSISTANCE FUND FOR EMIGRANTS GESETZGEBUNG The Austrian Assistance Fund for Emigrants (3) Into Category C fall needy persons over 60 (Hilfsfonds) which started its activities in June, years of age.