Archive
Holocaust denier Irving now plans tours to Auschwitz
LONDON (WJC)–The convicted Holocaust denier David Irving is set to lead guided tours of former Nazi death camps, including Auschwitz and Treblinka, the British newspaper ‘Daily Mail’ reports.
The revisionist historian, who was convicted of Holocaust denial in 2006 by a court in Austria and sentenced to three years in jail, is scheduled to take a week-long tour on Tuesday to the former Nazi concentration camps and the site of the Warsaw Ghetto. The stunt is expected to attract a number of far-right sympathizers from across Europe. Advertising material for the tour promises an experience far removed from the “tourist attractions of Auschwitz.” Participants will be charged US$ 2,650 each.
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, January 8, 1955, Part 3
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
City of Hope
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5
The Installation of Officers of the City of Hope Auxiliary has been postponed due to the untimely death of Bill Schusterman, husband of Goldie Schusterman.
*
Temple Men’s Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5
With “Sports Nite” as the theme, Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club I planning a get-acquainted meeting for all members and prospective members, January 11 in the Temple Center.
Prominent local sports personalities who will speak include: Olin Dutra, Mission Valley golf pro; Sammy Stein, former top notch pro wrestler, Bill Starr and Bob Elliott of the Padre Ball Club.
During the meeting a 16 mm movie sound projector will be presented to the Temple. This projector was purchased from Men’s Club funds set aside for such worthwhile projects.
For further information regarding “Sports Nite” contact the program chairman, Al Brooks, Atwater 4-618.
*
(High School search)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5
Possible sites for a new high school in the East San Diego area are under examination by the Board of Education.
*
Native Son to Sing At Russ January 26
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
Theodor Uppman, California-born baritone, who created the title-role of the Benjamin Britten opera, “Billy Budd,” highlight of the London 1951-52 music season, will give a San Diego recital Wednesday evening, 8:30, Jan. 26 in Russ Auditorium.
Young Uppman’s local engagement is the second event on the current Master Artist Series.
Uppman is considered one of the most exciting opera and concert stars to arrive on the international music scene in a long time.
*
Salzburg Marionette Theatre Here Jan. 15
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
One of the famous Salzburg Marionettes measuring 3 /12 feet tall is shown by Professor Herman Aicher. The famed Marionette Theatre will present three performances at Roosevelt Auditorium on Saturday, January 15.
The most famous marionette theatre in the world comes to San Diego for three performances on Saturday, January 154 at Roosevelt Auditorium. Coming from Salzburg, Austria, since its founding in 1913, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre have given some 7733 performances in Salzburg alone, hwere, since 1936, they have been an integral part of the Salzburg Music Festival.
Professor Herman Aicher, founder, and his family, will present “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at the matinees at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while a Johann Strauss evening will be given at 8:30 pm.., including the complete English versio of the opera, “The Fiedermaus” and the “Blue Danube” pantomime ballet. These programs are designed for young and adults alike, and offer entertainment of the highest order and genuine art.
The deLannay-Howarth box office opens January 3 from 10 to 5:30 daily for public sale of tickets. Matinee tickets are unreserved and are available at $1.66 while reserved tickets for the evening performance are available at $2.76, $2.21 and $1.66. Reservations can be made by telephoning BE-2-3457.
*
Ballet Theatre Here January 16
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
The Ballet Theatre, first American-born of the big-time dance companies, will appear in San Diego Sunday evening Jan. 16 at 8:30 in Russ Auditorium. The famed dance troupe’s local engagement is a William E. King attraction.
When the Ballet Theatre plays here, its leading dancers will be Igor Youskevitch, top-ranking classical dancer in the ballet field today, the peerless dramatic dancer, Nora Kaye, John Kriza, one of the most vital and versatile young dancers in America, and Ruth Ann Koesun, Eric Braun, Lupe Serrano, Erik Bruhn and Sonia Arova.
This dance company of 100 will travel with its own symphony orchestra, under the musical direction of Joseph Levine. Dimitri Romanoff is regisseuer.
Tickets are available at Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.
*
“Affairs of State” Next at Old Globe
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
A witty attire on love and politics, set in Washington during the Truman administration, “Affairs of State” will open the New Year at the Old Globe Theatre. Starting on January 10 and playing e3very night but Sunday for a limited run, the show will feature an outstanding cast under the direction of Craig Noel.
Leading lady Charlotte Henry, who will be remembered for her career in motion pictures and on the professional stage, has appeared as principal in three Globe hits: “John Loves Mary,” “Strange Bedfellows” and “Goodbye, My Fancy.” Leading man, Robert Hartle, a graduate of famed Cleveland Playhouse, last winter was visible in a Channel 8 TV Show, “Green Thumb.” Globe Theatre favorites Jack Mosher and Eleanor Rose, last seen in the Community Theatre production “Lo and Behold.” Bill Nelson has done radio work at WWRL and WMGM in New York, in Bremerton, Wash., and as disc jockey aboard the USS Princeton, broadcasting to Task Force 77 during the Korean campaign.
These five fill the stellar roles in “Affairs of State,” a smartly place Louis Verneuil comedy relating what happens when the Hon. Dan Cupid drops a few bombs over the Capitol dome.
*
L.A. Philharmonic Presents Piatagorsky
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
Gregor Piatigorsky, world famous cellist, will be guest soloist when the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra resumes its current local concert series, Sunday, Jan. 23 at 8:30 p.m. in Russ Auditorium. Alfred Wallenstein will be on the podium.
Piatigorsky, who has been heard by more people than any other living cellist, began his career at the age of 8 playing in the orchestra of a small theatre in Dnepropetrovak, his home town. By the time he was 15, his fame had spread to Moscow where he was appointed first cellist of the Imperial Opera. When he arrived in this country in 1929, his reputation already was international. In the two decades since his American d3ebut, he has performed in the United States and Canada more than 1000 times including some 250 appearances as soloist with every major orchestra in America.
Tickets are available at the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.
*
(Success Ladder)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6
You can’t get up the ladder of success any faster by stepping on the heads of those you are passing.
*
“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, December 24, 1954, Part 3
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staffSouthwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 9
Lasker Lodge News
By Lou Levitt
Congratulations to our newly elected officers for the year 1955. They are: President Milton (Mickey) Fredman; 1st v. pres., Dr. Milton Millman; 2nd v. pres., Marshall Zucker; 34d v. pres., Edward Herman; fin. Sec. Joseph Kaplan; rec. sec., Lawrence Rubenstein; warden, Samuel Bennett; guardian, Hyman Kobernick; trustees Ted Brav, Jeremiah Aranoff, Harry (Ziggy) Kessler, Lou Levitt, Edward A. Breitbard, Sid Rose, and Jack Spatz.
Our annual installation ceremonies will be held at the Mission Valley Country Club on Sunday night, January 8, 1955. The installation will be combined with a dinner dance, and all members are urged to make reservations as quickly as possible, as we have to have a close approximation as to the number attending. Guests are cordially invited. Contact Dr. Millman, or Mickey Fredman. Dinner will be $5.00 per plate and this includes a very fine steak dinner and tax and tip.
*
Bay City Initiates New Members January 10
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 10
Monday, January 10th, 1955, at the regular scheduled meeting at Tifereth Israel Center, at 8:00 o’clock p.m., a special program dedicated to the initiation of new members will be held. Mrs. Harold Garvin, chairman, and her committee of Mesdames David Cohen, Abe Hollandersky, Morris Cahan, Robert Palash, Eugene Sacks, Charles Juster, Wilbur Robbins and Max Felsman have planned a most interesting ceremony.
*
The Chanukah Story (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 11
The root of the word “Chanukah” is “honoch” which means “to dedicate.” Historically, King Antiochus, a demagogue, was determined to deprive the Jew of his religion. He was clever enough to see that if he was to succeed in crushing the Jews, he must aim at their Judaism, the source of their vitality. But he miscalculated the strength of the Jew’s attachment to his faith.
An aged priest named Mattathias thought if the Jew had to die for his religion he ought to die for it fighting.
He and his gallant sons, the Maccabeans, few in number, and worse still, without military training, went into battle with a prayer on their lips and with the thought of God in their hearts. The result is well known. The Jew regained possession of Jerusalem and the Temple. The Greeks had defiled the Sanctuary by idolatrous worship. It was rededicated to theservice of God, on the 25th of Kislev, in the year 165 B.C.E.
It is to commemorate this glorious story that the Feast of Chanukah has been instituted. The festival lasts eight days, and the traditional explanation is that when the sc red lamp was about to be kindled at the reconsecration of the Temple, only a small flask of oil undefiled by the idolator could be found. But a miracle happened, and it lasted for eight days.
The story of Chanukah is such an inspiring one. But the deeds of heroism are not all that make Chanukah such an important occasion. Throughout the history of our people, we have found similar feats of heroism and valor. For over 2,000 years have we struggled against overwhelming odds against the rage of man and nature, of beast and storm. But the Macabeans taught the Jew to dedicate himself to fight for the holiest causes.
Chanukah cherishes not so much the memory of glorious victories on the battlefield, but rather the triumph of right over might, mind over matter, justice over injustice. The Maccabeans encouraged the pent-up desire for independence of countless people over the history of the world. But for them Judaism would have perished. They held aloft the torch of true religion at a time when thick darkness was covering the nations. They set an example of fighting and sacrificing for the principle of religious freedom.
*
A Balanced Press (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 11
The sale of the Daily News in Los Angeles leaves the entire Southern California area without a Democratic voice. In this situation we see a danger, not only because a one-sided Press is not a healthy condition for the Press itself, but the news and opinions expressed in these papers tend to be taken as public opinion.
We have seen many occasions when the Press has been out of step with public feeling and opinion. Some of the most recent examples were seen during the Roosevelt and Truman administrations.
A Press listening only to its own voice, will hear only what it wants to hear. If there is no other organ to print the deliberate omissions of a slanted press, and point out differences of opinion and interpretation of events, then news published by a biased Press will be accepted as gospel. What will happen to our vaunted “Free Press?”
There is no doubt that rising costs are forcing more and more newspapers out of business, and there is an alarming trend all over the country of consolidation of papers and elimination of competition.
We hold no brief for the Republican newspapers. They have merchandise to sell—that is their own particular point of view—and most of them do a pretty good job at it. What is needed now is a balance to that kind of selling, in order to give the readers an opportunity to judge what is best for the greater number of people.
Will it be necessary or small “splinter” groups to publish newspapers at their own expense, in order to get all the facts before the public? We hope this is not the answer to the problem of a balanced Press.
*
Chapter 48: More About Three Hundred Years in America~Jewish Contributions to American History
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 11
By Philip L. Seman, University of Judaism
Continuing from the last installment of this series on the Jewish Ethical Code we note that voluntary societies and institutions for the proper fulfillment of the “Camiloth Hasodim” prevailed. The Burial of the dead stood highest on the list, because the most purely selfless in its propmpting; as far as the dead are concerned no reward can be obtained. In this connection the writer cannot resist citing one of the most beautiful of these ancient customs. It is depicted in Martha Wolfenstein’s Classic “The Idylls of the Gass.”
When a death occurs, whether in the home of the rich or the poor, the Burial Society sends two locked boxes to the bereaved. One contains the funds of the society, and the other is empty. The fund must then be transferred from one box to another, and in the process one may add to it or take from it, or leave it intact. The boxes are then returned locked and no one knows or can know who made a donation, or who has been the beneficiary of a charity funeral.
There is every evidence that customs of this character, and the living of this kind of life must have a background, and none needs only to search into the lore of the Hebraic past to learn of this background.
In examining the concepts which were laid down, and which further developed into a social ethics code by which the Jews have through all the centuries guided their lives as far as their relationship of one to the other was concerned we find that if you are a man of distinction and entitled to a prominent seat at an assembly, seat yourself, nevertheless, two or three seats lower, for it is better to be told to go uip than to be asked to go down. Hillel said: “If I condescend I am exalted, but if I am haughty, I am degraded.”
Better for you to have no more than two zuzim, which is equivalent to about a quarter, as a means which to gain a livelihood, than to be a man of large capital and employ it in usury.
The Book of Deuteronomy is a veritable source book or code of Social Ethics. In Deuteronomy laws of justice to all and particularly to the poor, are more detailed and elaborate than anywhere else in the Bible. There are, besides, many regulations that tend to foster the growth of kindness and forebearance to others in our relationship of life.
Jewish social service in a modern sense, particularly as it has been developed during the last fifty years is highly specialized and departmentalized, as by necessity it must be, is quite a contrast to the social services described in the foregoing. I our next installment we will discuss The Background of the Jewish Community Center Movement.
*
These Public Officials Send Chanukah Greetings
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 11
Sincerest wishes for a happy holiday – Arthur C. Eddy, County Tax Assessor
Greetings – Don Keller, District Attorney
A Very Happy Holiday—Frank Thornton, Collector of Customs
My sincerest holiday greetings – Dean Howell, Supervisor, 5th District
Wishing you a happy holiday – Clair W. Burgener, City Councilman
Holiday Greetings – Charles C. Dail, City Councilman
Greetings from William L. Morrison
Greetings from Frank A Gibson, County Supervisor District No. 1
Greetings from Senator Fred Kraft
A happy Chanukah to all my Jewish friends – Oscar G. Knecht
Greetings – A.E. Gallagher, Coroner & Public Administrator
Holiday Greetings – John Bate, Port Director, Port of San Diego
Season’s Greetings – Jean du Paul, City Attorney
Best wishes for a happy holiday – Chester E. Schneider, City Councilman
Best wishes for the Holidays – James Robbins, County Supervisor
A joyous holiday—San Diego Civic Center
Holiday Greetings – David Bird, County Supervisor
Holiday Greetings – George Courser, Chief, San Diego Fire Dept.
*
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 11
Irving Stone
As the Psychologist Sees You
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
What’s Been Accomplished This Year?
If you observe a researcher at work you will notice that at all times he seems to be accomplishing nothing, but just sits and contemplates the many notes he has accumulated as part of his project. Strangely enough, an important phase of his research is going on for he is taking stock either of what previous research has been performed by others or else he is studying what findings he has been able to make during the early phases of his own work.
Just as the researcher must study the past, so must we take stock of ourselves. “What’s been accomplished this year?”: As part of our customs, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one seems to be the period devoted to this soul searching.
Perhaps, although we made many resolutions, it may be a strange thing to find that only one or two of them have been kept. We always start out with good intentions but somewhere along the way we get side-tracked. Maybe it was because the things we resolved to do did not seem to be very important as the year progressed. Perhaps it was because some unforeseen event or situation made it impossible to attain fulfillment of our purpose.
Sometimes, we make a resolution only half-heartedly, never really intending to carry it out. If that is so, we only kid ourselves and put ourselves in a worse light than we should. If may have been important to someone else to see that we carried through with this resolution, even though it was unimportant to us.
Possibly, what we planned to do was important enough, but because of our own lack of drive or initative it was never accomplished. This year that passed can never be regained and there is no opportunity to make fantasy a reality. All that we can give ourselves for our resolution is a large zero—not even a score for effort.
Unfortunately, our scorecard of accomplishments for the year may not be a pleasant sight if we take the trouble to add it up.. Too often, we leave the tally for the end of the year, or else do not even bother to take an accounting. It we were to take a subtotal as we went along, we might find that like the researcher, we could see what has gone before, and in that way avoid making continued mistakes and omissions of purpose.
Let’s make our new resolutions realistic ones, those that can be attained and those that we intend keeping. In that way we can eliminate the disappointments and guilt over resolutions not kept and at the same time enjoy those accomplished.
*
Salzburg Puppets To Show Here Jan. 15
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 12
Wonderful music accompanies the elaborate Salzburg Marionette Theatre when the troupe presents three performances at Roosevelt Auditorium on Saturday, January 15. At the matinees, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” will be shown, while a Johann Strauss evening will be presented at 8:30 p.m., including the complete opera, “The Fiedermaus” and “The Blue Danube Pantomime Ballet.” The dolls are up to 3 ½ feet tall and pay on a revolving portable stage, 27 feet wide, 13 feet deep and 12 feet high. Tickets are available by mail order at the deLannoy & Howarth box office, Room 230, U.S. Grant Hotel.
*
City of Hope
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 24, 1954, Page 12
They’re going like hot cakes – order your copy of Samuel Golter’s book “And They Called It The City of Hope” – published by G.P. Putnam Sons—you will find the story exciting and thought provoking!
You can order it through your own favorite dealer at $3.50
Pearl Rubin (JU-2-2482) is in charge of the rental library – the line forms both left and right!
Save your Rummage for our March Sale!!
*
“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.
Israeli photographer freed by Libya
JERUSALEM (WJC) — Rafael Haddad, an Israeli citizen arrested and imprisoned in Libya in March while photographing Jewish sites, has returned to Israel after being freed in a deal reportedly engineered by Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
Haddad, who has dual Israeli-Tunisian citizenship, had gone to Libya in March to photograph former Jewish community buildings in Tripoli for a Jewish heritage association. He was arrested and turned over to Libyan intelligence on suspicion of espionage, and until Sunday his whereabouts were unknown. Israeli officials now announced that he had been freed by Libyan authorities and flown to Vienna, following prolonged negotiations.
Reportedly, the case involved international efforts and was linked to Israel’s treatment of a pro-Palestinian ship sponsored by Libya that tried to run the blockade of Gaza last month. “The Foreign Ministry and the foreign minister worked for a long time to have him freed, along with other international bodies, and we thank all involved for their help,” an Israeli spokesman said, but did not provide further details. Libyan authorities have not commented.
Israeli nationals are banned from visiting the north African country. Haddad was traveling on his Tunisian passport when he was arrested.
Israeli officials said the efforts to free Haddad involved Italy, which has close ties to Libya and is home to a Libyan Jewish exile community, as well as France, Tunisia and the United States. Israeli officials quoted by AP said the final deal was arranged by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Austrian-Jewish businessman Martin Schlaff.
Haddad was flown to Vienna on Schlaff’s private jet, the officials said, and was greeted at the airport by Lieberman. As part of the deal Israel allowed 20 prefabricated houses from the Libyan-sponsored ship, which tried to reach Gaza in July, to be delivered to the Strip. The Libyan ship was diverted to Egypt.
*
Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, December 10, 1954, Part 1
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Jewish Center Plans Big Invitation Dinner
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
“You can help make a dream come true” will be the theme of the invitation on behalf of the Building Fund of the Jewish Community Center on Saturday, January 8, 1955, in the Don Room of the El Cortez Hotel. In announcing the meeting, Harry Wax, campaign chairman, also stated that Rodin Horrow has accepted the chairmanship of the event.
Sidney Rose
Mr. Horrow is an active member of the Center board of directors. He is also a director of the United Jewish Fund, the Federation of Jewish Agencies; the Hebrew Home for the Aged; and Beth Israel Temple.
An outstanding program is planned with Mr. Robert Levison of San Francisco, national vice president of the National Jewish Welfare Board, and former president of the San Francisco Community Center, as the principal speaker. Assisting Horrow in planning of the dinner are Leonard Zlotoff and Al Solomon.
John Ruskin
Horrow and his committee anticipate that by the time of the dinner meeting, more than $100,000 will have been secured in pledges for the building fund.
“The members of the board of the Community Center,” Horrow said, “have done an outstanding job I giving. They have demonstrated to the community that they are willing to back up their belief and their faith in the fact that San Diego Jewry can have a community building by giving generously. The only way that there will be a community building in which our children and ourselves can actively participate under Jewish auspices is that interested members of the Jewish Community participate in making it possible by giving.
William Schwartz
While money is being raised for the center, the building committee is continuing its work with center architect, George Lykos. William Schwartz, Sidney Rose, John Ruskin and Maury Novak as well as all key people in the building committee have been meeting regularly in order to implement the needs as expressed by the various committees that met during the community Center survey.
A thorough and complete report both of the population study and center survey will be release to the community in the very near future. It will contain a complete outline of the facilities that will be needed in the Jewish Community Center.
*
City-Wide Observance of Tercentenary Set for Dec. 12
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
The American Jewish Tercentenary will be observed in San Diego by the entire Jewish community in conjunction with the 21st annual meeting of the United Jewish Fund this Sunday evening, Dec. 12, 6:00 p.m. diner at the House of Hospitality, Casa del Rey Moro restaurant in Balboa Park, Fund President Louis Moorsteen and Doctor A.P. Nasatir, Chairman of the San Diego Tercentenary Committee announced.
The joint program was approved by the fund board and has been planned under the direction of Milton Roberts who has been designated as the chairman of the annual meeting. Morris Douglas, First Vice President, will serve as Chairman of the evening.
Mr. Roberts announced tha an original narration in prose and music dramatically telling the story of the 300 years has been written by Mrs. A.P. Nasatir and will provide the main entertainment of the evening. Appearing in “Roots in This Land” are Mrs. Nasatir, Mr. Alan Soule, Mr. Roberts and Albert A. Hutler. Music will be by Cantors Julian Miller and Joseph Cysner, and Bruce Dennis.
Greetings on the observance of 300 years of Jewish settlement in America will be brought to the meeting form leading religious, political and civic leaders of the San Diego community. They include Honorable John Butler, Mayor of the City of San Diego, the Honorable James Robbins, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, Most Reverend Charles F. Buddy, Bishop of San Diego, Dr. Leland Cook, President of the San Diego Council of Churches, Gerald A. Mokma, Consul General of the United States, and Rear Admiral T.C. Miller, District Chaplain, 11th Naval District, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Beth Israel Temple and Rabbi Baruch Stern, Beth Jacob Synagogue, will participate in the program.
The nominating committee chaired by Mr. Carl M. Esenoff and consisting of Morris Douglas, M.D. Goodrich, Eli H. Levenson, Sol Price, Victor Schulman and Ruben Umansky will present the following names in nomination for the board of directors for a period of two years, 1955-56. David Block, Mrs. Ted Brav, Zel Camiel, Mack Esterson, Manuel S. Fisher, Mrs. Dora Friedman, Irving Friedman, Arthur Goodman, Ben Harris, Harry Mallen, Jerome Niederman, Maury Novak, Dr. Walter Ornstein, Sol Price, Seymour Rabin, Mrs. Abe Ratner, Dr. Joshua Rittoff, David Sapp, Harry Sugarman, and Harry Wax.
Awards from the United Jewish Fund and the local community will be presented to outstanding community leaders for their services in 1954.
An award will also be presented to O.W. Todd Jr., business and civic leader, for his leadership of the Christian committee in the 1954 combined Jewish Appeal.
Business of the meeting will be kept at the minimum and will include election of the Board of Directors, voting on an amendment to the by-laws and whatever reports are necessary.
“We urge every member of the community to plan to attend the important community dinner and assembly,” Mr. Moorsteen said. “This will be one of the only citywide obsrvances of the significant anniversary of the 300 years of Jewish settlement in America to be held in San Diego and we sincerely hope that every member of the Jewish community will participate.”
Members are urged to attend the dinner if they possibly can at 6:00 p.m., but if they cannot, they are cordially invited to attend the meeting which will start at 7:45 p.m. sharp. Reservations for the dinner, which will cost $3.50 per plate, may still be made by calling BE 2-5172 or AC-3-8223.
*
B’nai B’rith Asks Bus Card Comments
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
The Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith has placed 100 car cards in the San Diego Transit vehicles in this area. The cards have been produced by the Institute for American democracy.
Comments on this project are wanted by the B’nai B’rith. It is also suggested that viewers write complimentary letters to the Transit System encouraging such cards.
*
University Gets Gift From Local Resident
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
Irving Salomon has made a gift to California Western Univeristy which will enable the fast growing campus on Pt. Loma to remodel its Little Theatre. The theatre will be called the Irving Salomon Hall and will be dedicated later this month.
Irving Salomon, a member of Temple Beth Israel, resides at Rancho Lilac in Escondido. Currently, a representative of the Ford Foundation, he is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Educational Television in California.
*
Fund Appeals For Cash
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 8
A reminder that pledges to the Combined Jewish Appeal made in 1953 are now overdue, and a plea for payment of 1954 pledges was sounded by Harry Snyder, Treasurer of the United Jewish Fund.
“Not only are the funds desperately needed so that our community can pay the allocations which have been promised to the various agencies included in the campaign, but also,” Snyder said, “everyone should take advantage of the provisions of our income tax law which makes charitable contributions up to 30 percent under certain circumstances by individuals deductible for purposes of computing income taxes.” This rate applies to individuals filing tax returns.
Snyder also pointed out that payments must be received this year if they are to be deducted from income taxes for the year 1954.
It was emphasized that the United Jewish Fund has been unable to make any payments recently to the many national agencies included in the annual campaign, because of lack of cash.
In March, the Fund borrowed $75,000 as an advance to the UJA as part of the refunding loan of $75,000,000 undertaken by the Jewish communities on behalf of Israel and thus far has not been able to make any repayment on this loan to the bank. Payments must be met semi-annually for a period of five years.
“The United Jewish Fund,” Snyder continued, “will also be expected to make payments shortly to the various national, overseas and local agencies that depend on these grants for continued operations. They can only be paid if pledges are paid so that funds are available.”
*
Takes Helm
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
Max Zemen has been elected president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, it was announced today. He succeeds Edward Breitbard who served during the past year. Mr. Zemen has been active in the Synagogue for many years and has pledge to continue to develop the programs and activities of the Synagogue and its affiliated groups.
Other officers elected are Irving Goodman, 1st Vice President; Robert Cheron, 2nd V.P.; Moss Addleson, Rec. Sec.; Joseph Finkleman, Fin. Sec., and Joe Kader, Treas.
*
Morris W. Douglas Named New USO-JWB Chairman
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
Morris W. Douglas , outstanding community leader, was elected Chairman of the San Diego armed Services Committee of the National Jewish Welfare Board in a meeting of that group at Temple Center this week. Henry Weinberger, who has been chairman for the past seven years, was elected Honorary Chairman, in which he joins Mrs. Rose Neumann and Judge Jacob Weinberger.
Other officers elected included Mrs. Sidney Newman, Vice Chairman; Milton Fredman, Representative to the National Jewish Welfare Board Council; and Messrs. Henry Weinberger, Fredman and Mrs. Rose Neumann, JWB Representatives to the San Diego USO Advisory Council.
Mr. Douglas immediately appointed the following sub-committee chairmen for the year 1955: Senior Host and Hostess, Mrs. Rose Neumann and Mrs. Samuel Friedman; Home Hospitality, Mrs. Sidney Newman; Religious, all rabbis plus Joseph Spatz; Junior Hostess-Senior Sponsor, Mrs. Joseph Kaplan; Military Relations, Alex J. Newman; Program, Julie Abraham and Mrs. Tom Turner; Community Liaison, Harry Mallen; War Records, Mrs. David Frank.
Elected to the Armed Services Committes were Mrs. Marcy Berwin, Mrs. George Katz, Mrs. Joseph Kaplan, Alex J. Newman and Chaplain E. H. Rickel.
With the advent of the new administration, the Amred Services Committee voted a special commendation to its executive Abraham Friedman, for his work since his arrival two years ago.
*
To See or not To See
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
By Berenice Soule
Death on an Island – Anyone interested in building a mountain lodge, a summer home off the coast of Devon, or rustic house near a stone quarry, should contact Robert Jillson. Jillson, set designer-technical director for the Globe’s Ten Little Indians, has dressed up a beamed ceiling living room featuring a raised-hearth “natural stone” fireplace so attractive that through all the blood and gore of the Agatha Christie mystery it remains charming and inviting.
Eight corpses are stackled neatly (at least the audience assumes that the 2 remaining “Indians” treated death with respect and stacked them neatly) in the den (the glimpse of book-line walls off-stage rt, seemed attractive, too) in the last scene. By this time many kinds of murder have been done, screams have torn the darkness and, in the words of an 11 year old friend who viewed it opening night, “It’s better’n Dragnet!”The “Ten Little Indians” refer to the ceramic Indian figurines on the mantel and the ten guests called together by a mysterious host in a house on Indian Island, off the coast of Devon. The guests are all accused of some form of murder and then are knocked off, one at a time. It wouldn’t be cricket to divulge which cast members were “done in” early in the play, but we lost some of our best actors that way.
Most fascinating is Ava Carmichael, new-comer to the Globe – almost the makings of a young Katherine Cornell—that awkward gracefulness and mobility of expression. The cast as a whole is exceptionally well
balanced and capable. Due for particular mention are Mickey Kohut, Herb Cherin, Bernis Kennedy, John Murphy and Charles Turley. Also doing well are Burt Miller, Velma Jones, Jack White, James Howell and Fred Welch.
Because of the holidays, the show will run only through December 18.
Talk Pays Off—Our “Adventure in Living” man – John Robert Clarke—had been placed under the management of Edna Stewart, considered one of the top booking agents of New York and Beverly Hills. Clarke, in his fifth San Diego series of lectures, said he was “not expecting this to happen.”
He’ll be travelling among some of the best Miss Stewarts “Celebrity Management” handles, among others, Jose Greco, Lowell Thomas, Senator Paul Douglas, Drew Pearson and Eva le Gallienne.
This new sponsorship will not affect his current local series of lectures; engagements this winter will be limited to the southern California area. He expects to soon start a Hollywood “Adventures in Living” series but it will not interfere with his Tuesday night talks here.
This personable young man found himself in San Diego completely by accident, but it has been a fortunate accident. Three years ago John’s yacht with himself and three friends sailed out of San Francisco headed for Ensenada. Due to slight miscalculations—just something trivial like losing a day or two—they entered San Diego harbor. John has stayed ever since, living on his yacht, tied up at Pot. Loma landing.
Whether people know how to communicate with one another, will be his subject on December 14th when he speaks on “Finding Friends in Babel’s Towar” at the House of Hospitality, 8:00 p.m.
Talent and Red Hair –Don’t know if a raise in “pay” went with this promotion –but Eifi Schwitkis, who has been the Globe’s make-up artist, has now been made head of their art department. We’re not sure what the art department does, but doesn’t it sound good? Maybe it’s because of all that gorgeous copper and enamel jewelry she’s been making.—Theodor Uppman, baritone, due here in concert January 26, is a native Californian. He won a scholarship to Curtis Institute and was a winner of the Atwater Kent auditions. Before entering the Army, he studied music and drama at Stanford and after the war he appeared in operettas and operas in Los Angeles and with the San Francisco Opera Company. He has been called “mellow voiced,” “a resplendent signer” and “a fine figure of a man, withu a personality that matches his vocal prowess.”
And He’s Pretty Too
According to reports, no build-up is too big.
*
Famed Marionettes Here From Salzburg
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
Famed as a feature part of the Austrian village of Salzburg Music Festival, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre comes to San Diego to present three performances on Saturday, January 15, 1955, at Roosevelt Auditorium, Park Blvd at Upas Street. Two matinees at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will show “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the evening show at 8:30 p.m. will play the complete opera in English “The Fiedermaus” and “the Blue Danube” pantomime ballet.
Tickets are reserved for the evening performances only with prices of $2.76, $2.21 and $1.66. All tickets for the matinees are available at $1.66. It is suggested that patrons mail their orders immediately as Roosevelt Auditorium has a limited seating capacity. Mail orders are accepted now by the deLannoy & Howarth box office, Room 230, U.S. Grant Hotel. It is thought that tickets to this interesting and exciting entertainment can very well serve as Christmas gifts for both adults and children.
*
Dr. Baxter To Give Readings At Globe
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
As part of the extensive project whereby the University of Southern California is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee Year throughout the southland, the Globe Theatre will present Dr. Frank C. Baxter in a program of Christmas readings. There will be no charge for his two performances on December 16, at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Old Globe Theatre.
Besides having established himself as a leading television personality, Dr Baxter possesses many fascinating vital statistics. He ranks among the eight most popular university professors in the U.S. Specializing not only in Shakespeariana, Dr. Baxter has made a study of the history of humor! Among his reading selections will be the works of such modern humorists as Ogden Nash.
The Old Globe Theatre takes pleasure in offering Baxter’s programs as a Christmas gift to its audiences. Free tickets may be reserved by calling the Globe Box Office (BE-9-9139) throughout the week of December 6-11.
*
(Immigration Laws)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
“My ancestors,” boasted the blueblood society woman to Groucho Marx at a party, “came over on the Mayflower.”
Groucho nodded, “It’s a lucky thing they did,” he said quietly. “The immigration laws are so much stricter now.”
*
“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.
EU readies more sanctions against Iran
BRUSSELS (WJC)–The foreign ministers of the 27 European Union member states are set to approve further sanctions against Iran over its uranium enrichment program, targeting the country’s energy, financial and transport sectors. The measures, to be adopted at a meeting next week, are to include a ban on investing in Iran’s oil and gas industries, including the transfer of equipment and technology. The member states of the EU will be required to monitor the activities of Iranian financial institutions on their territory, and no insurance or reinsurance can in future to be provided to an Iranian entity.
The sanctions go beyond those adopted by the United Nations Security Council in June. The United States also imposed its own sanctions package on 1 July, which is supposed to restrict Iran’s access to refined petroleum and to disrupt financial transactions.
The EU is Iran’s largest trading partner, with Italy Germany and Austria being the most active states. Diplomats in Brussels believe that sanctions could be very disruptive for Iran’s economy. Although Iran is among the world’s top exporters of oil, it does not have sufficient refining capacity to meet domestic demand; it is thought to import around 40 percent of its domestic gas consumption.
Meanwhile, public opinion in France, Germany and Sweden is overwhelmingly in favor of tougher Iran sanctions, a survey has found. Over two thirds of respondents in the three countries said new measures against the regime in Tehran were needed, according to a poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research in Israel.
*
Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
Austria reimburses heirs for Nazi-looted ‘Portrait of Wally’
Portrait of Wally
VIENNA (WJC)–The Leopold Museum has settled a decade-long legal dispute over the restitution of a painting looted from a Jewish woman during the Nazi era. In order to keep the painting, the museum agreed to pay US$ 19 million to the estate of the late Lea Bondi Jaray and gave permission for it to be displayed for three weeks at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York.
The Austrian expressionist Egon Schiele’s ‘Portrait of Wally’ was taken away from Bondi Jaray, a Jewish art dealer in Vienna, by the Nazis in 1939. It has been the subject of court proceedings in New York since it was lent twelve years ago to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) by the Leopold Museum.
‘Portrait of Wally’ was painted by Schiele in 1912. It was purchased by Austrian collector Rudolf Leopold in 1954 and became part of the collection of the Leopold Museum when it was established by the Austrian government, which purchased more than 5,000 pieces Leopold had owned.
The deal comes less than a year after a US judge rejected the Leopold Museum’s argument that the painting was not stolen property and days before a trial was set to commence to decide whether the museum knew the painting was looted when it was brought into the United States in September 1997. In January 1998, the Manhattan district attorney’s office began investigating claims that the painting was stolen more than a half century earlier when Bondi Jaray was forced to sell it on the cheap to a Nazi art collector. The court case filed by Bondi’s heirs focused on the question of whether Leopold knew of the painting’s problematic history.
The painting was among more than 100 paintings lent to MoMa by Leopold for a three-month exhibit in 1997/98. At the time, it was estimated that ‘Portrait of Wally’ was worth about US$ 2 million.
The case had a wider effect in Austria, becoming the starting point for an investigation into the provenance of state-owned art and the drafting of a new restitution law. In the wake of these developments, the state returned Gustav Klimt’s portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer to Bloch’s heir, who in turn sold it at auction for a reported price of US$ 135 million in 2006, achieving the highest-ever price for a painting at that time.
The Vienna Jewish Community, which supported the heirs in the ‘Wally’ case, said the late Rudolf Leopold’s foundation had only agreed to the settlement under pressure of the upcoming US court session. “The right thing to do would have been to physically give back the painting,” Erika Jakubovits, the community’s executive director, said.
*
Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
The Jews Down Under~Roundup of Australia and New Zealand Jewish News
Garry Fabian
Compiled by Garry Fabian
Visiting Group Greeted warmly
ADELAIDE, 7 July – A group of more than 20 Bnei Akiva Melbourne members and leaders travelled to Adelaide last month to show their support for the small community and help spread some extra Shabbat cheer.
About 20 year 9 boys were accompanied by seven leaders and a shaliach to the South Australian capital, where they shared meals on both Friday
night and Saturday, and hosted activities for the locals.
“In Melbourne, we recognise how lucky we are to have a thriving and vibrant community, yet at the same time we see that others in Australia do not
have the Jewish luxuries that we may take for granted,” Bnei Akiva spokesperson Daniel Weil explained “These visits are important as it is
not often that groups visit the smaller communities.”
Arriving on Friday morning, the group travelled straight from the airport to local Jewish school Massada where they ran a number of activities, including Shabbat programs and fun sessions.
A bowling match with local families was also arranged after Shabbat, followed by a barbecue dinner.
“The feedback we received was very positive,” Weil said.
The inter-community visit was a joint initiative between the Bnei Akiva shaliach and a local Adelaide rabbi, who became close friends while living in Israel.
The trip is part of the Zionist youth movement’s plan to show its support for small Jewish communities around the country, and according to
Weil, it was just as meaningful for the Bnei Akiva group as it was for the Adelaide participants.
“It allows them to show us that, despite their small size, they are just as passionate about leading Jewish lives as we are. Even though it is
immensely harder for them to do so, it serves to show us how lucky we are with everything that we have in our community,” he said.
*
Rabbi goes full circle
MELBOURNE, 6 July – Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant addressed a group of Victorian Muslims at a City Circle event last weekend.
The former president of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and current rabbi at Jewish Care discussed some of the challenges facing the Jewish community. After the presentation, which also included some background information on the Victorian Jewish community, the group had the
opportunity to question Rabbi Kluwgant.
“It was an enlightening experience and I am glad to have been offered the opportunity to talk to the group so openly as it gave me the chance to
live the message I have been promoting in relation to multifaith dialogue and engagement,” he said.
Among the topics asked about were interfaith dialogue and commonalities between different religious leaders.
City Circle aims to highlight an Australian Muslim identity while developing friendship and cooperation between Muslim and non-Muslim communities
*
70th Anniversary for the Dunera Boys
MELBOURNE, 8 July – In ranks depleted by the passing of seven decades, they will return to the small NSW town of Hay in September to reminisce
about a perilous wartime voyage from Britain to the far side of the world.
The “Dunera boys” is the moniker bestowed on 2542 men, 2036 of whom were Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany and Austria, living in Britain and classed as enemy aliens.
Seventy years ago this month, they were placed aboard the Dunera, bound for Australia. The ship had a maximum capacity of 1600, and conditions were described as “inhumane”.
These men and boys were refugees from Nazi Germany who had reached what they believed was the sanctuary of England just before the outbreak
of war in 1939. When the war broke out in September 1939, they were interned and later shipped as “enemy aliens” to Australia. But even
more degrading, they were locked up with German prisoners of war, and other Nazi personnel.
On arrival in Sydney, the bewildered newcomers were taken to internment camps in the rural towns of Hay, NSW, Loveday, SA, and Tatura, Victoria.
Subsequently reclassified as “friendly aliens”, hundreds were recruited into the Australian Defence Force. After the war, around 800 remained in the country.
Peter Felder, son of Dunera boy Henry Felder, is organising this year’s reunion, the first major gathering since a 50th-anniversary event in 1990.
“So far, we’ve had 12 Dunera boys indicating they will attend,” he said
Former internee Mike Sondheim will be one of the party. “The people of Hay always display their
hospitality and friendship to us as long-lost sons having returned home.”
From September 3-5, the intenees will return to the sites of former camp seven and eight for a commemoration.
They plan to re-enact their arrival at the local railway station and follow the route they marched along from the station to the camps. Unlike in 1940, the Hay Shire Council mayor will formally welcome the visitors.
Among the activities planned, they will visit the grave of Menasche Bodner, the only Dunera boy buried in the Jewish section of the Hay General
Cemetery, and will see the Hay Dunera Museum.
*
Court ruling on question of religious freedom
MELBOURNE, 6 July – A father has won the right to stop his children from taking part in Jewish coming-of-age ceremonies, after a court agreed
with the man that they should be able to make their own religious choices.
The mother wanted her children to participate in their bar and bat mitzvahs – ceremonies that mark the beginning of boys and girls taking responsibility for their Jewish faith.
But the father, a Catholic who irregularly attends church, wanted them to choose their own religion in a ”voluntary and informed” way when they were old enough.
The dispute played out in the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne where the separated parents, known as Mr and Mrs Macri, asked the court to determine the religious future of their children: a 10-year-old and eight year-old twins.
Mr Macri, 44, did not oppose his children observing Jewish holidays and events. The children had undergone some classes in Hebrew, but the lessons had lapsed at their request. In accordance with traditional Jewish practice, the son had undergone circumcision.
Mrs Macri had enrolled the children in a religious youth group for two hours each Sunday. But Mr Macri was concerned this had ”an element of political content” and wished for them not to attend.
He also asked for an injunction, stopping Mrs Macri from committing their children to the Jewish faith through the bar and bat mizvah ceremonies until they were older. Jewish girls usually undergo bat mitzvah aged 12, while boys have their bar mitzvah at aged 13.
Federal magistrate Terry McGuire allowed the mother to take the children to the youth group but ordered her not to let her children participate in the ceremonies until they made the choice or their father agreed to it.
”Australia is a multicultural and secular society,” Mr McGuire said. ”These children are fortunate in that they have the opportunity to directly experience the culture and traditions of the religions practised by each of their parents.”
Mr Macri had not pitted one religion against the other but had wanted his children to participate in the culture and traditions of both religions
without committing to either at this stage, he said.
In contrast, Mrs Macri wanted to commit the children to Judaism immediately.
He said there was no evidence that deferring the decision would later stop the children choosing to enter the Jewish religion.
*
TV Channel accused of racism
SYDNEY, 9 July – TV Channel Nine and its program – A Current Affair (ACA)- allowed anti-Semitic comments to be published on its website,
violating racial vilification laws according to NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff.
ACA reported one evening last week on plans for an eruv in the Sydney suburb of St.Ives. After the show, it posted a video of the story on its
website, which attracted hundreds of comments. The discussion, which was about whether or not the local council should approve an application
to erect 27 poles to constitute the eruv in the suburb, soon descended into an attack on Israel and the Jewish community. “The bosh (Germans)
didn’t finish the job” said one post. Another went further ” Quick hide your babies, the Jews are going to drain their blood to bake bread!”.
Alhadeff contacted Channel Nine to alert them of the possible breach of the law and the network immediately removed the comments. “The quick
response was appreciated, but the incident draws attention yet again to the need for all media to implement effective filtering systems of what is
posted on their sites” Alhadeff said. “Some of the remarks clearly violate the race vilification laws, and it is unacceptable for media to carry
such slurs until such time as the offensiveness is drawn to their attention”.
B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission executive director Deborah Stone said it is not the community’s job to monitor news sites. She added
that is was particularly concerning that the report prompted virulent anti-Semitism. John O’Dea, who represents the local electorate of Davidson, said there needs to be a rational debate over the feasibility of an eruv in the
area.
“Prejudice or discrimination based on racial or religious grounds should play no role in the debate” he said. The federal member for the area, Paul Fletcher, whose electorate would contain part of the eruv, called anti-Semitic comments disturbing. “There is no place in this decision-making process for anti-Semitic comments”, Fletcher said.
*
Jewish ANZAC’s to be honoured
CANBERRA, 9 July – A Jewish memorial service will be held a the graveside of Berrol Mendelsohn, a World-War I soldier whose remains will be interred in France on July 19. The fallen officer is so far the Jew among 94 Australian soldiers who have been identified using DNA technology, after a mass grave
containing 250 bodies of Anzacs was discovered two years ago at Fromelles in France.
*
shechitah, kashrut experts in Australia expressed fears that the ban may impact closer to home.
The New Zealand community were hoping that a meeting with Prime Minister John Key late last month might lead to reversal of the policy. But
though he told the gathering that he ‘wants to Jewish community to be strong and vibrant in New Zealand”, he has so far failed to respond to their concerns.
“In the absence of any firm response from the Government, the community is preparing its legal case to restore the legal practice of shechitah
as an integral part of its right to manifest the Jewish religion and belief in New Zealand, as provided for in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990″, Community spokesperson David Zwarts said.
The kashrut crisis began when NZ Agriculture Minister David Carter imposed a requirement that animals be electrically stunned before slaughter, meaning that it is no longer possible to provide halachically acceptable meat.
*
Mikvah watershed in Canberra
CANBERRA, 9 July – After years of community deliberations, Canberra’s Jewish women will finally have the use of a local mikvah. Chabad of
ACT, which has been active in the nation’s capital for a year, will own and run the facility. It will be ready for use early next year. Rabbi Dan Avital, who has been working to establish Chabad of ACT, said building the
facility had been a stated goal since he and his wide Naomi arrived.
“We are incredibly excited at having started building the first mikvah in Canberra”, he said.
The mikvah will have two immersion pools – to allow the continuity of operation – and three bathrooms, and will be attended by Rebbetzin
Avital. Although attached to the Avital’s residence, it will have a separate access to ensure privacy.
*
Holocaust Museum ugrade
MELBOURNE, 12 July – Henryk Kranz’s father taught him to draw by candlelight in a hiding place he had helped a farmer dig into the hillside during the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War II.
His father, Zygmunt, would make aeroplanes, houses and other toys from wood, metal and matchboxes to amuse him in the dark, cramped
space where they hid until liberated by the Red Army in August 1944.
“He was quite gifted with his hands,” the retired neurologist, 72, says of his father, who years later sculpted a series of bronze busts that reminded him of some of the people he once knew in his Polish home town of Boryslav, now in western Ukraine.
Almost a decade after Zygmunt Kranz’s death, seven of these busts have pride of place in a redeveloped new museum that opens officially this
month at the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick.
Henryk Kranz does not believe his father set out to recreate faces of specific people but “archetypal individuals from his memory of that period”.
Also on display are two artworks from an unpublished children’s book by Henryk’s daughter, Andrea, celebrating the heroism of farmer Jozef
Baran and his wife Eleonora, who risked their lives to save her father and his parents.
Like her father, Andrea Kranz is a medical practitioner. She works in palliative care with cancer patients.
She has been reading the story about the heroic Barans to her 4½-year-old daughter, Iliya. Her grandfather would often retell it. “It was woven
throughout my childhood,” she says.
The new multimedia museum updates the Selwyn Street facility built 25 years ago. Audio-visual displays, photographs, artwork and memorabilia
present the stories of its increasingly frail survivor guides to students and other visitors.
“This is a big concern many survivors express, this fear that in the future no one will be left to talk about their murdered families,” curator Jayne Josem says, noting that technology will ensure their stories continue to be heard.
Zygmunt Kranz was a mining engineer in the petroleum industry at the start of the war. He was sent to a labour camp near Boryslaw, as it is
known in Poland, and put to work digging out old pipelines.
The farmer had befriended him after offering his team shelter for a day on which the Germans were rounding up Jews. He took a liking to Zygmunt and
offered to hide his family. The two men dug about a metre high and wide and 1.3 metres long behind the rear wall of the farm shed. They installed a
pipe so they could breathe and, later, planks to keep back the crumbling earth.
Zygmunt Kranz, who took his family across the Czech border to Germany and Norway, worked as an \engineer at CSIRO and Unilever after settling here in 1950.
He wrote in a letter in 1993 nominating the Barans as Righteous Among the Nations at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem that Jozef Baran was “broadly straight and just”.
He brought his wife Frances and three-year-old Henryk to the “bunker” in October 1941, visited them when he could and escaped the camp to join them in January 1943.
The Barans would leave buckets with food in the shed. The Kranz family would emerge for a few hours at night.
Henryk, ill at one stage, was cared for in the farmhouse and remembers gazing fearfully up the hill at a boy walking a bicycle. The boy stopped and stared before continuing.
Through a crack in the door he saw sunlit fields with bright yellow flowers. And once he heard sounds of people searching the shed. “They were trying to find some hidden trapdoor; we were very quiet trying not to make a sound at all.”
He was six when they were finally able to come out of hiding. “I was just speaking in whispers,” he says.
*
Fabian is Australia bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World
