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HIGHLIGHTS OF
THE HISTORY OF THE “1939” CLUB
1952 Meeting
of the fourteen founders. Proposed
name, The "1939" Club, denotes the beginning of
Hitler's Holocaust in Poland.
The founders of the organization are all survivors of the
Holocaust: Benjamin Gray, Alfons Haberfeld, Felicia Haberfeld,
Gustave Haberfeld, Brenda Nadel, Henry Nadel, Leopold Page,
Ludmila Page, Rachel Pick-Meier, Joan Polgar-Marks, Irene
Spencer, Sarna Stoger, Hugo Stoger and Beno Zellermeir.
1953 First
issue of the Club's Bulletin Constitution and By-Laws of The
“1939” Club adopted. The Club stands as a charitable,
fraternal, non-profit association of Jews from Poland.
Shipment of clothing to new immigrants in Israel.
Contribution of $1,000 sent for clothing and linen to the
Society of Orphanages in Tel Aviv.
Membership: 100. Mr.
Grey serves another term as president.
1954 Women's Division takes over patronage of the Society
of Orphanages in Tel Aviv. Youth Division established.
Election of the Club as Institutional Member of the Los
Angeles Jewish Community Council.
Membership: 200. Mr. Richard Richonne becomes the second president of the
Club.
1955
Contribution of $1000 to the Society of Orphanages
towards the construction of a new boys' home for 30 boys at 22
Mazah Street, Tel Aviv. Mr.
Richonne leads the Club.
1956 $1,000
contribution for the dedication of a dormitory for 150 boys
in the Club's name. The
Board decides to establish an Israel Emergency Fund.
Club acts as "initiator" in erecting a monument
in Los Angeles for 6 million victims and Warsaw Ghetto Fighters.
First "Salute to Israel Ball" held. $1,405 was
sent to the Special Emergency Fund of the UJWF.
Mr. Seyman Korentajer becomes president.
1957 Ways and
Means Committee established.
A room is dedicated in the Club's name in the New Boys' Home
-Society of Orphanages. Mrs.
Felicia Haberfeld heads the organization.
1958
Commemoration by the Club of the l5th Anniversary of
the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Tribute Fund Committee established.
Mrs. Felicia Haberfeld serves another term.
1959 Pledge
of $1,000 for a special project at Hebrew University in
Jerusalem. Participation in the first citywide observance of the 16th
anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
The Club named as an affiliated institution of the Jewish
Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles.
Official opening of the New Boys' Home in Yad Eliyahu.
The “1939” Club requests that the Jewish Federation
Council of Greater Los Angeles take over patronage and
responsibility for the annual city-wide Warsaw Ghetto Yiskor in
this community. Research
and accumulation of factual and historical data concerning the
Nazi Holocaust were also discussed.
Incorporation of The "1939" Club.
Mrs. Esther Przeworski Pratt is elected president.
1960 The Club
takes over the leadership of 14 organizations in arranging a
United Memorial Meeting in cooperation with the American Jewish
Congress. The event
was also endorsed by the Jewish Federation Council and the Board
of Rabbis of Southern California.
Testimonial evening held honoring the memory of Gertrude
Dolan, a Catholic, and Harold Louis Anfenger, a Jew, for their
bequest of $137,000 for the Society of Orphanages in Tel Aviv.
The New Boys' Home is named after the benefactors, one
wing after The “1939” Club.
Presentation of a Scroll of Honor by the Los Angeles
County Board of Supervisors.
Mrs. Esther Przeworski Pratt is a second term president.
1961 The
first issue of the Newsletter of The “1939” Club is
published. Mrs. Alfons Haberfeld serves as president.
1962 The 10th
Anniversary celebration with a testimonial dinner dance held at
Temple Etz Jacob. Mr.
Alfons Haberfeld is president.
1963 Participation in the first city-wide Warsaw Ghetto
Memorial organized by the Jewish Federation Council.
The first Mr. and Mrs. Luncheon organized by the FFF
committee under the auspices of the Women's Division of The
“1939” Club. Mr.
Josef Krakowski heads presidency for 1963 and 1964.
1964 Board
decides to cooperate with other organizations to obtain
participation of the Jewish Federation Council in the
construction of a permanent Memorial to the six million victims.
1965 Dr. Sam
Goetz becomes president of the organization.
The Club is instrumental in procuring a bequest of
$20,000 from the estate of the late Frieda Bregman for the
Society of Orphanages. These
funds are used to add a 4th floor in the New Boys' Home.
Our organization celebrates its Bar-Mitzvah and a special
Bar Mitzvah Yearbook is issued.
A memorial scholarship honoring the Club is established
at UCLA.
1966 Planting of a forest of 5,000 trees in lsrael in the
Club's name ($10,000). A
wreath in the name of the Club
is placed at the foot of the monument of six million victims in
the Jewish Cemetery in Lodz, Poland.
Dr. Sam Goetz serves another year as president.
1967 A pledge
of $10,000 is made towards the establishment at UCLA of a
“1939” Club Library Collection on the Rise, Reign and Fall
of Nazism. $3000
contribution cabled to the Society of Orphanages in Tel Aviv for
food. Purchase of
$120,000 in State of Israel Bonds by the members.
The 15th Anniversary Dinner Dance is held and a 15th
jubilee Yearbook is issued.
Mrs. Renee Domroy takes over leadership of the Club.
1968 A
bequest of $72,000 from the estate of the late Dr. Bernard
Szpinak is forwarded to the Society of Orphanages.
Mrs. Renee Domroy serves as a second term president.
1969 A
scholarship honoring the memory of Janusz Korczak (Dr. Henry
Goldschmidt) is established at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
$28,000 collected for the Israel Emergency Fund at the annual
Salute to Israel Dinner Dance.
Mr. Barry Bruk is elected president.
1970
Members subscribe to $100,000 in State of lsrael
Bonds. A pledge of 40,000 (Israeli Pounds) is made to "Beit
Halochem"-Veterans Home in Tel Aviv.
All proceeds from the 18th Anniversary of the Club go to the Israel Emergency Fund Drive.
A special "Chai" book is issued and its
proceeds of over $12,000 also go to the Israel Emergency Fund.
A three year scholarship in memory of the late Alfons
Haberfeld, one of the Club's founders, past President and
Honorary Board Member of The “1939” Club, is established at
Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Mr. Barry Bruk carries out another term as president.
1971 The
“1939” Club as a member of the Jewish Federation Council of
Greater Los Angeles donates $1,000 toward the building fund of a
“Martyr’s Memorial House”.
The Club participates in a city-wide
campaign to register names of
Jewish Nazi victims for Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Over 10,000
pages of testimony are collected.
Rabbi Y.I. Frenkel, chairman of the Society of Orphanages
in Tel Aviv is guest of honor at our 19th Anniversary
celebration. The
organization pledges $25,000 for needs of the Orphanages.
The Club's members subscribe to $120,000 State of Israel
Bonds. Mr. Josef
Krakowski leads the Club once again.
1972 The
Board of Directors of the
Club resolves to name a dormitory in the New Boy's Home in
Yad Ellyahu -Tel Aviv in honor of Andrew and Esther Przeworski-Pratt-Lifetime
Editor of the Club's Newsletter. $4,000 are collected for ads
and greetings in the special issue of the Club's Newsletter.
This year $125,000 purchases of State of Israel Bonds are
made. Mr.Harry
Wasser heads the organization.
1973 An
emergency rally is held in conjunction with the Yom Kippur War
resulting in the subscription of $80,000 in State of Israel
Bonds. In addition,
$65,000 were raised as contribution to the Israel Emergency Fund
including $10,000 from the Club's treasury.
Mr. Wasser serves again as President.
1974
Emergency Fund nets $10,000 plus an addition
allocation of $10,000 from the Club's treasury.
Members and friends buy $167,000 in State of Israel
Bonds. Mrs. Ruth
Fenton is elected and assumes the presidency.
1975 A $1,000
Memorial Fund is established in memory of Nana Plotke, former
chairlady of the Women's Division, and is contributed to the
Hadassah Research Center. This
year the Club ra-ises-$25,000 for the Israel Emergency Fund and
members purchase $240,000 in State of Israel Bonds.
Mrs. Ruth Fenton heads the organization as its president.
1976
Dedication Ceremony of the new headquarters of the
Jewish Federation Council is attended by a delegation of The
“1939” Club. The
Board of Directors resolves to establish a scholarship in memory
of Lt. Col.
Yohanatan Nathanyu - the hero of Entebbe Airport - at Bar
Ilan University in Ramat Gan.
A special issue of the Club's Newsletter is dedicated to
the observance of America's Bicentennial Year.
The Son’s and Daughter’s Chapter is established with
a membership of over 100. This
year's Israel Emergency Fund Drive nets $43,000 and over
$225,000 State of Israel Bonds are purchased.
Mr. Siegfried Halbreich is elected president.
1977
A resolution was presented to the Board of Directors
of the Club by Dr. Sam Goetz to establish a Chair on Holocaust
Studies at UCLA. Members of The “1939” Club are participants of the
Speakers Bureau to publicize the Holocaust.
This Bureau was established in 1974 by the Council of
Past War Jewish Organizations in Los Angeles. A
special issue of the Club's Newsletter in memory of the late
Andrew (Andrzej) Przeworski Pratt Lifetime Editor of the
Newsletter - is published. The Board of Directors resolves to establish in memory of
Andrew Przeworski Pratt, a three year scholarship in the amount
of $2,500 at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
A Special Committee of The “1939” Club is formed to
establish an Endowment Chair on Holocaust Studies at UCLA in the
amount of $250,000. Mr. Siegfried Halbreich serves another term (The Club
celebrated its 25th Anniversary at a gala Dinner Dance at the
Beverly Hilton, with Monty Hall acting as Master of Ceremonies.)
1978
A dormitory is named in memory of Andrew Przeworski
Pratt - Honorary Board Member and Lifetime Editor of the Club's
Newsletter. The
"1939" Club participates in the establishment of the
Martyr's Memorial Project and delegates attend a preview
unveiling. The 30th
Anniversary of the State of Israel is celebrated and $6000
raised at a Mr. and Mrs. Dinner.
A commemorative book is issued in conjunction with the
establishment of the endowment Chair on Holocaust Studies at
UCLA. The Club
celebrates its 26th Anniversary and the projected establishment
of the aforementioned Chair.
The Hon. Abba
Eban, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. is guest speaker at
this gala event. Robert
Gerson serves as president.
1979
Dr. Sam Goetz is honored at the 27th Anniversary for
dedicated services to the Club.
The “1939” Club resolves to increase its support of
Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
The Club thus becomes a founder and the name of The
“1939” Club is placed on the Wall of Honor in the Hebrew
University in Jerusalem. A
United Jewish Welfare Fund Drive is held under the chairmanship
of Mr. Henryk Leman netting over $30,000.
The “1939” Club participates in a National Holocaust
Conference of Christians and Jews.
Mr. Robert Gerson is second term president
of the organization. The
Board of Regents of the University of California approves The
“1939” Club chair on Holocaust Studies.
1980 Mr.
Leopold Page takes over the reins of the Club . The “1939”
Club Chair on Holocaust Studies at UCLA is officially
established and a temporary incumbent for this Chair is chosen.
Dr. Yisrael Gutman, is selected as the first occupant of
the professorship endowed at UCLA.
The Board of Directors of The “1939” Club establishes
an annual fellowship at UCLA with a stipend of $5,000 annually
for a well qualified student whose field of specialization is
the subject of the Holocaust.
The first fellowship is awarded in memory of Robert
Gerson, immediate past president of our organization.
Mrs. Esther Przeworski Pratt, past president and
life-time editor of the Newsletter
is honored at the 28th Anniversary Dance for her dedicated
services. The Club issues a regular News Digest to keep its membership
abreast of the Club's many activities.
1981 Mr.
Leopold Page carries on as president for a second term.
The Holocaust Chair at UCLA becomes a reality with the
arrival of Dr. Yisrael Gutman and the offering of various
seminars on the Holocaust at UCLA.
Over 250 students enroll and attend the lectures given by
Dr. Gutman. An
official plaque commemorating the Holocaust and carrying the
names of donors who contributed to the Chair is dedicated at
UCLA. The plaque in
memory of the Six Million Jews is easily visible to students and
visitors. An
impressive list of dignitaries attend the dedication event
chaired by Dr. Sam Goetz. Another
momentous event takes place-that of the World Gathering of
Survivors in Israel. This
gathering is well attended by many of our members and their
families. The more
than 5000 survivors attending this meeting proclaim to the
world, to their children and grandchildren, that the Holocaust
“will not be forgotten and never repeated.” The “1939”
Club participates actively in organizing this event through its
board members: Mr. Irving Peters, Siegfried Halbreich, Mr.
Freddy Diament, and Mr. Josef Krakowski.
1982 Dr.
Gertrude Goetz takes over the presidency.
Hon. Teddy Kollek, mayor of Jerusalem, addresses the
membership at the Installation Luncheon.
Activities pick up in tempo as several educational and
cultural programs are presented to the membership.
The annual Salute to Israel Luncheon at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Engler is a rousing success and over $20,000 is donated
by our members for project Beit Halochem, an Israeli War
Veterans Rehabilitation Center.
Ambitious plans are underway to celebrate the 30th
Anniversary of our organization.
Dr. Samuel Pisar, noted author and international
attorney, consents to be guest speaker at the festive event.
1983 Dr.
Gertrude Goetz carries on as president for a second term.
The Club celebrates its 30th year of existence with a
gala event. Dr.
Samuel Pisar officiates as guest speaker at this special
anniversary event. The
Club receives much communal recognition of the eve on the
occasion of the anniversary.
Members of the organization attend and participate in the
American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors.
Internationally noted scholar and historian Saul
Friedlander occupies for one year the Chair on Holocaust Studies
endowed by The “1939” Club.
The Club awards several scholarships to promising
students at UCLA.
1984
The organization continues under the leadership of
Dr. Gertrude Goetz. Congressman
Tom Lantos is guest of honor and main speaker at the Club's 32nd
anniversary event. Dr. Ezra Mendelsohn, noted scholar and historian, is the
visiting professor of the “1939” Club Endowed Chair on
Holocaust Studies. The
“1939” continues awarding several scholarship to students at
UCLA pursuing studies and researching the history of the
Holocaust. 55 members participate in the video taping project
carried out by UCLA in conjunction with the Endowed Chair on the
Holocaust .
These members gave personal testimony of experiences sustained
during the war. The
tapes will be deposited permanently at UCLA for research projects.
1985 Mr.
Freddy Diament takes over the leadership of the organization.
The “1939” Club came to the aid of Ethiopian Jews by
contributing over $35,000 to Operation Moses.
Members of the Club attend and participate in the
American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors held in
Philadelphia. Many members travel to Israel to participate in
events commemorating the 40th anniversary of liberation.
A record number of UCLA students enroll in the various
classes being offered by the
Chair on Holocaust Studies at
UCLA. A
special luncheon is held to honor all participants
in the Club's video taping project.
The Club looks forward to a rewarding 34th year with many innovative programs in the offing. Two board members are elected to serve on the Board of
Directors of the Jewish Federation Council, a first for our
organization.
1986 Freddy
Diament continues as president for a second term. The Club celebrates its 34th year with the appointment of Dr.
Saul Friedlander as the permanent occupant of the UCLA
“1939” Chair for the Study of the Holocaust." The
anniversary dinner dance held Sunday, October 19 honored Dr.
Arnold Band for his efforts to gain approval of the Regents of
the University of California for the establishment of the UCLA
Chair on Holocaust Studies.
Dr. Samuel Goetz also was recognized for his leadership
in this effort. The
Club provided support to the community wide Exhibit "Anne
Frank, 1929-1945" by the Martyrs Memorial and Museum.
Ten members individually pledged $50,000 each to the
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.,
along with a $50,000 pledge by The “1939” Club.
1987 Mrs.
Sally Wasser elected President.
The “1939” Club celebrates the 35th Anniversary by
increasing the annual charitable budget to over $120,000.
The ongoing UCLA Holocaust Studies program continues to
develop, along with expanded community outreach workshops and
seminars through the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Dr. Sam Goetz and Freddy Diament appointed to the Content
Committee of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
1988 Sally
Wasser continues in a second term as President.
The Club's Israel Independence 40th Anniversary gala
party, Salute to Israel, raised $57,000.
1989 Mrs.
Barbara Gerson installed as President.
Women's Division Purim luncheon on March 22 adds to
support funds for charitable fund.
Susan Bell Memorial Fellowship funded for 1990-1991 under
The “1939” Club Fellowship Fund.
Professor Saul Friedlander presents The First Annual
“1939” Club Memorial Lecture on May 7th at UCLA Faculty
Center.
1990 Barbara Gerson is elected president for a second
term. The
installation luncheon installing officer is Dr. Lewis Kanengiser.
The “1939” Club Support Chair is completed to provide
for future lectures given by the History Department at UCLA.
In March a delegation of Board members celebrated the
dedication of the special donor wall commemorating the gift of
$500,000 to UCLA, Department of History Chair of Holocaust
Studies. Dr. Saul
Friedlander, the incumbent of The UCLA “1939” Chair,
initiated the first academic conference held in Los Angeles on
April 28-29th. It
was attended by renowned academicians from Europe, Israel and
the USA. The theme
was "Nazism & The Final Solution." It was a
tremendous success. Harvard
University Press will print the proceedings in a future book.
On April 28th the Annual Memorial lecture was held at
UCLA for our members. Greetings
were given by Dr. Sam Goetz, our Holocaust Chairman.
The keynote speaker was Professor Geoffrey Hartman of
Yale University. A
very successful "Salute to Israel" luncheon was held
in June under the chairmanship of Barry Bruk and Harry Wasser.
The “1939” Club joined together in the Fund Drive of
"Operation Exodus," pledging a minimum of $100,000.
The culmination of the Fund Drive will be celebrated at
the 38th Anniversary Dinner Dance scheduled for October 28, 1990
honoring Abe Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL) and a Holocaust survivor.
1991 Annual
dinner dance receipts bring Club's "Operation Exodus"
pledge over its goal. At
the election meeting/brunch on January 13 Samuel Steinberg
becomes the twentieth president of the Club.
The formal installation of officers and board on February
10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel is chaired by Leon Weiss, who
also acts as installing officer.
Purim luncheon, Raul Hilberg UCLA “1939” Club
lecture, "Salute to Israel" luncheon/dance, Mr. and
Mrs. Sunday afternoon luncheon, tribute fund, Passover
newsletter - all raise funds towards the annual commitments
locally and in Israel.
1992 Nomination and election of officers, with Samuel
Steinberg elected President for a second term.
A Women's division Sunday "fun" for Mr. and
Mrs. series of luncheons continues.
Purim luncheon at Sefardic Tifereth Israel Congregation,
follows February installation of officers at the Beverly Hilton
Hotel. Salute to
Israel campaign successfully culminates with a June luncheon at
Tifereth Israel. Passover
and Hanukkah newsletters enlarge tribute fund.
The 1992 U.C.L.A. “1939” Club Lecture titled,
"Filling in the Blanks: Perspectives on the Holocaust in
Post-Communist Russia and Poland" was held on March lst at
Royce Hall, UCLA, featuring a distinguished panel of Zvi Y.
Gitelman, Professor of Judaic Studies and Political Science at
The University of Michigan, Norman W. Naimark, History Professor
of Stanford University, and Hans Rogger , Professor of History
at UCLA. Professor
Saul Friedlander, History Professor, UCLA, and Chairman of The
"1939" Club Chair, was keynote luncheon speaker.
Performance of "The Survivor" by Playwright,
Susan Nanus, sold out on May 14th at Hudson Theater.
Beautiful 40th Anniversary Yearbook, titled "From
Commitment to Accomplishment" was devoted to a history of
the Club from 1952 to 1992. 40th Anniversary celebration,
completed with the gala anniversary celebration in October
honoring past presidents, was the occasion of a presentation of
$25,000 to United Jewish Fund President, Terry Bell.
1993
Elly Kamm was elected new president , along with a
new slate of officers and board members.
They were presented by Chair, Joe Krakowski, at the
annual nominating committee meeting in January.
In February, at a beautiful installation luncheon at The
Beverly Hilton Hotel, Installation Mistress of Ceremony, Alice
Ovsey, presided over a warm and moving ceremony honoring
outgoing officers and board, especially President Sam Steinberg,
who was discharged with heartfelt thanks and a beautiful momento
for his service. The new board, led by Elly Kamm, President, was installed
with best wishes of the installing officer on behalf of the
membership. Group
attendance at musical "The King of Schnorrers," March
Purim luncheon, raised additional funds towards the many
important goals of the Club.
May annual UCLA Memorial Lecture, this year by
Christopher Browning, author and scholar of the Holocaust.
June Salute to Israel luncheon, chaired by Paul Mandel,
with greetings from Morrie Kingston, continued the long
tradition of membership support.
Also in June was the opening of the Library of Judaica at
UCLA.
1994
Annual Anniversary dinner at The Beverly Hilton in
October, 1993, with Consul General of the State of Israel and
Mrs. Uri Oren and guest artist, Laurie Rubin.
Mrs. Elly Kamm assumes the presidency for a second term,
She is Installed by Marlene Kamin, the daughter of Elly and Ben
Kamm. David Klipp,
“1939” Club Treasurer-extraordinaire for 15 years, was
honored on his retirement from office after devoted and
outstanding service. Special
tribute was paid to Felice Newman for her dedicated service as
chair of The "l939" Tribute Fund, a major source of
Club income. Successful
Purim luncheon, co-chaired by Mila Stern and Sonia Rosenwald and
held at Ma Maison Hotel Sofitel, with Sonia crowned Queen
Esther. Salute to
Israel event co-chaired by
Barry Bruk, Harry Wasser, Paul Mandel and Sam Steinberg.
The “1939” Club Annual Memorial Lecture at UCLA
presented Professor Daniel Goldhagen of Harvard University and
facilitated by Saul Friedlander, “1939” Club Professor of
Holocaust Studies. The
lecture theme was, "How Should We Study the Perpetrators of
the Holocaust?" At The Martyrs Memorial and Museum of the
Holocaust in memory of Josef Krakowski a memorial plaque was
dedicated with a copy presented to Renee Krakowski.
A series of four lectures on the Holocaust was presented
in memory of Joe. Club
provides funds to maintain Holocaust studies classes at
California State University at Northridge, with an additional
fund set aside to develop an endowment for this class.
1995
Annual Anniversary dinner on November 5, 1994 at The
Beverly Hilton Hotel honored Ludmila and Leopold (Poldek) Page
as founders and past president of The “1939” Club and as the
inspiration and guides to the book and film production of Schindler's
List.. The book, authored by Thomas Keneally, and the film,
produced by Universal Studios and directed by Steven Spielberg,
won world-wide success in reaching hundreds of millions of
people and in receiving national and international awards and
acclaim. Chairperson Esther Lerner Brenner presided over an
illustrious committee of devoted talent led by Film Producer
Louis Rudolph and long-time “1939” Club friend, Richard E.
Lewis, President of Accountants Overload.
The dinner was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Keneally, a
delegation of the film makers and hundreds of community leaders
and supporters, as well as the friends and family of the
honorees. The warm
program featured tributes by Mr. Keneally, Amblin Pictures
spokesperson Gerald Molen, Irwin Field, President of the Jewish
Federation of Los Angeles, The Martyrs Memorial and Museum and
greetings from The Vatican read in Polish by Felicia Haberfeld
and translated by Actor Jonathan Silverstein.
Special greetings were sent by United States
Vice-President Albert Gore.
The Club honored The Pages by establishing The Ludmila
and Leopold Page Scholarship for a Los Angeles Jewish high
school student to participate in the 1996 March
of the Living. In December members celebrated New Year's eve at the
annual party at The Hilton.
The January election meeting was followed in February by
a gala installation luncheon, paying tribute to outgoing
officers and President Elly Kamm while Edie Zelon, daughter of
Charlotee and Michael Zelon presided at the installation of the
new officers and Board of Directors and President Charlotte
Zelon. A successful
Post-Purim luncheon was planned by the Women's Division.
In June the annual Salute to Israel event raised
substantial funds and honored Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lumer and Mr.
and Mrs. Stanley and Fredka Goodrich.
The long-awaited book on the history of The
"1939" Club, edited by Charlotte Zelon, was published
during this year. The
"1939" Club provided funding to continue a class in
Holocaust education at California State University at
Northridge. The
annual "1939" Club lecture on the Holocaust was
delivered by Professor Saul Friedlander on the subject:
"Catholic Responsibility for the Holocaust" at a
well-attended brunch in the Board Room of The Jewish Federation.
A colloquium on Liberation
and Beyond at UCLA was cosponsored by The “1939” Club.
1996 The
annual anniversary dinner, scheduled for November 4, 1995 at the
Beverly Hilton Hotel was planned to honor past presidents and
long-time members Sally and Harry Wasser.
A gala dinner-dance was on the agenda, with many old
friends, family and new friends in attendance.
What occurred was a more subdued event, with quiet music,
no dancing and additional commemorations of the day.
That day the world and The "1939" Club as part
of that stunned and shocked world, heard the dreadful news of
the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at a peace
rally in Tel Aviv. Sally
and Harry were honored with warmth and joy -- with wonderful
tributes from their children, grandchildren and friends -- and
with a lovely gift of "time" -- a clock to mark happy
hours -from the grateful members of The “1939” Club. In
December the Club welcomed the New Year of 1996 with a gala
evening at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
January brought the annual membership brunch meeting and
presentation of new Board for the coming year.
In February at a beautiful installation luncheon the new
board, headed by President Elly Kamm, honored outgoing President
Charlotte Zelon. For
the first time in the history of The Club, the installing
officer was a grandchild of the incoming president.
Aaron Kamm Kamin, aged 18 and a freshman at University of
California at San Diego, was the official performing the
ceremonies. His
younger brother, Daniel, led in the Pledge of Allegiance and his
cousin, Simone Ovsey, recited HaMotzi after a meaningful
invocation by Cantor Leopold Szneer.
“1939” Club committee, Henryk Leman, Gustave
Haberfeld and Leon Weinstein. March
and April were devoted to plans for the annual Salute to Israel
event, this year honoring good friend and patron, Martin
Feinstein. Chairs
Paul and Rhoda Mandel presided over a very successful event,
supported by Co-Chairs Sam Steinberg, Barry Bruk and Harry
Wasser, along with the very able and successful Women's
Division. An
exciting new series, co-sponsored by The Jewish Studies Program
at UCLA and The “1939” Club premiered to an audience of over
200, with the focus on the City of Vienna.
This series and other special programs are being funded
through a testamentary grant by Antonina Babb, a Survivor and
former librarian at UCLA.
Many
members of the Board of Directors enjoyed an exciting and
informative evening with Professor Saul Friedlander of The
“1939” Club Chair on Holocaust Studies in the History
Department of UCLA. Professor
Friedlander spoke of his upcoming series of textbooks on the
Holocaust, the first of which will be published late in 1996.
The
annual “1939” Club Lecture this year featured Dr. Sam Goetz,
past president and current President of The Martyrs Memorial and
Museum of the Holocaust, and Dr. David N. Myers, professor of
Jewish Studies in the History Department at UCLA.
Dr. Goetz spoke in depth of his meetings with the head of
The Department of Education of The German Republic to learn
about the progressive curriculum of study required in all middle
and high schools in Germany on the subject of the Holocaust. All in attendance were amazed and pleased to learn of the
commitment by the German government to "telling the
story" through the public schools in graphic detail and
depth. Dr. Myers outlined plans for the continuing UCLA series on
European cities and their Jewish history.
Yom
HaShoah was commemorated at the Pan Pacific Holocaust Monument,
with ceremonies led by Dr. Goetz, Dr. Alex Grobman, Director of
the Martyrs Memorial and Chair of the Monument, Jona Goldrich.
1997 The 44th
Anniversary Dinner Dance held on November 7, 1996 at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel provided a glamorous evening to dining and dancing
to the music of Ruben Berci and his Orchestra.
Jewish Federation Vice President John Fishel gratefully
accepted the substantial gift from the Club.
New
Year's Eve gala on December 31 welcomed 1997 with joy, dinner,
dancing, champagne and noisemakers.
In
January the membership gathered for brunch at Temple Beth Israel
for nomination and election of officers and directors for 1997. This was followed by an installation luncheon on February 23
at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Installing officer, Michele Rosenfeld, installed her
father, William Elperin, for a term as the first second
generation president of the Club.
Also
on February 23, the UCLA Jewish Studies Center with support of
The “1939” Club continued the series on The Great European
Jewish Cities. This
one featured Geza Komorrozcy, professor at EOTVOS LORAND
University in Budapest, Hungary, highlighting the city of
Budapest.
On
March 2 The Club was honored by UCLA at a tea held at the West
Alumni Center on campus. Hosts
were Brian P. Copenhaver, Provost, College of Letters and
Science, Pauline Yu, Dean of Humanities and Scott L. Waugh, Dean
of Social Services. Saul
Friedlander, incumbent of The "1939" Club Chair of
Holocaust Studies, addressed the guests and autographed copies
of his new book.
Later
in March the annual Purim Party/Luncheon was held at Sinai
Temple. Elly Kamm
was surprised to be crowned Queen Esther.
Club
members were featured on Jewish Television Network describing
their lives as they overcame their memories of The Shoah to lead
successful lives in America.
The Club reinaugurated a long abandoned tradition of a
communal Passover Seder at Sinai Temple.
Yom
HaShoah was commemorated, also at Sinai Temple with Fred Diament
inspiring the gathering of 2,000 with his meaningful words.
A
number of members traveled to Tel Aviv in May to share the
celebration of Board Member Max Webb's acceptance of an honorary
doctorate degree from Tel Aviv University and the dedication of
the Webb Family School of Languages.
Also
in May the Club hosted a tea to welcome new members, including
sons and daughters of members.
Professor David T. Meyers, UCLA Director of the Jewish
Studies Center and Paul Page were the featured speakers.
Salute
to Israel on June 1 raised substantial funds for the many
philanthropies of The Club.
Rhoda and Paul Mandel co-chaired the event.
Warsaw
was another of the great European Jewish Cities featured in the
continuing series at UCLA.
Professor of History at Trinity College Samuel Kassow was
the very well-received presenter.
In
July members were invited to a private viewing of a portion of
the UCLA Judaica collection.
David Hirsch, Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies
Bibliographer presented background and "hands on"
experience with books, magazines, periodicals and artifacts
ranging in age from the fifteenth century to 1997.
The
“1939” Club and the Lodger Organization of California
co-sponsored a "Concert for all Generations" at UCLA
Schoenberg Hall, featuring pianist Hershey Felder. The funds are
designated for scholarships for students to participate in March
of the Living, commencing in 1998.
1998 Jewish
Berlin was the topic of our continuing Great European Cities
series program at UCLA. Professor
Michael Brenner delivered the lecture.
At the 45th Anniversary Dance, the Club
presented its annual contribution to the Jewish Federation and
presented its Humanitarian Award to the film Visas
& Virtue, the story of Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara
who, at risk to his career, issued thousands of visas thereby
enabling thousands of Jews to flee Lithuania.
The event was attended by the film’s producer and
actors as well as members of the Japanese Community.
Mr. Sugihara’s son also attended.
In November, the Club’s members were guests of the
Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation at its
Universal City facility where they were treated to a tour and
reception. The
Foundation was founded by Steven Spielberg;
its goal is to develop the most comprehensive on-line
multimedia archive of survivor testimony ever assembled.
Also in November the Club was a sponsor of the production
of “Gates of Heaven,” a compelling and poignant story of the
friendship between two “soldiers” one a Japanese American
who fought with the 442nd, the other a survivor of
Dachau.
New Year’s eve saw a lively and enthusistic overflow
crowd celebrate at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
On January 4, 1998 Many of our members attended a banquet
in honor of Paul and Ludmilla Page given by Perutz Etz Jacob
Hebrew Academy.
Board members and officers were installed at the annual
installation on February 22, held at a new venue, the Beverly
Hills Hotel. Daniel
Elperin installed his father, William Elperin, for another term
as president. The
featured speaker was Professor Michael Bayzler, an International
Law Professor at Whittier Law School and a new “1939” Club
member.
On March 1, the Club co-sponsored an international
conference on “Nazi Gold and other Assets of the Holocaust.”
Experts from around the world gathered to talk about
Swiss gold, stolen
art, insurance claims and other assets of the Holocaust at
Whittier Law School. Lord Janner of Braunstone was the keynote speaker.
Purim marked a first for the Club - a joint celebration
with the Lodzer Organization.
Held at the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel, both
organizations honored Isabelle Szneer as Queen Esther.
Over 385 guests attended.
Continuing lecture series sponsored by the Club included,
“Jewish Prague” by Hillel Kivel, “Whose Holocaust? America
Culture and the Rhetoric of Victimization” by Alvin H.
Rosenfeld and “Jewish Reactions to Nazi Policies During the
Holocaust” by Yehuda Bauer.
Board members were privileged to dine with Saul
Friedlander and receive an update as to his activities.
In June at its Salute to Israel at 50 Celebration, the
Club presented its Humanitarian Award to Christoph and
Giussepina Meili. Christoph
is the Swiss bank guard who saved Holocaust records from
destruction. The
Meili’s and their children flew in from New Jersey.
The Club established The Meili Education Fund to provide
Christoph with a college education.
Also honored at the event were “1939” Club members
who fought in the Israeli War of Independence.
Substantial funds were raised for the Club’s
activities.
1999
The Club's 47th Annual Anniversary Celebration was
held on October 25, 1998 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The
Club bestowed three distinct honors. Professor Israel Gutman,
Chief Historian at Yad Yashem and the first holder of The
"1939' Club Chair on Holocaust Studies, was given the
"Lifetime Achievement Award." The "Righteous
Persons Award" was presented to the people of Denmark who
saved almost their entire Jewish population from the Nazis. Jorgen
Hubner accepted the Award. The Club's "Media
Award" was presented to John Davis, producer of Miracle at
Midnight, a film about the rescue of Danish Jews shown on ABC
Television.
A lively and enthusiastic crowd at the Beverly Hilton celebrated
New Year's eve.
The annual election meeting was attended by an overflow crowd at
the Beverly Hills Hotel. Rabbi Michael Schudrich was our
guest speaker.
At the Installation held on February 21, 1999 in the Crystal
Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel, nearly 300 people gathered to
install new officers and board members. James L. Doti, President
of Chapman University was the featured speaker.
The Purim Ball, also held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, saw the
crowning of Dora Rubinstein as Queen Esther. The Lodzer
Organization sponsored the event along with our Club.
Jewish Solonika and Paris were the subject of the Club's
sponsored Great Jewish Cities. The lectures were delivered
at UCLA.
As major contributors, the Club's members attended a banquet in
support of the West Coast Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
on June 9, 1999.
Members of the 522nd Field Artillery
Battalion were honored for their role in the liberation of concentration camp.
This year's Salute to Israel was also a Salute to the American
Armed Forces. Sam Steinberg chaired the Campaign with the dedicated help of
Rhoda Mandel. Sharona Justman chaired the event at the Beverly
Hills Hotel. The guest speaker was General William A.
Cohen who spoke on "The Stuff of Heroes." LTC
Eili Behar accepted the Club's check to the Friends of Israel
Defense Forces.
The Club's ongoing campaign to support Christoph Meili, the
Swiss Bank Guard who saved Holocaust records from destruction,
culminated in a scholarship to Chapman University and family
support. The Meilis have moved to California and look
forward to the future.
2000
The
Club’s 48th Annual Anniversary Celebration was held
at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in cooperation with The Los Angeles
Museum of the Holocaust. Our guest of honor was Agnes Hirschi,
the daughter of Carl Lutz the Swiss diplomat stationed in
Hungary who saved thousands of Jewish lives during the
Holocaust. Professor Saul Friedlander spoke about the heroism of
Carl Lutz.
The new
millennium was brought in with a bang as the Club celebrated on
January 1, 2000, along with the Lodzer Organization. A capacity
crowd munched on hors d’oeuvres, drank champagne, enjoyed a
sumptuous dinner and danced the night away.
The
annual Election and General Meeting brunch was held at the
Beverly Hills Hotel and featured the Consul General of The
Netherlands as our guest speaker.
The
48th Annual Installation featured the new book The
Holocaust Chronicle. Each guest was given a complimentary
copy of the book. The publisher of the book, Louis Weber was
presented with The “1939” Club Media Award. He was
introduced by Dr. Michael Berenbaum. The inaugural Teacher of
the Holocaust Award was presented to Professor Marilyn Harran of
Chapman University. A large contingent of guests was present
from UCLA and Chapman University.
William Elperin was installed for a fourth term.
In
March, The Right Honorable Kim Campbell, Consul General of
Canada, and Hershey Felder opened their home to host Richard
Chesnoff, author of Pack
of Thieves: How Hitler and Europe Plundered the Jews and
Committed the Greatest Theft in History. The event was
geared toward the second generation and to potential new
members.
Purim,
held together with the Lodzer Organization, saw the crowning of
Felice Newman as Queen Esther. Chuck Quackenbush was presented
an award for his efforts on behalf of Holocaust survivors.
The
Club co-sponsored the Chapman University Holocaust Essay
Contest. Hundreds of middle and high school students
participated. The winners were announced at a reception held at
Chapman University attended by many of our members. The students
stood in line to have The
Holocaust Chronicle autographed by survivors.
The
season culminated in our annual Salute to Israel celebration.
2001
The Club’s 47th Annual Anniversary Celebration was
held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in cooperation with The Los
Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. Our guest of honor was Agnes
Hirschi, the daughter of Carl Lutz the Swiss diplomat stationed
in Hungary who saved thousands of Jewish lives during the
Holocaust. Professor Saul Friedlander spoke about the heroism of
Carl Lutz.
The
new millennium was brought in with a bang as the Club celebrated
on January 1, 2000, along with the Lodzer Organization. A
capacity crowd munched on hors d’oeuvres, drank champagne,
enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and danced the night away.
The
annual Election and General Meeting brunch was held at the
Beverly Hills Hotel and featured the Consul General of The
Netherlands as our guest speaker.
The
48th Annual Installation featured the new book The
Holocaust Chronicle. Each guest was given a complimentary
copy of the book. The publisher of the book, Louis Weber was
presented with The “1939” Club Media Award. He was
introduced by Dr. Michael Berenbaum. The inaugural Teacher of
the Holocaust Award was presented to Professor Marilyn Harran of
Chapman University. A large contingent of guests was present
from UCLA and Chapman University.
William Elperin was installed for a fourth term.
In
March, The Right Honorable Kim Campbell, Consul General of
Canada, and Hershey Felder opened their home to host Richard
Chesnoff, author of Pack
of Thieves: How Hitler and Europe Plundered the Jews and
Committed the Greatest Theft in History. The event was
geared toward the second generation and to potential new
members.
Purim,
held together with the Lodzer Organization, saw the crowning of
Felice Newman as Queen Esther. Chuck Quackenbush was presented
an award for his efforts on behalf of Holocaust survivors.
The
Club co-sponsored the Chapman University Holocaust Essay
Contest. Hundreds of middle and high school students
participated. The winners were announced at a reception held at
Chapman University attended by many of our members. The students
stood in line to have The
Holocaust Chronicle autographed by survivors.
The
season culminated in our annual Salute to Israel
celebration.
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