From the Liberal Cult to Social Work: The Union Libérale Israélite during Occupation
Laloum, Jean
From the Liberal Cult to Social Work: The Union Libérale Israélite during Occupation - 2009.
44
The synagogue of the Liberal Jewish Union in Rue Copernic was not one of the places of worship allowed to continue their activities during the Occupation. Its president, André Baur, who was also President of UGIF-Nord, was allowed by the Germans to house in the synagogue two divisions of UGIF: Division 20, which dealt with job placement, and Center 58, a club for intellectuals. Created during the spring of 1942, the former had the difficult task of assisting job seekers even as exclusions from specific jobs grew unceasingly. Many wished to have a job in UGIF itself, especially as social workers. This was a tough assignment that could lead to health problems, even to the most severe hardships caused by the anti-Jewish social measures taken by the Vichy regime and the German occupants. These jobs were also dangerous despite being the envied owner of a “legitimization card.” For its part, the club for intellectuals offered a library, starting from March 1942, as well as conference space. In short, it was an invaluable cultural opportunity, when exceptional laws cut Jews off from everyday life. At last, in autumn 1945, LIU could resume its worship activities.
From the Liberal Cult to Social Work: The Union Libérale Israélite during Occupation - 2009.
44
The synagogue of the Liberal Jewish Union in Rue Copernic was not one of the places of worship allowed to continue their activities during the Occupation. Its president, André Baur, who was also President of UGIF-Nord, was allowed by the Germans to house in the synagogue two divisions of UGIF: Division 20, which dealt with job placement, and Center 58, a club for intellectuals. Created during the spring of 1942, the former had the difficult task of assisting job seekers even as exclusions from specific jobs grew unceasingly. Many wished to have a job in UGIF itself, especially as social workers. This was a tough assignment that could lead to health problems, even to the most severe hardships caused by the anti-Jewish social measures taken by the Vichy regime and the German occupants. These jobs were also dangerous despite being the envied owner of a “legitimization card.” For its part, the club for intellectuals offered a library, starting from March 1942, as well as conference space. In short, it was an invaluable cultural opportunity, when exceptional laws cut Jews off from everyday life. At last, in autumn 1945, LIU could resume its worship activities.
Réseaux sociaux