The Reaction of German Jewry to Nazi Persecution, 1933-1935

UNED Juedischen Kulturbund (Jewish Cultural Union) Jewish Theatre founded in Berlin under Nazi jurisdiction in 1933 by Ken C. Baumann, Dr. Singer, Dr. Werner Levi, and Julius Bab, according to demands of the Party-Program ("partei- Programm"). Later known as: "National Association of the Jewish Cultural- Theater" (Reichsverband der Judeschen Kulturbuehne"). Motives: separation from German pure racial culture, actions against window-dressing of Nazi policy towards the Jews for critics abroad. Authorization of performances by Hinkel, National Director for Jewish Culture (Reichskulturverwalter), on condition that they become more "Jewish" in content. Nazi censorship of preformances. Hinkel - mediator between Josef Goebbels' Ministry of Culture and the Juedischen Kulturbund, and supporter and protector of Jews also shielding members of the Kulturbund from the gestapo right up to Kristallnacht in 1938. Theatre undamaged and staff not arrested during Kristallnacht (apart from a several hours arrest of manager, Mr. Wisten). Hinkel enforcing continuation of performances of Kulturbund after Kristallnacht despite their objection but group managing to get concessions in return. Closed by "Gestapo" in 1941. Fate of dutch Dr. Kurt Singer who perished in Theresienstadt. Fate of surviving members of the Kulturbund: emigration (a few), forced labor camps and death camps. Herbert Frieden's book: "Jewish Theatre in Nazi-Germany" ("Juedisches Theater in Nazi-Deutschland").