Autobiographical interviews of Jews born in German speaking countries ("Yekkes") - 50/60 years after their immigration to Israel

MP3 available ; Scanned transcription available ; Born 07/04/1916, Cottbus. Grammar school with graduation; Evening studies (law) in Palestine (1950-54). Emigration: 1934-36 Hachshara in Denmark. Biography: Chaluz in a Kibbutz until 1942; youth leader; secretary of the labor union in the legal department; lawyer (specialized in industrial law) First visit to Cottbus after 1934 in 1991. Childhood memories: 1916 -34; wealthy culturally interested parental home. Attended a state school for humanities; Hebrew classes with a private teacher and in school. Still speaks German. Left school in 1933 and tried to get the certificate. Move to Berlin. Brother emigrated to Israel in 1933, he himself in 1936, his parents in 1938. A hopeful start in Israel, situation in the Kibbutz. Sportive activities in the Kibbutz, problem of education of children. Lived in the Kibbutz until 1942. Motives for leaving the Kibbutz: did not see a future for himself, personal reasons. At the University of Jerusalem. Engagement in the Labour party, problem of Templars. How he met his wife: 2000 Templars with German- nationalist attitude were banned to Australia, he was a deputy officer on board of the ship which also had prisoners of war on board. Atmosphere on board. Met his wife in Sydney. Story about a message in a bottle. She arrived in Israel in 1946 and died in 1990. Influence of his wife on his professional career. Conversations between the spouses were held in Hebrew, English, and German. She made him attend evening classes. Set up his own ; business as a lawyer. Industrial law, family law. Talks about law cases. Tasks of a Rabbi. Professional contacts with Germany and friendships which emerged out of these contacts. Various travels to Europe, last trip in 1990. Good impression of President Weiszaecker. Growing demand for German passport because it provides a working permit for the countries of the European Community. His children are in possession of German passports. About his first visit to Cottbus in 1990 and his disappointment about the desolate condition of the city. Disagreements on the issue of the past in discussions with former fellow students in Cottbus. East Germans and coping with the past. Death of his 21 year old son in 1977 in a military plane crash. About his son. Attitude towards the Israeli Army.