Jewish cultural life in Hungary during the Holocaust

Mientras en Europa Oriental los partisanos luchaban contra los alemanes y los hornos trabajaban a toda velocidad en Polonia, en Hungría una comunidad altamente asimilada – pero igualmente perseguida- respondía a los ataques antisemitas con música y cultura.

Más de 1000 conciertos en el curso de 5 años que solo se interrumpieron cuando la policía local, en contubernio con la Gestapo iniciaron las deportaciones durante el último año de la guerra.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 6:00PM
The Writers, Artists, Singers and Musicians of the National Hungarian Jewish Cultural Association (OMIKE), 1939-1944
RSVP Required | Space is limited

In response to anti-Semitic laws passed in 1938 in Hungary, barring Jewish artists from practising their professions, Budapest’s Jewish community leaders organized an artistic group under the aegis of OMIKE Országos Magyar Izraelita Közművelődési Egyesület (Hungarian Jewish Education Association) to provide employment opportunities for Jewish actors, musicians, singers, composers, writers and artists. Carrying out its activities primarily in Goldmark Hall in Budapest, OMIKE organized at least one thousand performances by Jewish performers which took place between 1939 and 1944. These included plays, concerts, cabaret, ballet, operas, and operettas. The cultured Budapest Jewish community deeply appreciated these performances especially in view of the oppressive conditions of which prevailed in Hungary the time. There were also art and sculpture exhibitions held throughout this period.

Following a historical introduction by Professor Istvan Deak, which will look at Budapest during the Holocaust period, Frederick Bondy will discuss his new book, The Writers, Artists, Singers and Musicians of the National Hungarian Jewish Cultural Association (OMIKE), 1939-1944, which is an expanded English edition of the original 1943 Hungarian language book written by Jeno Lévai. Bondy will look at the history of OMIKE and the numerous contributions of musicians and artists to Jewish cultural life during the Holocaust period in Hungary. Professor Randolph Braham will give a response to the lecture drawing on his vast expertise on the Holocaust.

Part of the Ruth Gay Seminar in Jewish Studies Series.

Inaugurated in 2008 thanks to a major gift from the family of Ruth Gay, the Ruth Gay Seminar in Jewish Studies was established in honor of Ruth Gay (1922-2006), the noted American Jewish historian and writer. This series is given by scholars who use the YIVO Archives and wish to share their research with the public.