Friday, Februa ry 14, 1964—THE DETROIT JEW ISH NEWS-32

Italy's Fearless Father Benoit
. . . Hero of War's Oppressed

Danny Raskin's

Shipment of 1,562 Czech Torahs in London
for Museum Memorial to Nazi Victims

LONDON, (JTA) — A mas- ish communities of Czechoslo-
sive shipment of 1,562 Torah vakia.
Feeling inadequate in this
scrolls originally belonging to
The Torahs, which were
role, Father Benoit, through in-
Czechoslovakia Jewish commu- shipped across Europe in five
fluential friends at the Vatican,
nities wiped out by the Nazis, sealed railroad cars, were pur-
persuaded Spanish authorities
arrived here from Prague and chased from the surviving
to open their frontiers to all
will form the nucleus of a Jew- Czech Jewish community for
Jews possessing credentials of
ish museum at the Westminster the Westminster Synagogue
Spanish nationality. In case of
by an unidentified Anglo-
Synagogue here.
doubt of authenticity, the final
The museum will serve as a Jewish benefactor for $30,000.
decision would lie with him.
memorial to the destroyed Jew-
During the World War II the
Father Benoit then planned
Torahs had been collected by
for the escape of 30,000 Jews
the Nazis with the apparent in-
to North Africa. Approaching
House Votes Down
tention of forming a research
the Jewish community, he se-
center for the study of "ex-
Amendment Lifting
cured the promise of funds
tinct" communities.
AT THE BEGINNING of the,' Ban on Religious Bias
and aid. Pope Pius XII gave
More than 95 per cent of the
century, the Hannah Schloss
him his indispensable con-
WASHINGTON, (JTA) — The Jewish population of Bohemia
sent. The Italian government Building on High Street (now House of Representatives de- and Moravia, where the Torahs
Vernor Hwy.) was the meeting
made four ships available.
feated an amendment to delete were used before the war, were
On Sept. 8, 1943, the Italian place of youngsters of immi- the word "religion" from the killed by the Nazis.
government surrendered to the grant families and newcomers public accommodations section
About a quarter of the Torahs
allied forces. The result of the to the city . . . Debating teams, of the civil rights bill. The are still in perfect condition.
basketball,
manual
training
and
liberation was not to free the
amendment was defeated by a Most are less than 100 years
old, although some date back
refugees but to put them at the many things of interest attract- vote of 156 to 64.
mercy of the Nazis. Thousands ed the young people and kept
to the 18th Century, with one
The
amendment,
which
was
of Jews, thinking Italy a haven, them off the streets . . . Today, offered by Rep. Thomas G. Ab- known to have been written in
these
young
folks
of
yesteryears
made the perilous trip across
ernetthy (D., Miss.), would have 1719.
Since the surviving Jewish
the Alps. Many died, hundreds are judges, lawyers, doctors, made possible a continuation of
were captured, thousands made dentists and businessmen . . . discrimination against religious community in Czechoslovakia
it to Father Benoit's under- Five years ago, the birth of the minorities, including Jews, at numbers only about 8,000 per-
ground headquarters in Rome. Hannah Schloss Old Timers, as such places as hotels, motels sons, there was no demand for
the large number of scrolls in
The Jews had no passports it is now known, was the brain and resorts.
that country.
required to remain in Italy. child of Sam Raskin and Sol
Urging
that
the
amendment
With the help of a Jewish Gordon . . . Every year since be defeated, Congressman James
printer and engraver, Father then, the group has held a re- C. Corman (D., Calif.) said: Dutch Towns to Restore
Benoit turned out thousands of union, w h e r e members and "Religious freedom is a most
Abandoned Jewish
false passports. He persuaded their ladies reminisce and re- important freedom, and it can-
call
the
"good
old
days"
.
.
.
Cemeteries as Tribute
the Swiss, Hungarian and Ro-
not exist if we permit discrimi-
AMSTERDAM, (JTA) — The
manian consular offices to sign The 9th Annual Installation and nation against one because of
Dinner-Dance of the Hannah
municipalities of a number of
the clumsy forgeries.
his
religion,
and
all
that
this
Father Benoit observed, "The Schloss Old Timers is set for amendment does is permit it Dutch towns including Limburg
have begun a joint effort to
refugees can't live on passports, Feb. 16.
MRS. MINNIE SHAPIRO, re- (discrimination) to exist."
clear up and restore abandoned
they need bread, too." He had
Jewish cemeteries in the area
hundreds of ration cards print- siding with retired hubby Paul,
is quite a gal . . . In between N.J. Governor Issues
where Jewish communities ex-
ed.
Father Benoit would never raising seven children, she con- Jewish Prayer for 300th isted before World War II but
Pinhas Sapir, Israel's Minis-
were wiped out by the Nazis.
er of Finance and Commerce have succeeded without the tinues to be active in communal
The cemeteries have been
and Industry, and Senator cooperation of his superiors circles, entering her 18th con- Anniversary of the State
TRENTON, N.J., (JTA) — A neglected during the past few
Abraham A. Ribicoff of Con- in the church, who undoubt- secutive year as president of
edly knew of his illegal activ- the Medical Center of the Jew- special Jewish prayer to be re- years.
necticut will join in the tribute
In each town, a special mu-
that will be paid to Baron Ed- ity. He had agents every- ish Comsumptive Relief Society cited this year in connection
nicipal
commission has been
of
Denver,
Colo.
.
.
.
Minnie
with
this
state's
celebration
of
mond de Rothschild of France,
where.
at the International Inaugural
One day two men came to Shapiro is now also in her 20th the 300th anniversary of New appointed to restore and care
Conference of Israel Bonds in his office seeking passports as consecutive year as treasurer Jersey was issued by Gov. Rich- for the cemeteries, which are
regarded as historical monu-
Jewish refugees. He was no- for the Cong. Beth Moses ard J. Hughes.
ments. The work is being done
Ladies
Auxiliary.
With
the
aid
of
a
four-faith
where to be found. The two
as a tribute to the Jewish
THE
SIX
WOMEN
WHO
got
advisory
committee,
which
in-
men were G e s tap o agents.
martyrs who once lived in the
Father Benoit had informants together 30 years ago to raise cluded Jewish, Catholic, Pro-
in the German Secret Service funds for kiddies of families in testant and Eastern Orthodox areas.
desperate need and named representatives, the governor
itself!
"When Father was on the themselves I n f an t s Service has prepared a separate ter-
run," a collaborator noted, "he Group, is today 227 gals strong centennary prayer for each of
and his
took along stamps, seals, docu- .. and among the community's the religious groups.
The Jewish representative on
ments and special pens for finest . . . Their annual dinner-
ORCHESTRA
frj
forging documents for Jews he dance and show this year, titled the committee was Martin Jel-
"Music As You Like IV'
OFFICE:
"Cherub
Ball"
is
the
top
notch
HOME:
lin,
president
of
the
Jewish
met en route. He was absolutely
LI 7.0896
LI 5-2737
Sen. Ribicoff
doings set for March 1, at Latin Community Council of Essex
Pinhas Sapir
fearless."
Quarter .. Call Freda Fisher, County.
Once
close
to
capture
by
the
Miami. it was announced by
UN 1-8230, or Ellanore Bron-
Samuel Rothberg, national Gestapo, he shaved his beard, stein, 342-1327 for tickets.
dressed
as
a
nun,
and
hid
out
campaign chairman who is
YETTA SPERKA, w if e of
serving as chairman of the con- in a cell for a week.
Rabbi Joshua Sperka, will be
At
the
small
side
entrance
of
ference.
honored at donor luncheon of
Rothberg reported that Dr. the five-story brick building Fannie Gluck Chapter, Ladies
Joseph J. Schwartz, vice pres- where Father Benoit slipped of Mizrachi, May 5, at Cong.
ident of the Israel Bond Orga- out to escape the Gestapo, a Bnai Moshe . . . Gloria Radner
nization, who has just returned legend above the door reads: is donor chairman and the las-
from another visit to Israel, Via Bon Campagni — "The sies are clapping their hands
extended the invitation of the Street of Good Companions."
in glee, because with Gloria at
organization to Sapir to be a
There isn't a resort in the country where you'll have such
the helm, the Mizrachi ship
a great time! And now, with our new, modified American
guest speaker at the inaugural Problems Foreseen
can do no wrong!
Plan starting at $8.75 per person, you'll sleep soundly in
parley to be held at the Fon-
ERRATA . . . Item in last
an attractive room ... enjoy breakfast and dinner in our
tainebleau Hotel at Miami With Cut in Israeli
weeks column had last name
famous dining rooms (order anything you want from the
Beach Feb. 21 and 22. Baron
regular menu) ... see a free floor show, and dance on
of Joe Franowitz spelled wrong
Immigrants
by
1967
de Rothschild will be honored
weekends ... attend nightly free movies . . . get a tan in
. . . But anyway you spell it,
(Direct JTA Teletype Wire
our year 'round, sun lamp solarium. All this for only
for his leadership as president
there's still only one Joe!
to The Jewish News)
$8.75 per day! For just a bit more you'll relieve tensions
of the Israel Bond drive in
JERUSALEM — Barring un-
WHO'LL WIN the nine days
in our popular Sulphur Baths, relax in Sauna Baths,
Europe.
foreseen developments, present vacation for two in Las -r -egas
have a soothing massage. You'll feel like a new person!
The 1964 campaign of the sources of immigration to Israel
Play cards, chat with new friends, sip a cocktail in the
is a big question as Jewish War
National Women's Division of will end within three years, Veterans, Dept. of Mich., holds
bar .. . walk on the beach or visit nearby shops. Dress
informally. forget your worries and just have fun!
the Israel Bond Organization posing both national implica- its 28th Annual Military Ball,
will be launched at a luncheon tions and manpower shortages,
Feb. 15, at the Veterans Memo-
being held in conjunction with Labor Ministery Yigal Mon told
rial Bldg. • on Jefferson . . .
the Inaugural Conference, Feb. the Parliament.
per person,
That's one of the big prizes of
daily, double
21, at the Fontainebleau Hotel.
Announcing an increase in the eve, with two orchestras on
occupancy. Includes
The international premiere of family allowances, the labor
full course breakfast and
tap for the danceable festivi-
New This Season!
deluxe dinner! Same rate
the St.. Laurent-Israel Fashion minister said families should
weekends or week days.
Modified American
Collection will take place at the be given moral and material ties . . . William Sniderman,
European Plan (room
Plan from
luncheon, with Mrs. Jan Peerce, encouragement to have more Dept. Jr. Vice Comm., is fund-
only) if you
raising
chairman
.
.
,
Harry
L
prefer.
chairman of the Women's Divi- children. He also urged in-
Friedman is Department Com-
sion, presiding.
creased efficiency and produc-
In addition to Baron de tivity in the Israel economy mander.
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD • Alla n
Rothschild, Rothberg and Mrs. which he called the "Cardinal
Only 3 hours' drive from Detroit via 194.
Rice, son of Julie and Lou Rice,
Michigan Central train daily to Niles—
Peerce, Israel Bond leaders Task" of Israel.
came
home
from
school
last
and we'll meet you if requested.
taking part in the conference
week,
scowled
at
his
father,
and
will include Abraham Feinberg,
president; Ira Guilden, national Yiddish Theater in Paris said. "I got into trouble today,
PARIS, (JTA) — The Yid- dad, and it's all your fault." .. .
chairman: Dr. Schwartz, Law-
rence G. Laskey, chairman, na- dish Theater of Paris, once fa- Lou asked why . . . "Remember
tional ex ecutive committee; mous throughout western Euro- I asked you how much $10,000
Louis H. Boyar, national chair- pe but dormant in recent years, was'?" said little Allen, still
Sulphur Springs Hotel, St. Joseph, Michigan
man of Trustees; Max Bressler, was revived recently with the scowling . . . Lou said he re-
Phone: YUkon 3-2501 (Area Code 616)
national chairman of Guard- presentation of a musical com- membered and what of it? .. .
"Well,
'a
helluva
lot'
ain't
the
ians, and Julian B. Venezky, edy b as e d on the works of
right answer."
national chairman for Regions. Sholom Aleichem.

In April 1955. the Union of
Jewish Communities of Italy
marked the 10th anniversary of
their liberation by striking a
gold medal. Its citation reads:
"To P. Marie-Benoit, Capu-
chin Father. During the perilous
years of 1940-43, he gave An-
stinting aid to the Jewish com-
munities of Marseilles, Cannes
and Nice . . . With unfaltering
courage. Father Marie-Benoit
took his life in his hands to
rescue the oppressed. This
medal is presented to him in
recognition of the imperishable
memory of his heroism."
Father Benoit is a member
of the Franciscan order. He
is a professor of theology and
a Hebrew scholar. With the
fall of France in 1940 he was
sent to Marseilles in unoccu-
pied France. He quickly be-
came a leader in the resist-
ance movement. He smuggled
Jews and anti-Nazis into neu-
tral Spain.
One of his proteges was cap-
tured and revealed the clandes-
tine operation, but Marseilles
was in Italian territory and the
Italian authorities allowed him
to act as official visitor to the
principal internment centers
there. This allowed him to de-
liver forbidden messages.

LISTENING

.

Sapir. Ribicoff
to Speak at Bond
Parley in Miami

Sheldon Rott

MORE FUN, MORE TO DO
AT HALF THE COST...

Just 3 hours from Detroit!

