Sydney Jewish Museum
October 2001 - August 2002

Hongkew culture & community

The refugees in Hongkew formed a myriad of associations to manage their resources and organise their lives. With the help of the already established communities new institutions were created: synagogues, Jewish schools, sports clubs and Zionist and socialist groups. 

As poverty intensified, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint or JDC) played a key role in making survival possible. Funds were transferred from the United States through the Red Cross. By 1945, 11,000 of the 18,000 Jews in the ghetto depended on Joint assistance. 

Aided by organizations such as the Polish Mutual Aid Society, which relied on local donations, the Joint set up communal soup kitchens in addition to other welfare services.

Sport was a vital escape with many soccer teams a feature of ghetto life.

The refugees quickly recreated a rich cultural life. Music ensembles, writers’ groups, art clubs, theatre and cabaret thrived. Many local musicians worked as music teachers as well as performing in cafés. Adult education groups met regularly, offering such diverse topics as current affairs, mathematics and chess.


 
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Cabaret garment
Marischel, S
Fabric
Pants, bodice, scarf, jacket, hat (2 parts)
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Card of Jewish recreation club
Pisk, G
Paper
No image available
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Cup
Marischel, K
Silver
Soccer/sports/trophy
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Jewish Sports Day magazine
Jellineck, G
Paper
Willy Jellineck - Fashion trader
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Marriage certificate (Hebrew/English)
Beran, D
Paper
Dita Beran's certificate
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
News clippings for entertainment in Ghetto
Gunsberger, F & R
Paper
No image available
Object:
Lender:
Date:
Notes:
Wedding gloves
Gunsberger, F & R
1942
Fabric Crocheted; belonged to Sabine; wedding in Shanghai 17 May 1942
Object:
Lender:
Notes:
Wedding invitation card
Beran, D
Paper
No image available
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