{"id":841,"date":"2021-08-31T09:22:32","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T07:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/?page_id=841"},"modified":"2023-02-04T13:04:41","modified_gmt":"2023-02-04T12:04:41","slug":"jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/","title":{"rendered":"Jewish merchants in Solingen-Ohligs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div id=\"maps-marker-pro-9f0caf72\" class=\"maps-marker-pro\" style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmp-map-wrap-9f0caf72\" class=\"mmp-map-wrap\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"mmp-map-9f0caf72\" class=\"mmp-map\" style=\"height: 400px;\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Armin Schulte and Daniela Tobias, translated from German by Miriam Braun, Autumn 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stop 1: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/#Coopmann\">The Coopman Family<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 2: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/2\/\">The Strauss Family<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 3: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/3\/\">Henriette Marx<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 4: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/4\/\">The Rosenbaum Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 5: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/8\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/5\/\">The Davids Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 6: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/6\/\">The Bassat Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 7: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/7\/\">The Steeg Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 8: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/8\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/8\/\">The Z\u00fcrndorfer Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 9: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/9\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/9\/\">The Steinberger Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 10: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/10\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/10\/\">The Wallach Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 11: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/11\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/11\/\">The Meyerhoff Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop 12: <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/juedische-kaufleute-in-ohligs\/12\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/12\/\">Ohligs Station<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"Coopmann\">The tour starts at the marketplace of Ohligs and ends at the main station. The route is barrier-free and covers a distance of about 400 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 1: The Coopman Family<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1068\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-768x1155.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-1021x1536.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-1362x2048.jpg 1362w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-1568x2358.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due76_7851-scaled.jpg 1702w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 76 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 76 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our tour starts at the marketplace of Ohligs. Here we are at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 76 where merchant David Coopman once had a men\u2019s and boy\u2019s clothing store. Like most Jewish merchants that settled in the emergent centre of Solingen-Ohligs around the turn of the century, Coopman originally came from a rural area. His parents\u2019 generation was mostly working in the cattle trade, one of the few jobs allowed for Jews in their days, with some of them at least making enough money for some savings. So, once the Jews were granted legal equality, said parents could finance good education and training for their children and, as a consequence, their offspring rapidly advanced socially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-1691-1024x669.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-229\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Coopman store at D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 76 (centre of the image, with awning above the shop window). Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 1691<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>David Coopman was born on 30 December 1877 in Linnich, close to J\u00fclich, and was the son of horse trader Heumann Coopman and his wife Bertha. David\u2019s mother already had two daughters from her first marriage, Regina and Emma. After David, the couple also had two girls together, Jenny and Julie, and another son, Jakob. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1885 and 1899, sisters Emma and Jenny Coopman already stayed in Solingen for a while. Julie Coopman also lived there for several months in 1903.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 25 November 1897, David Coopman moved from Hilden, where his sister Emma and her husband <a href=\"https:\/\/stolpersteine-guide.de\/map\/biografie\/1763\/familie-kramer\">Josef Kr\u00e4mer<\/a> had opened their own business that year, to Ohligs. At first, he was registered as salesclerk at Julius Wolff\u2019s on D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 43. Wolff was probably related to him through his wife Bertha Coopman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>David Coopman did his military service from 1898 until October 1901 and returned to Ohligs afterwards. He was registered as self-employed merchant since 1908 and was in charge of his own store for men\u2019s clothing. He regularly placed advertisements and promoted his business via newspaper supplements. In his different ads, he praised his clothing store as [in translation] the \u201ccheapest store for men\u2019s, boy\u2019s and worker\u2019s robes\u201d. His sister Julie moved to Ohligs in 1916 and started working for him as sales assistant. She remained unmarried, as did David. The Coopman store was presumably flourishing, it never belonged to Ohligs\u2019 larger textile stores though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9493061\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Coopmann_OA19140404-1024x545.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Coopmann_OA19140404-1024x545.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Coopmann_OA19140404-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Coopmann_OA19140404-768x408.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Coopmann_OA19140404.jpg 1239w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement by David Coopman in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 4 April 1914. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9493061\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the National Socialists had seized power in 1933, the textile store\u2019s daily business became subject to more and more restrictions as a result of the Nazi\u2019s antisemitic persecution policies. David Coopman died on 12 October 1937 at the municipal hospital, after undergoing surgery for inguinal hernia. He was buried at the Jewish cemetery in Solingen. His tombstone, a work by sculptor <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Leopold_Fleischhacker\">Leopold Fleischhacker<\/a> of D\u00fcsseldorf, is inscribed with [in translation]: \u201cOnly the forgotten are dead.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5176-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">David Coopman\u2019s tombstone, together with a commemorative badge for his sister Julie. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After David\u2019s death, his sister continued to run the store at first, but it eventually closed down. Julie Coopman moved to Cologne on 29 July 1938. From there, she was deported to the Ghetto of Litzmannstadt (Lodz) on 30 October 1941.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a harrowing letter, written by the directress of the \u201cGreisenheim Marysin II\u201c (literally \u201cOld People\u2019s Home Marysin II\u201c) and dated 1 May 1942, extant from the ghetto. Addressing the \u201cAmt f\u00fcr Eingesiedelte\u201d (literally \u201cOffice for In-Settlers\u201d), she pleaded for the life of Julie Coopman and four other, sickly people [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe ask to exempt the persons mentioned above from the expulsion from the Ghetto of Litzmannstadt and would kindly like to put forth the following reasons for the request: first and foremost, all of these persons are inmates of the Greisenheim, they are sickly and old. Ms. Coopmann, Mr. Michel and Mrs. Katz have been in our makeshift hospital for quite some time now and are absolutely unfit for transport.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>Request for postponement of expulsion from Lodz ghetto, dated 1 May 1942 (translation M.B., 2021).<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl\/skan\/-\/skan\/0637a42666845a7dcf41fcdbd45d02a1cd25d56e60c97d769f71162c5cdf90ed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl\/0637a42666845a7dcf41fcdbd45d02a1cd25d56e60c97d769f71162c5cdf90ed_max\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Request for postponement of expulsion from Lodz ghetto, dated 1 May 1942.<br>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl\/en\/skan\/-\/skan\/0637a42666845a7dcf41fcdbd45d02a1cd25d56e60c97d769f71162c5cdf90ed\">State Archives Lodz APL PSZ, sig. 39\/278\/0\/19\/1290, sheet 404<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Julie Coopman survived the letter by a few weeks only. She died on 6 June 1942, still in the ghetto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Julie\u2019s and David\u2019s brother and sisters all fell victim to the Holocaust, as did their respective spouses and children. Only their nephew <a href=\"https:\/\/stolpersteine-guide.de\/map\/biografie\/1763\/familie-kramer\">Bernhard Kr\u00e4mer<\/a> and, probably, his sister Klara actually survived the war. The National Socialists had managed to almost erase the Coopman family completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 2: The Strauss Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-211x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1070\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-720x1024.jpg 720w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-768x1093.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-1080x1536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-1440x2048.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-1568x2231.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due58_7848-scaled.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 211px) 100vw, 211px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 58 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 58 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oskar Strauss was born in Bochum on 8 September 1875. He was one of nine children to merchant Isaac Strauss and his wife Sara. Isaac Strauss came from a long-established Jewish family of Solingen-Gr\u00e4frath. Oskar, about whose childhood and youth we have no information, worked, or was trained, as locksmith and in the penknife industry at first. According to the archive of the local registry office, he lived in Essen between 1899 and 1903.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oskar\u2019s older brother Moritz passed away in June 1903, his father Isaac died in October that same year. Oskar temporarily moved back into his parents\u2018 household at Wupperstra\u00dfe 9 and lived there until his mother died in January 1905. After that, he moved to K\u00f6lner Stra\u00dfe 118 where he ran a business for steel ware. He sold his goods on markets and trade fairs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"239\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B49_8327-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B51_8330-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/B52_8333-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Tombstones of Isaac, Moritz and Sara Strauss on the Jewish cemetery of Solingen. Photos: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1908, Oskar Strauss became a tenant in the house of Mr. Schlingensiepen who would later become his father-in-law. The house was probably where he met his wife Marie who had been born in Solingen on 25 September 1888. The couple got married in 1913 and moved to D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 58 where Oskar\u2019s business was also located back then. They lived there until 1931. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The couple\u2019s first son, Lothar, was born on 20 January 1914. Their second son, Heinz, was born on 7 January 1919. Although their mother was of Protestant faith, both children were part of the Israelite community. The young family suffered a horrible stroke of fate when Heinz died in 1926. By that time, Oskar Strauss had already lost his sister Rosa in 1916 and his brother Hermann in 1922, before his brother Adolf also died relatively young in 1931.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The family moved to Kronenstra\u00dfe in 1931 and later, in June 1934, to Kiefernstra\u00dfe 6 in Ohligs. When the discrimination and disenfranchisement of the Jewish population began in 1933, and with it their elimination from commercial life, Oskar Strauss\u2019 income as a merchant of steel ware also declined significantly. The family\u2019s relatively convenient economic position soon turned into a rather modest one. And it came even worse: son Lothar, who had just registered a business as merchant for floristry supplies in 1936, died of tuberculosis at the municipal hospital on 31 July 1936. The number of deaths in Oskar\u2019s life must therewith have reached a level that made the burden almost impossible to bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, the Nazi regime, implementing its policies of discrimination and persecution, hardly left him any breathing space. In the wake of the \u201cKristallnacht\u201d, Oskar Strauss was arrested on 10 November 1938 and spent one night in \u201cprotective custody\u201d at Solingen\u2019s police prison. From January 1939 onwards, Jews were forced to adopt the first names \u201cIsrael\u201d or \u201cSara\u201d. Oskar Strauss subsequently saw only one way out: on 13 January 1939, he threw himself in front of a train at the rail route between Ohligs and Cologne. He was laid to rest on Solingen\u2019s Jewish cemetery. In the registry of funerals, it says [in translation]: \u201cHis life and death led offside the usual road. He departed this life voluntarily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"398\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Strauss_Stolperstein.jpg\" alt=\"Stolperstein f\u00fcr Oskar Strauss, Kiefernstr. 6. Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen\" class=\"wp-image-243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Strauss_Stolperstein.jpg 398w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Strauss_Stolperstein-298x300.jpg 298w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Strauss_Stolperstein-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stolperstein for Oskar Strauss, located at Kiefernstr. 6. Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Marie Strauss henceforth lived in poor circumstances. She started working as housekeeper at the municipal hospital and re-married in 1944. She lived in Solingen until she died on 18 November 1982.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 3: Henriette Marx<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-217x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1071\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-740x1024.jpg 740w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-768x1063.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-1109x1536.jpg 1109w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-1479x2048.jpg 1479w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-1568x2171.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due49_7843-scaled.jpg 1849w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 49 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 49 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 5 May 1879, Henriette Breuer was born in the village of Tetz which nowadays belongs to the district of D\u00fcren. Her parents were merchant Moses Breuer and his wife Sibilla. In 1904, Henriette married Louis Marx of M\u00f6nchengladbach. In February 1906, she opened a branch of the company \u201cGladbacher Fabrik-Depot\u201d (literally \u201cFactory Depot Gladbach\u201d) at D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 49 (at the time: 43) in Ohligs. She gave birth to son Fritz in M\u00f6nchengladbach on 14 September 1905, whereas her daughter Grete Luise was born in Ohligs on 4 April 1907.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9151043\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Marx_OA19060213-1024x756.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Marx_OA19060213-1024x756.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Marx_OA19060213-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Marx_OA19060213-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Marx_OA19060213.jpg 1234w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Notice of store\u2019s opening in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 13 February 1906. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9151043\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Henriette Marx\u2018s move to Ohligs was probably also a way to flee from her abusive husband. The Royal District Court Cologne dissolved the marriage on 30 March 1907 and ruled that Louis Marx was guilty of abusing his wife. It\u2019s remarkable that the court viewed Henriette\u2019s second pregnancy as having been conceived under duress. If they had judged it to be a new tie between husband and wife, the prerequisites for a divorce would have become obsolete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/11309815?query=%22Henriette%20Marx%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marx_IF19101021-1024x478.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marx_IF19101021-1024x478.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marx_IF19101021-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marx_IF19101021-768x359.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marx_IF19101021.jpg 1118w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Job listing by Henriette Marx, looking for a female housekeeper, in the Jewish newspaper \u201cIsraelitisches Familienblatt\u201d of 21 October 1910. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/11317734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Universit\u00e4tsbibliothek Frankfurt am Main, Compact Memory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Henriette Marx\u2019s personal circumstances as a single mother of two small children were surely not easy, she successfully established a new livelihood in Ohligs. In 1909, she temporarily ranked first among the Jewish merchants of Ohligs when it came to the amount of taxes due. In fact, her store that sold clothes, fabrics and bedding thrived so much that she extended her sales rooms several times over the course of the following years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_Duesseld_1915_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1024x626.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_Duesseld_1915_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1024x626.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_Duesseld_1915_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_Duesseld_1915_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_Duesseld_1915_FotoStolp_BEAUNS.jpg 1512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Meyerhoff store, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 49 (on the left), postcard dating ca. from 1915. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 2443<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Henriette Marx got married to merchant Simon Meyerhoff, who moved in from Wiesbaden, on 7 November 1912. Simon had been born in the Westphalian town of K\u00f6rbecke on 29 September 1875 and was the fifth child to his parents, butcher and cattle trader Jakob Meyerhoff and his wife Jenni. The couple\u2019s witnesses were merchants <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/7\/\">Paul Steeg<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/5\/\">Georg Davids<\/a> of Ohligs. A few weeks afterwards, Henriette Marx announced her business\u2019 rebranding in the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d: it henceforth operated under the name of \u201cS. Meyerhoff, Manufaktur- und Modenhaus\u201d (literally \u201cS. Meyerhoff, manufacture and fashion store\u201d). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9176237\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19121204.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19121204.jpg 879w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19121204-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19121204-768x575.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ANotice of the business\u2019 rebranding in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 4 December 1912. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9176237\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The clothing store, of which Henriette remained managing director, still belonged to the larger Jewish businesses in Ohligs, but it no longer reached top-ranking position. The range of products included women\u2019s clothing, fabrics and linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to his registration card, her son Fritz Marx moved to Duisburg in 1923. After having attended a school of higher education for four years, he was trained as musician at different places, including Leipzig. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 1 July 1929, Henriette\u2019s daughter Grete Luise married Dr. jur. Dr. rer. pol. Heinrich Rosenblatt in Ohligs. The jurist had been born in Nuremberg on 23 September 1898 and ran a solicitor\u2019s office there from 1927 onwards. Their daughter Hella was also born in Nuremberg, on 24 December 1930. Later on, the young couple lived in Duisburg.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9221314\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"927\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19220624.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19220624.jpg 798w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19220624-258x300.jpg 258w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19220624-768x892.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In 1922\/23, the fashion store S. Meyerhoff regularly placed advertisements with recommended cutting patterns in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d, like this one of 24 June 1922. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9221314\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Meyerhoff department store filed for bankruptcy in September 1931 and had to be closed down. It can only be speculated in how far the effects of the world economic crisis played a part in this development. In April 1932, Henriette Meyerhoff registered a business, operating under her name and selling manufactured goods as well as clothes, at <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/11\/\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 17<\/a>. That address is the penultimate stop of our tour, so we will learn more about the fate of the Meyerhoff family later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 4: The Rosenbaum Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-204x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1072\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-204x300.jpg 204w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-697x1024.jpg 697w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-768x1129.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-1045x1536.jpg 1045w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-1393x2048.jpg 1393w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-1568x2305.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due46_7835-scaled.jpg 1741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 46 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 46 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike most other Jewish merchants in Ohligs, Abraham \u201cAdolf\u201d Rosenbaum had not been born in the Prussian Rhine Province or in Westphalia, but came from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rozhniativ\">Rozhniativ<\/a>, a village that lay far in the east and, at the time of his birth on 14 October 1884, still belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. He moved to Ohligs in December 1909 and opened a store there in 1912. His business was located at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 46 and sold men\u2019s wear, footwear, haberdashery as well as worker\u2019s robes. Two years later, he registered a business for footwear at the same address. In 1911, his older brother Moses Rosenbaum had already opened a shoe store in Solingen-Wald.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Rosenbaum_Duesseldorfer_Str_46_PK-1520_FotoStolp_BEA_R-1024x650.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Rosenbaum_Duesseldorfer_Str_46_PK-1520_FotoStolp_BEA_R-1024x650.jpg\" alt=\"Gesch\u00e4ft Rosenbaum, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 46 (3. Haus v. rechts), Postkarte von ca. 1926. Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen, PK 1520\" class=\"wp-image-3814\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Rosenbaum store, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 46 (3rd house on the right), postcard dating ca. from 1926. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 1520<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In early 1914, Adolf Rosenbaum got married to Cilly Weissfeldt who had been born on 19 October 1883 in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C4%99p%C3%B3lno_Kraje%C5%84skie\">Zempelburg<\/a> in West Prussia. Her two brothers had founded a store for men\u2019s wear in Solingen, named \u201cGebr. Weissfeldt\u201d (literally \u201cWeissfeldt Brothers\u201c), after the turn of the century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another difference between Adolf Rosenbaum and his competitors at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe was the fact that he did not advertise. In the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d, there is a notice of the store\u2019s opening and a small notice of the store remaining closed during Yom Kippur. Apart from that, there is only one more ad in the local newspaper, covering half a page: in it, Adolf Rosenbaum declared that he\u2019d do without expensive advertisement so that he could offer his customers especially affordable prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9177132\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"856\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rosenbaum_OA19130320.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rosenbaum_OA19130320.jpg 856w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rosenbaum_OA19130320-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rosenbaum_OA19130320-768x578.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 20 March 1913. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9177132\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On 22 June 1922, Cilly Rosenbaum gave birth to daughter Lia in Ohligs. The family was considered wealthy, lived in a generous four- to five-room apartment, had more than 6,000 pair of shoes in stock and employed three to four staff members and auxiliaries. The boycott of Jewish businesses that started with the Nazi\u2019s seizure of power did not have a massive effect on the Rosenbaum family at first. However, the effect on their business\u2018 revenue became more and more tangible over the years and their employees had to be dismissed one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"578\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Rosenbaum_OA19220624.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Rosenbaum_OA19220624.jpg 578w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Rosenbaum_OA19220624-300x189.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Birth announcement for Lia Rosenbaum in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 24 June 1922. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9221306\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After World War I, Adolf Rosenbaum was no longer considered an Austrian, but a Polish citizen \u2013 something that became a fateful twist for him in 1938. At the end of October, he was deported to Poland as part of the so-called <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polenaktion\">\u201cPolenaktion\u201d<\/a> (literally \u201cPolish Action\u201d), the coordinated detention and forceful expulsion of at least 17,000 Jews all over Germany. However, the Polish border authorities were not prepared for these unexpected deportations and, in most cases, refused the entry. As a consequence, many people had to stay in camps or completely outdoors for weeks. According to Solingen\u2019s synagogue community, Adolf Rosenbaum stayed in Warsaw in January 1939. His business had been deregistered on 13 December 1938, never having re-opened after the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.solingen.de\/de\/inhalt\/november-1938\/\">\u201cKristallnacht\u201d<\/a> anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cilly officially moved to D\u00fcsseldorf on 25 May 1939 and was probably taken in by the Lubascher family at their guesthouse of Steinstr. 60. We don\u2019t have any information on how long she stayed there.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/2684267\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lubascher_JR19380812-300x182.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lubascher_JR19380812-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lubascher_JR19380812.jpg 541w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Advertisement by guesthouse \u201cHaus Lubascher\u201c, D\u00fcsseldorf, in the Jewish newspaper \u201cJ\u00fcdische Rundschau\u201c of 12 August 1938. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/2684267?lang=en\">University Library in Frankfurt on the Main, Compact Memory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Adolf Rosenbaum\u2019s registration card of Solingen, the last entry reads [in translation] \u201cis said to be in Brussels now\u201d. We don\u2019t know yet whether Cilly and Lia managed to somehow make their way to Belgium and be reunited with Adolf there. In any case, the family\u2019s next known residence is Nice. For a long time, the city in southern France belonged to the country\u2019s non-occupied zone and, as a result, many Jewish refugees gathered there, hoping to be able to emigrate to the USA or some other non-European country from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gedenkorte-europa.eu\/content\/list\/352\/#:~:text=Jeweils%20am%2015.,im%20Bahnhof%20von%20Nice%2DVille.\">Nice<\/a> came under Italian occupation from November 1942 until September 1943. Though their rule was brutal, the Italians stopped the antisemitic measurements taken by the Vichy regime and did not turn any Jews in to the Germans, for a few exceptions only. However, after Italy had declared its withdrawal from the war, the Germans took over there as well and immediately started conducting razzias in order to arrest resistance fighters and Jews.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!4v1611671022971!6m8!1m7!1svbthktw5y_ShlwfYwW5ChQ!2m2!1d43.72926939104198!2d7.278537126985062!3f32.41322112113205!4f-11.576089502825624!5f0.7820865974627469\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By now, at the latest, the Rosenbaum family must have went into hiding. There is an <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fleeinghitler.org\/story\/hidden-children-in-france-1940-1944-a-memoir-part-ii\/\">account<\/a> by contemporary witness Joseph Sungolowsky who, as a boy, was hidden in the villa \u201cCottage Bellevue\u201d in Nice. Joseph recalls the anxious weeks at Avenue Sainte Colette that he and his brother Leon spent being separated from their father, mother and sister. At the time, the villa, originally a childcare facility, was home to the three members of the Rosenbaum family, an elderly couple named Bialystok, the two Sungolowsky brothers and textile manufacturer <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/ressources.memorialdelashoah.org\/notice.php?q=identifiant_origine:(FRMEMSH0408707114832)\" target=\"_blank\"><u>L\u00e9on Mark-Geschwind<\/u><\/a>. The latter had been born in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zhovkva\">Zolkiew<\/a> in 1898 and was Lia\u2019s fianc\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a while, they all hid in a makeshift shack in the cellar that didn\u2019t have any windows. The inhumane conditions of this hiding place, however, drove them back into their respective rooms eventually. In October 1943, the Gestapo (<em>Geheime Staatspolizei<\/em>, literally \u201cSecret State Police\u201d) conducted a razzia one night. The villa\u2019s landlady, Madame Lemas, pretended that the two boys were her own sons, but she was unable to save the rest of the group. The Rosenbaum family and the elderly man, <a href=\"https:\/\/yvng.yadvashem.org\/nameDetails.html?language=en&amp;itemId=1348462\">Mendel Bialystok<\/a>, were arrested and taken away. Bialystok\u2019s wife was left behind since she was not fit for transport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1943\/44, more than 3,000 Jews were arrested and deported in and around Nice. Adolf, Cilly and Lia Rosenbaum were taken, together with Lia\u2019s fianc\u00e9 L\u00e9on Mark-Geschwind, from Nice to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gedenkorte-europa.eu\/content\/list\/117\/\">Drancy camp<\/a>, close to Paris. Almost 65,000 Jews were deported from this central assembly and transit camp until August 1944, their transports going to the extermination camps in Eastern Europe. The responsible French police commander in Drancy noted down meticulously how much money and what valuables had been taken off <a href=\"http:\/\/ressources.memorialdelashoah.org\/notice.php?q=identifiant_origine:(FRMEMSH0408707125156)\">Adolf<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/ressources.memorialdelashoah.org\/notice.php?q=identifiant_origine:(FRMEMSH0408707125223)\">Lia<\/a> in early November. The list reads [in translation]: 3,070 Francs, 1 golden men\u2019s watch no. 20729, 1 golden necklace, 1 long golden necklace, 1 golden bracelet, 1 golden brooch, 1 golden medallion (broken), 1 golden tooth, 1 golden women\u2019s watch, 2 golden women\u2019s bracelets, 4 golden rings with brilliants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 20 November 1943, the family was taken from Drancy to Auschwitz, as were L\u00e9on Mark-Geschwind and Mendel Bialystok. All of them were murdered at the concentration camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the war, Adolf\u2019s nephew <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archives.gov.il\/en\/archives\/Archive\/0b07170680034dc1\/File\/0b071706810053e7\">Leo Rosenbaum<\/a> applied, as heir, for compensation. Back in 1934, his father, Adolf\u2019s brother Moses Rosenbaum, had managed to sell his shoe store in Solingen-Wald and emigrated to Palestine with his family. After Moses had died, Leo returned to Germany. In 1956, he became re-naturalised in Solingen and, in 1958, founded shoe stores in Remscheid and D\u00fcsseldorf. Between 1961 and 1976, he ran a third branch in Solingen, located at Hauptstra\u00dfe 20-22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 5: The Davids Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1075\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1024x835.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-768x626.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1536x1252.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-2048x1669.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1568x1278.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Merchant Simon Davids and his wife Helena Amalie of H\u00fcls, close to Krefeld, became parents to a total of nine children between 1866 and 1883: Josef, Gertrud, Moritz, Johanna, Max, Thekla, Georg, Selma and Sally. The brothers and sisters ran commercial houses for clothing in Solingen-Ohligs, Neuss, Wiesbaden, Remscheid and Bochum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9154008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"859\" height=\"643\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19070628.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19070628.jpg 859w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19070628-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19070628-768x575.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 859px) 100vw, 859px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">On 28 June 1907, Georg Davids advertised his clothing store of Ohligs in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d and pointed out other subsidiaries in Remscheid, Neuss and Wiesbaden. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9154008\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Max Davids probably lay the foundation to the family business, first starting it in Wiesbaden in 1896. His sister Johanna Davids moved to Remscheid in 1899 where she was in charge of a branch of \u201cFalk &amp; Cie\u201d, a company from Solingen. In 1906, she married merchant Julius Lange who, in 1914 at the latest, went on to become owner of \u201cFalk &amp; Cie\u201d. Simultaneously, Max Davids was already running the men\u2019s and boy\u2019s clothing store \u201cGebr. Davids\u201d (literally \u201cDavids Brothers\u201d) in Remscheid since 1907 at the latest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Georg Davids had been born on 11 October 1878. Aged 21, he moved from Benrath to the emergent centre of Solingen-Ohligs in December 1899. He was listed as salesclerk at first and did his military service in 1900\/1901. He got married to Jenny Strauss in 1903. Aschaffenburg is where Jenny had been born on 23 November 1880 and it is also where the couple got married. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 23 April 1901, Georg Davids advertised the opening of the men\u2019s clothing store \u201cGebr. Davids\u201d in the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d. Back then, the business was located at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 42 (today: 38) and it was co-owned by Georg\u2019s eldest brother Josef Davids. Josef was a cattle trader in H\u00fcls and, later on, became the provost of the Jewish community there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-1024x708.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-768x531.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-1536x1062.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA-1568x1084.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_Duesseldorfer_FotoStolp_BEA.jpg 1954w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Davids store, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40 (on the right), postcard dating ca. from 1910. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Georg Davids built a representative house at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 40, that still defines the streetscape to this day. His clothing store opened there on 8 November 1907. Georg and Jenny Davids&#8216; personal family life was also flourishing: son Walter was born on 14 June 1904, followed by daughter Hilde on 4 February 1906. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1911, Georg Davids advertised [in translation] the \u201cunmatched affordability\u201d of his products and, in 1912, called his business [in translation] the \u201cgreatest specialist store in clothing business\u201d. And he had a point: according to the community\u2019s tax estimate, his business ranked second among Jewish-owned businesses in Ohligs for several years in a row. Only the industrialist Nathan Kastor surpassed him. The advertisements Georg Davids placed in the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c were usually large-sized and impressed with their striking design. Both proprietary goods and the store\u2019s own manufacture were advertised for.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>[FinalTilesGallery id=&#8217;1&#8242;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-extra-small-font-size\">Compilation of different advertisements for the Gebr. Davids store in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c. Source: City Archive of Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-1024x664.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-768x498.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-1536x996.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-2048x1327.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PK-3455-1568x1016.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Davids also advertised on a house wall at Ohligs market. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 3455<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> Georg\u2019s sister Selma moved to Ohligs in 1912. Together with Julius Lange, her brother-in-law, she founded the company \u201cJ. Lange &amp; Co.\u201d around 1913. Their store was located at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 3 and was [in translation] a \u201cspecialist fashion store for attire\u201d, selling women\u2019s clothing. On 27 June 1919, Selma married merchant Siegfried Scheiberg of B\u00fcckeburg. After being married for nine moths only, she died of pneumonia on 16 March 1920 and was laid to rest on the Jewish cemetery of Solingen.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"649\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-1024x649.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-768x487.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-1536x973.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-2048x1298.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RS-16540-1568x994.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The shop of J. Lange at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 3. The building doesn&#8217;t exist anymore. Source: City archive of Solingen, RS 16540<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5191-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Selma Scheiberg\u2019s tombstone at the Jewish cemetery. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A major event in the family of Jenny and Georg Davids was the wedding of their daughter. On 10 July 1929, Hilde got married to Karl Eichenberg of Frankfurt. The reception took place at Grafenberger Allee 78, at the D\u00fcsseldorf venue of the Jewish organisation <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/B%27nai_B%27rith\">\u201cB\u2019nai B\u2019rith\u201d<\/a>. The restaurant was run by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.duesseldorf.de\/medienportal\/pressedienst-einzelansicht\/pld\/erinnerungszeichen-grafenberger-allee-78-80-eingeweiht.html\">Lubascher family<\/a> who had previously lived in Solingen. Hilde followed her husband Karl Eichenberg to Frankfurt where she gave birth to daughter Lore in 1930. The family moved to Aschaffenburg later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9357761\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"597\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19290709.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19290709.jpg 597w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19290709-300x141.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marriage announcement of Karl Eichenberg and Hilde Davids in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 9 July 1929. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9357761\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When the National Socialists seized power in 1933, the Davids store\u2019s business development immediately started to decline. Taxes amounted to only a third of what they had been in 1930. Causes were the effects of the world economic crisis and of the new rulers\u2019 boycott measures. The family paid so-called \u201cReichsfluchtsteuer\u201d (literally \u201cReich Flight Tax\u201d) in as early as 1934, hence specifically preparing for their emigration. In 1935, however, their business recovered, possibly putting the plan to leave the country on hold for a while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In August 1935, Walter Davids became companion at the men\u2019s clothing store run by his parents. In April 1936, the \u201cGebr. Davids\u201d posted a job listing in the \u201cJ\u00fcdische Rundschau\u201d, saying [in translation]: \u201cLooking for a thoroughly hard-working, younger decorator for men\u2019s and women\u2019s clothing as well as men\u2019s fashion items. Should be capable of decorating 10 large windows in an appealing and modern way. Should also be good at lacquer writing and painting posters. Starting as soon as possible.\u201d In February 1937, Walter got married to Gerda Stein in Meiningen. Gerda had been born in Meiningen, Thuringia, and moved to Ohligs after the wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/zoom\/2690134\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_JR_19360417-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_JR_19360417-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_JR_19360417.jpg 545w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Job listing for a decorator in in the Jewish newspaper \u201cJ\u00fcdische Rundschau\u201c of 17 April 1936. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/2690134?lang=en\">University Library in Frankfurt on the Main, Compact Memory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although many developments in the commercial and personal life of the Davids family still pointed towards the future, the Davids store was \u201cAryanised\u201d on 28 January 1938, meaning it was (forcibly) transferred to a non-Jewish owner. It became a branch of \u201cArtmeier HG\u201d, a company from Solingen. In early March 1938, Georg and Walter Davids each registered a business as commercial agent for textile goods. However, they both quickly relinquished their new task and the two couples moved to Cologne at the end of March.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9415679\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19380127-1024x458.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19380127-1024x458.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19380127-300x134.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19380127-768x343.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Davids_OA19380127.jpg 1201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Notification of Artmeier acquiring the Davids store in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 27 January 1938. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9415679\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Departing from Rotterdam, Hilde and Karl Eichenberg had already managed to emigrate to the USA on 8 November 1938, together with their daughter Lore. Gerda and Walter Davids emigrated via the same route at the end of March 1939, after their first planned passage via ship had failed in October 1938. Their parents remained behind in Cologne by themselves. All subsequent attempts to arrange visa for them were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"753\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"651\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-753x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-753x1024.jpg 753w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-768x1045.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-1129x1536.jpg 1129w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-1506x2048.jpg 1506w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization-1568x2133.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Davids_Hilde_Naturalization.jpg 1710w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-755x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-755x1024.jpg 755w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-768x1041.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-1133x1536.jpg 1133w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-1510x2048.jpg 1510w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization-1568x2126.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DavidsWalter_Naturalization.jpg 1775w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Applications for American citizenship by Hilde Eichenberg and Walter Davids. Source (from left to right): &#8222;New York, Southern District, U.S District Court Naturalization Records, 1824-1946&#8220;, database with images, <em>FamilySearch<\/em> (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-W4NT\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-W4NT<\/a> : 8 March 2021), Hilde or Hilde Rosalie Davids Eichenberg, 1939;  (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP76-W6JC\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP76-W6JC<\/a> : 8 March 2021), Walter Davids, 1939.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Julius Lange was the first member of the Davids family to be deported. On 22 October 1941, he was taken from Cologne to the ghetto of Lodz. Georg and Jenny Davids were deported from Cologne to Berlin from where they were transported to Auschwitz extermination camp on 29 January 1943. Unless they had died of natural causes beforehand, all of Georg Davids\u2019 brothers and sisters fell victim to the Shoah, as did their respective spouses. The surviving children, having managed to leave Europe behind, stayed in the dark about their parents\u2019 fate for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hilde Eichenberg died in Toledo, Ohio, on 25 September 1973, just three days after her husband Karl. Her brother Walter died in New York on 3 September 1996.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seemingly untouched by the course of time, the proud house of the Davids family still exists at Ohligs\u2019 D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 40, diagonally across the former department store of the <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/7\/\">Steeg and Wertheim families<\/a>. And still, the former residents of these houses are almost forgotten. In early 2021, however, they made a brief return to no. 40 as part of a small <a href=\"https:\/\/quartier360.de\/sg\/Ohligs\/VonOhligsNachAuschwitz\/\">exhibition on the Jewish merchants<\/a> of Ohligs that included biographical data, pictures and memories of their life and work. Two Stolpersteine have been laid in front of the house, one for Jenny and one for Georg Davids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DT_4568-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shop window exhibition at D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 6: The Bassat Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1075\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1024x835.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-768x626.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1536x1252.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-2048x1669.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due40_7837-1568x1278.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 40 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers Heinrich Bassat and Nathan Kastor were exceptions among the Jewish entrepreneurs of Ohligs: While most of them were retailers, Bassat and Kastor were industrialists (Kastor could even be classed as an industrial magnate).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"235\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_Enrique1939-235x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_Enrique1939-235x300.jpg 235w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_Enrique1939.jpg 466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Enrique Bassat, photograph dating from ca. 1939. Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Enrique Juan Bassat y Strumza \u2013 or Heinrich Bassat, as he would call himself in Germany later on \u2013 was born in Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire, on 15 April 1891. He was the son of Lazaro Elyezer Bassat and his wife Regina. The Bassats were Sephardi Jews who had been expelled from Spain after the Reconquista. They found a new home in the Balkans and eventually in Turkey. During the first third of the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century, parts of the family returned to their former homeland Spain. The Bassats founded steel ware companies in a number of countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t have any information on Enrique Bassat\u2019s childhood and youth. In 1920, he and Rosa Asseo got married in Istanbul. Rosa had been born in Adrianople (Edirne) on 23 October 1897. In 1922, the couple moved to Hamburg where Bassat founded a steel ware company in October. In June 1925, he got registered in Ohligs and, in April 1926, started producing razor blades, razors, pocketknives and scissors at F\u00fcrkerfeldstra\u00dfe 22. According to his business registration card, Enrique Bassat was a Turkish citizen residing in Paris. In 1926, his brother Alberto joined the company as personally liable partner whereupon the business was turned into an open trading company (\u201coffene Handelsgesellschaft\u201d in German).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9357058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"412\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_OA019290506.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_OA019290506.jpg 412w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_OA019290506-300x123.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A job listing by the Bassat company, looking for female workers, in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 6 May 1929. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9357058\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Bassat very soon specialised in the manufacture of razor blades mainly. The company Albert &amp; Heinrich Bassat was a member of the \u201cRasierklingen-Industrie-Verband\u201d (literally \u201cAssociation of the Razor Blade Industry\u201d), founded in 1930, and took part in its meetings. The company advertised in specialist journals such as \u201cMesser und Schere\u201d and \u201cDie Klinge\u201d. Its commercial activity was further helped when Enrique\u2019s brother Moise-Elies\u00ear Bassat founded the \u201cTranscontinentale Export- und Importgesellschaft GmbH\u201d (literally \u201cTranscontinental Export and Import Company Ltd.\u201d) in September 1931.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-696x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-696x1024.jpg 696w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-204x300.jpg 204w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-768x1130.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-1043x1536.jpg 1043w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-1391x2048.jpg 1391w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-1568x2308.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bassat-Solingen-AB-1931djvu-scaled.jpg 1739w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Listing in Solingen\u2019s address register of 1931. Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In early 1930 at the latest, Enrique and Rosa Bassat moved to D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 40. The house they lived in was owned by local merchant <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/5\/\">Georg Davids and his wife Jenny<\/a>. The Bassats were frequently visited by relatives who came from all over the world and stayed with them in Ohligs for weeks or months at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"bg-margin-for-link\"><input type='hidden' bg_collapse_expand='69d27f213e6845043531253' value='69d27f213e6845043531253'><input type='hidden' id='bg-show-more-text-69d27f213e6845043531253' value='Founding of a razor blade manufacture in Spain'><input type='hidden' id='bg-show-less-text-69d27f213e6845043531253' value='hide'><a id='bg-showmore-action-69d27f213e6845043531253' class='bg-showmore-plg-link bg-arrow '  style=\" color:#dd6622;;\" href='#'>Founding of a razor blade manufacture in Spain<\/a><div id='bg-showmore-hidden-69d27f213e6845043531253' ><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 12 February 1931, the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c published a company\u2019s statement under the title \u201cDeutsche Rasierklingenfabrikation in Spanien\u201c (literally \u201cGerman Manufacture of Razor Blades in Spain\u201c). In it, the company \u2013 not mentioned by name \u2013 defends itself against the accusation of planning to move its production abroad. The statement read [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAfter they had declared themselves willing to help, the owner of a local razor blade manufacture recently sent some of his employees, including one female worker from the lower municipal district, to Spain (\u2026) for some weeks so that they could assist with setting up the manufacture of razor blades there. It is interesting to read what the foreign owners of the company have to say. They write: The reason we set up a Spanish subsidiary of our razor blade manufacture is that Spain has been charging very high customs on razor blades, and in fact on all kinds of steel ware, for several months now, rendering an import of razor blades (to specifically name our product) absolutely impossible. \u2013 Thus, the revenues stay in the hands of American and English competitors right now and for us, as Spanish citizens, it is a matter of course to be opening a factory in our homeland, where we know the country and its people very well and where we can hence hope to win over parts of the clientele. \u2013 The claim that our Spanish subsidiary protracts the industry is not based on facts: after all, Spain raised its customs after a very large factory was opened in Toledo. That factory alone produces half as many razor blades as the Solingen district altogether. Additionally, 2 to 3 other small factories are to be found there. As a consequence of the increased customs, several German companies have also gone and opened razor blade manufactures in Spain and we were more or less the last to do so, but with the difference that we use only German materials for our production there. Up until now, all other existent companies buy from England only (\u2026) and [that is why] we believe that by exclusively supplying our Spanish subsidiary with German materials we are actually catering to the interests of the German industry. Because if the finished products cannot be delivered from here to that country, it may at least be supplied with German machinery and raw materials.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>Ohligser Anzeiger of 12 February 1931 (translation: M.B., 2021)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Undoubtedly, the company in question was that of Albert &amp; Heinrich Bassat. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.luisbassat.com\/\">Lluis Bassat<\/a>, descendant of the Bassats and a renowned Catalonian publisher from Barcelona, further clarified the order of events when talking to local historian Hans Joachim Schneider of Solingen: according to Lluis, Enrique\u2019s brothers Samuel and Jacques Bassat had just founded a razor blade factory in Barcelona at that very time. Said company would remain family-owned until it was eventually sold to Gilette in 1972. Lluis Bassat also stated that his father Jos\u00e9, one of Samuel\u2019s sons, visited Ohligs back then in order to learn his profession\u2019s trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After the National Socialists had seized power in 1933 and the \u201cThird Reich\u201d implemented its strict policies on the control of foreign exchange, the Bassat company increasingly faced difficulties. Although the business did not have to be closed down at first, the \u201cTranscontinentale GmbH\u201d had been dissolved in as early as June 1933, with Moise Bassat being appointed as its liquidator. In 1937 then, business operations had to be discontinued completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1934, Enrique Bassat was hit by multiple strokes of fate. After contracting an infection, his wife Rosa died at the municipal hospital on 15 March 1934. Only a few months later, on 19 July 1934, Enrique\u2019s brother Moise died in D\u00fcsseldorf. Both were laid to rest on the Jewish cemetery in Solingen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5184-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BassatRosa02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"556\" height=\"709\" data-id=\"565\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BassatRosa02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BassatRosa02.jpg 556w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BassatRosa02-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"671\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5174-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><br>Left: Moise Bassat\u2019s tombstone at the Jewish cemetery of Solingen. Photo: Daniela Tobias; Right: Obituary for Rosa Bassat in the local newspaper \u201cSolinger Tageblatt\u201d of 16 March 1934. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/8284193?lang=en\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a>; Below: Rosa Bassat\u2019s tombstone at the Jewish cemetery of Solingen. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Two years after that, Enrique Bassat and his new partner Emilie M\u00fcnch, n\u00e9e Heinemann, emigrated to France. Since Emilie was not Jewish, the couple was not allowed to get married in Germany and went to Paris at first: Enrique still had a residence there, at Avenue de la R\u00e9publique. On 26 June 1939, they reached Rio de Janeiro by ship and got married there on 1 September 1939. Later on, the couple moved to S\u00e3o Paulo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After Enrique Bassat had emigrated, his company in Ohligs continued to exist at first. Employees Elfriede Funk and Erich Flemm were conferred joint procuration on 23 April 1936. Three years later, on 10 May 1939, the company was dissolved and Emanuel Heinemann, Emilie M\u00fcnch\u2019s brother and lawyer in Wuppertal, was appointed as liquidator. In December 1939, Erich Korten, a former employee of the Bassat company, registered a razor blade factory located at F\u00fcrkerfeldstra\u00dfe, the former site of the Bassat company. A close operational and commercial linkage can be assumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-1024x740.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-1024x740.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-768x555.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-1536x1110.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-2048x1480.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_a-1568x1133.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"748\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-1024x748.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-574\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-1024x748.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-768x561.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-1536x1122.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-2048x1497.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bassat_GWK1926_b-1568x1146.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Business registration card of the company Albert &amp; Heinrich Bassat oH. There was another company that Enrique Bassat registered in 1952. Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stopping over in Barcelona and other cities, Enrique and Emilie Bassat returned to Ohligs in December 1951. Prior to that, Bassat had already arranged for his company to be re-entered in the commercial registry in August 1949. Operations at F\u00fcrkerfeldstra\u00dfe 22 were commenced in October 1952, but the company no longer succeeded in the post-war years. Operations were therefore discontinued in December 1955 and the company was de-registered again in 1957.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emilie Bassat died in Haan on 2 June 1958. Enrique Bassat emigrated to Israel in February 1960. He settled down in Givatajim, a small city located east of Tel Aviv, and died on 22 March 1976.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 7: The Steeg and Wertheim Families <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-229x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1078\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-229x300.jpg 229w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-782x1024.jpg 782w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-768x1005.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-1174x1536.jpg 1174w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-1565x2048.jpg 1565w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-1568x2052.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due35_7832-scaled.jpg 1956w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 35 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 35 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paul Steeg was born <a href=\"https:\/\/www.landesarchiv-nrw.de\/digitalisate\/Abt_Ostwestfalen-Lippe\/P5\/~000\/00058\/OWL_P5_00058_116b.jpg\">in Bochum on 6 May 1874<\/a> and was the son of merchant Louis Steeg and his wife Sara. Paul\u2019s wife-to-be, Emma Steinberg, was born in Castrop on 20 June 1875. The couple got married in August 1904. In Ohligs, they lived at D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 31 at first which is also where they opened the first store of their own. In 1909, the \u201cCentral-Bazar Paul Steeg\u201d, as the business was called, moved to D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 35 where it was henceforth located in the distinctive corner house of Heinrich Pongs, a merchant dealing with manufactured goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"649\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1024x649.jpg\" alt=\"Gesch\u00e4ft Paul Steeg, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 35 (rechts), Postkarte von ca. 1910. Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen, PK 2446\" class=\"wp-image-246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-768x487.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1536x974.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS-1568x994.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_Paul_Duessel_1910_FotoStolp_BEAUNS.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paul Steeg\u2019s store, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 35 (on the right), postcard dating ca. from 1910. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 2446<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Their business\u2019 foundation phase was successful: the amount of taxes that Paul Steeg had to pay quadrupled between 1906 and 1907. In the years that followed, the \u201cCentral-Bazar\u201d continuously belonged to the largest Jewish businesses in Ohligs. The store\u2019s range of products included toys, wicker furniture, household appliances, art objects, smaller items of furniture, giftware as well as goods made from leather, nickel or crystal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9162825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"869\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_OA19100405.jpg\" alt=\"Annonce zum Schulanfang vom 5. April 1910 im Ohligser Anzeiger. Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw\" class=\"wp-image-253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_OA19100405.jpg 869w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_OA19100405-300x72.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg_OA19100405-768x186.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 869px) 100vw, 869px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 4 April 1910. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9162825\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On 30 June 1905, Emma Steeg gave birth to daughter Grete. On 27 June 1907, Paul Steeg placed an employment notice in the weekly \u201cDer Israelit\u201d, the [in translation] \u201cCentral Organ for Orthodox Judaism\u201d. It read [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cLooking for an older, hardworking girl that can support my wife. Should have run a middle-class household before and be able to cook perfectly. Domestic staff includes a maid. Please direct applications incl. photograph and salary requirements to Paul Steeg, Ohligs close to Solingen.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite><em>Job listing in \u201cDer Israelit\u201d of 27 June 1907.<\/em> <em>Source:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de\/cm\/periodical\/pageview\/2506151?query=steeg&amp;lang=en\"><em>University Library in Frankfurt on the Main, Compact Memory<\/em><\/a> <em>(translation: M.B., 2021)<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Between 1915 and 1922, daughter Grete attended the \u201cLyzeum\u201d (secondary school for girls) in Ohligs. She was trained as merchant at her parents\u2019 store after that and, from 1928 onwards, worked as bookkeeper in the family business. She got engaged to merchant <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/10\/\">Albert Oster<\/a> in December 1926, but eventually married merchant Walter Wertheim in 1929. Walter had been born in Iserlohn on 14 August 1899. After the wedding, Grete was in charge of purchasing and selling at the company \u201cH. Wertheim Nachf.\u201d (literally \u201cH. Wertheim Descendants\u201d) in Iserlohn and Hemer at first. In June 1931, she and her husband moved to Ohligs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbms\/periodical\/zoom\/6095519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"981\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_IK19291230.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_IK19291230.jpg 981w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_IK19291230-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_IK19291230-768x445.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 981px) 100vw, 981px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cIserlohner Kreisanzeiger\u201d of 30 December 1929. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbms\/periodical\/zoom\/6095519?lang=en\">University and State Library of M\u00fcnster, zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In June 1931, Paul Steeg announced and advertised the clearance sale of his goods. The Steegs\u2019 department store was about to undergo conversion. In August 1931, Paul\u2019s son-in-law Walter Wertheim, manager of \u201cERWEGE Einheitspreis-GmbH\u201d (literally \u201cERWEGE Unit Price Ltd.\u201d) had that company be entered in the commercial registry. \u201cERWEGE\u201d stands for \u201cEinkaufsgenossenschaft Rheinisch-Westf\u00e4lischer Gesch\u00e4ftsh\u00e4user\u201d (literally \u201cPurchasing Association of Rhenish-Westphalian Commercial Firms\u201d) and was a union of independent retailers. Its aim was to guarantee the discounted purchase of goods.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9382105\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"431\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_OA19310905.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_OA19310905.jpg 431w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_OA19310905-160x300.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 5 September 1931. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9382105\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The new department store was opened on 9 September 1931 and sold goods at small prices. In the next few years, it would count between 45 and 60 employees at a time. 40% of the generated profits went to Paul Steeg. From 1931 onwards, he was the deputy representative of Solingen\u2019s synagogue community. From 1937 until his death, he also was its deputy provost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, the Wertheims\u2019 business was commercially very successful. Former employees remember Walter Wertheim as a strict but fine boss who always had a sympathetic ear for his staff and their personal problems. Grete was responsible for the employees and managed the departments for textile goods, leatherware, stationery and footwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business was going well even after the National Socialists started implementing their boycott measures from 1933 onwards. The company was rebranded in 1933 and henceforth operated under the name of \u201cWalter Wertheim GmbH\u201d. Walter\u2019s younger brother Fritz Wertheim moved to Ohligs in August 1933. He had studied law in Marburg and W\u00fcrzburg, among other cities, and had completed his studies with a doctorate in 1932. However, after the Nazis\u2019 seizure of power, Fritz was crossed out from the register of lawyers on 1 April 1933 and, as a consequence, lost the law office he was in the process of setting up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-1024x844.jpg\" alt=\"Einrichtungsplan Erdgeschoss zum Umbau-Antrag. Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen, Hausakte HA 3684\" class=\"wp-image-258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-1024x844.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-300x247.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-768x633.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-1536x1266.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s-1568x1292.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wertheim_Hausakte3684_EG_s.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Departments as planned on the ground floor, from the application for conversion permission. Source: City Archive of Solingen, house file HA 3684<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Thereupon, Fritz joined the \u201cERWEGE\u201d as apprentice; later on, he would become its general manager. As for his private life, Fritz Wertheim was active in the \u201cSportbund \u2018Schild\u2018 des Reichsbunds j\u00fcdischer Frontsoldaten\u201d (literally \u201cSports Association \u2018Shield\u2019 of the Reich Federation of Jewish Front-Line Soldiers\u201d) in D\u00fcsseldorf \u2013 as was, presumably, his brother Walter. The association tried to keep sporting activities possible for Jews despite the conditions during the Nazi dictatorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although its owners became increasingly discriminated and disenfranchised, the Wertheim department store managed to make profits until 1937. However, when Walter Wertheim visited his friend Kurt Mark in New York during the summer of 1936, he was probably already contemplating emigration. And yet, the company was still advertising in the \u201cCentral-Verein-Zeitung\u201d of 3 November 1938. The \u201cCentral-Verein-Zeitung\u201d was a weekly newspaper published by the \u201cCentral-Verein deutscher Staatsb\u00fcrger j\u00fcdischen Glaubens\u201d (literally \u201cCentral Association of German Citizens of Jewish Faith\u201d). Only a few days later, the store was completely demolished during the \u201cKristallnacht\u201d, as were the private apartments of the Steeg and Wertheim families. After the war, Albert Drees, former stockman at the company, testified [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThat night, when the so-called Jew action was happening, Dr. Wertheim called me to the store at D\u00fcsseldorferstra\u00dfe. When I arrived, the shop windows had already been smashed. Together with two other employees and the Wertheim brothers, we immediately started to clear up the place. Shortly afterwards, a number of SA men in uniforms arrived and, led by Sturmf\u00fchrer Eschenbr\u00fccher, they forcefully re-entered the store once again and demolished the interior furnishing. We fled to the private apartment of the Steeg family. Since things were getting dangerous, the Wertheim family then made it outside through a bathroom window. After fetching some clothes from their flat at Marktstra\u00dfe, they fled towards D\u00fcsseldorf. Mrs. Steeg stayed with us. The offenders then forced an entry to the private apartment of the Steeg couple and created havoc there. They did not lay hands on Mrs. Steeg. [\u2026] I don\u2019t want to leave unmentioned that Oberleutnant Dreyer, at the time head of the local police station, [\u2026] said to me: \u2018A German man does not work for Jews.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Testimony of Albert Drees (8 November 1946) on the destruction of the Wertheim department store (translation: M.B., 2021). Source of the German text: LAV R NRW Gerichte Rep. 191, Nr. 43, Bl. 3, as quoted in Stracke, Stephan: Der Novemberpogrom 1938 in Solingen im Spiegel der Justiz. Darstellungen und Dokumente, Solingen: 2018, p. 155<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Emma Steeg fled to Cologne at first where her husband Paul was a patient at the \u201cIsraelite Asylum\u201d \u2013 the former Jewish hospital \u2013 at the time. Two days after the \u201cKristallnacht\u201d, Paul died as a result of a peptic ulcer on <a href=\"https:\/\/dokumente.stadt-koeln.de\/dx4webservice001\/show?UUID=c2b93bd8-2553-4e33-89a6-4a3362ae8613\">11 November 1938<\/a>. It is uncertain whether his daughter and son-in-law also had the chance to say farewell to Paul at the asylum. On 12 November 1938 already, Grete and Walter Wertheim, joined by Walter\u2019s brother Fritz, went aboard the S.S. Veendam in Rotterdam. The ship reached the harbour of New York on 23 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JFKBo-Steeg-Paul-22L-EG010-4-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paul Steeg\u2019s tombstone at the Jewish cemetery of K\u00f6ln-Bocklem\u00fcnd. Source: Synagogue Community Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"782\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-782x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-782x1024.jpg 782w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-229x300.jpg 229w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-768x1005.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-1174x1536.jpg 1174w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-1565x2048.jpg 1565w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization-1568x2052.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Grete_Naturalization.jpg 1788w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 782px) 100vw, 782px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"776\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-776x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-776x1024.jpg 776w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-227x300.jpg 227w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-768x1014.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-1163x1536.jpg 1163w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-1551x2048.jpg 1551w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization-1568x2070.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Walter_Naturalization.jpg 1782w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 776px) 100vw, 776px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-790x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-790x1024.jpg 790w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-768x995.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-1185x1536.jpg 1185w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-1580x2048.jpg 1580w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization-1568x2032.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Wertheim_Fritz_Naturalization.jpg 1818w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Applications for American citizenship by Grete, Walter and Fritz Wertheim. Source (from left to right): \u201cNew York, Southern District, U.S District Court Naturalization Records, 1824-1946\u201d, database with images, <em>FamilySearch<\/em> (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-W1PH\" target=\"_blank\"><u>https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-W1PH<\/u><\/a> : 8 March 2021), Grete Steeg Wertheim, 1939; (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-3W79\" target=\"_blank\"><u>https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-3W79<\/u><\/a> : 8 March 2021), Walter or Walther Curt or Walter Curt Wertheim, 1939; (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP76-MMJT\" target=\"_blank\"><u>https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP76-MMJT<\/u><\/a> : 8 March 2021), Fritz Wertheim, 1939.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ohligs, business operations of the Wertheim store were discontinued. The clearing work was organised by a provisional manager that the Nazi Party NSDAP had appointed. The company was \u201cAryanised\u201d, meaning it was transferred to a non-Jewish owner. The furniture from the Steeg and Wertheim households was also sold off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 8 December 1939, when the war had already started, Emma Steeg finally managed to follow her daughter to New York. She also travelled aboard the S.S. Veendam from Rotterdam and reached New York on 22 December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"739\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-739x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-739x1024.jpg 739w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-768x1064.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-1108x1536.jpg 1108w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-1478x2048.jpg 1478w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization-1568x2173.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Steeg_Emma_Naturalization.jpg 1680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Application for American citizenship by Emma Steeg. Source: \u201cNew York, Southern District, U.S District Court Naturalization Records, 1824-1946\u201d, database with images, <em>FamilySearch<\/em> (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-8H8Q\" target=\"_blank\"><u>https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/1:1:QP7X-8H8Q<\/u><\/a> : 8 March 2021), Emma Steeg or Steinberg Steeg, 1940.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"419\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Wertheim_Grocery_Aufbau19461213.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Wertheim_Grocery_Aufbau19461213.jpg 419w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Wertheim_Grocery_Aufbau19461213-202x300.jpg 202w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anzeige im Aufbau vom 13.12.1946, Quelle: Archiv Aufbau bei der JM J\u00fcdischen Medien AG, Z\u00fcrich<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In New York, Walter Wertheim kept doing different occasional jobs until, in November 1939, he was able to acquire a grocery store. In an issue of the New Yorker periodical \u201cAufbau\u201d from December 1946, he advertised <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/aufbau121319461947germ\/page\/n216\/mode\/1up?view=theater\">\u201cWalter\u2019s Appetizing &amp; Grocery\u201d<\/a>. His business was located in the Bronx. During those years, the herring salad prepared from one of Emma Steeg\u2019s recipes was an absolute best seller. Walter and Grete always congratulated Emma on her <a href=\"http:\/\/freepages.rootsweb.com\/~alcalz\/genealogy\/aufbau\/1945\/j11a23s19.gif\">milestone birthdays<\/a> via announcements in the \u201cAufbau\u201d. Emma died in New York on 22 February 1959. Fritz Wertheim, who had adopted the name of Fred by then, passed away in New York on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.calzareth.com\/aufbau\/issues\/1980\/Aufbau-1980-137-r.jpg\">18 October 1980<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"848\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-1024x848.jpg\" alt=\"Der alte Fassadenschriftzug &quot;Paul Steeg&quot; wurde bei Renovierungsarbeiten 1999 sichtbar, von den Eigent\u00fcmern jedoch verputzt. Foto: Uli Preuss\" class=\"wp-image-270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-1024x848.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-768x636.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-1536x1272.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-2048x1696.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Steeg-DIA-01899-1568x1298.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When the house at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe was being renovated in 1999, the old \u201cPaul Steeg\u201d lettering on the fa\u00e7ade was uncovered. The owners decided to render it though. Photo: Uli Preuss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the 1980s, former employees of the department store gathered in Ohligs on a regular basis and kept in touch with Walter and Grete Wertheim via telephone. They jointly congratulated the couple on their diamond wedding in 1989. Walter Wertheim died in New York on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.calzareth.com\/aufbau\/issues\/1991\/Aufbau-1991-041-r.jpg\">1 August 1991<\/a>, his wife Grete passed away only a couple of days later, on 8 August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 8: The Z\u00fcrndorfer and Lichtenstein Families <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-187x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1079\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-187x300.jpg 187w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-639x1024.jpg 639w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-768x1230.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-959x1536.jpg 959w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-1279x2048.jpg 1279w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-1568x2512.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due34_7825-scaled.jpg 1598w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 187px) 100vw, 187px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 34-36 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 34-36 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer was born on 14 February 1876 in the W\u00fcrttembergian village of Rexingen in the Black Forest. He was the sixth of eight children to his parents, the textile trader Max Wolf Z\u00fcrndorfer and his wife Ida. Just like his father, Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer became a merchant. On 13 April 1907 Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer opened his own store for haberdashery and linen goods, located in Ohligs at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 34 in a new building of pharmacist Retienne. It was a flourishing business, up to 8 auxiliaries at a time were employed there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-1024x660.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-1024x660.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-768x495.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-1536x990.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501-1568x1011.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-3501.jpg 1609w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 34-36 is the fourth house from the left, Source:<br>City Archive of Solingen, PK 3501<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9159811\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"352\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19081026.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19081026.jpg 352w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19081026-300x287.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Birth announcement for Thea Z\u00fcrndorfer in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 26 October 1908. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9159811\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In October 1907, Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer got married to Rosalie Feitler who had been born on 18 March 1881 in Gro\u00df-Rohrheim in Hesse. Their daughter Thea was born in Ohligs on 24 October 1908, just one year after their wedding. The couple had a second daughter, Margot, in May 1912.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9177128\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"861\" height=\"655\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19130320.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19130320.jpg 861w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19130320-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19130320-768x584.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 861px) 100vw, 861px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement by Z\u00fcrndorfer in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 20 March 1913. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9177128\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nr<\/a>w<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During World War I, Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer was head of the \u201cSchutzverein f\u00fcr Kleinhandel und Gewerbe der St\u00e4dte Ohligs-Wald\u201c (literally \u201cAssociation for the Protection of Retail Trade and Industry in the Cities of Ohligs-Wald\u201c) and advocated the interests of its medium-sized member businesses. On 23 December 1920, Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer died relatively young from having diabetes. He was laid to rest on the Jewish cemetery in Solingen. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9217359\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"408\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19201224_a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19201224_a.jpg 408w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Zuerndorfer_OA19201224_a-149x300.jpg 149w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Obituary for Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer, commissioned by the \u201cSchutzverein f\u00fcr Kleinhandel und Gewerbe\u201c, in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 24 December 1920. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9217359\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d, employees and members of the \u201cSchutzverein\u201c expressed their sympathies upon the death of Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer. The business was run by his wife Rosalie from now on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to the family\u2019s prosperity, their two daughters were among the very few girls of the time that still received secondary education in the 1920s. Thea attended the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.koenigin-luise-schule.de\/gedenkbuchdetails-ueberlebende\/thea-schatz-geb-zuerndorfer-741.html\">K\u00f6nigin-Luise-Schule<\/a> in Cologne and completed her \u201cAbitur\u201d (school-leaving qualification comparable to A levels) there in 1928. She expressed her desire to become a dental specialist. Her sister Margot left the municipal \u201cLyzeum\u201d (secondary school for girls) in Ohligs in 1929, without having started the \u201cOberstufe\u201d (senior classes leading up to the \u201cAbitur\u201d). Thea got engaged to silversmith Ivan Shortt of Birmingham in January 1929. The couple got married by the end of the year whereupon Thea moved to England.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the National Socialists had seized power and Jewish retailers and department stores were increasingly boycotted, the revenues of the Z\u00fcrndorfer\u2019s business declined from 1933 onwards. By 1938, the income achieved was hardly sufficient for making a living at all. Margot Z\u00fcrndorfer, who was already suffering from a severe heart condition at that time, married gynaecologist Hugo Lichtenstein on 30 May 1938. Merchants <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/9\/\">Martin Goldschmidt<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/7\/\">Walter Wertheim<\/a> were the couple\u2019s witnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"Hochzeit von Hugo und Margot Lichtenstein, geb. Z\u00fcrndorfer mit Margot Wallach (links) und Bella Taback als Blumenm\u00e4dchen, Quelle: Bella Tabak Altura\" class=\"wp-image-267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1536x1053.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-2048x1404.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1568x1075.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wedding of Hugo and Margot Lichtenstein with Margot Wallach (on the left) and Bella Tabak as flower girls. Source: Bella Tabak Altura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hugo Lichtenstein came from a Jewish merchant family of Stadtoldendorf where he had been born on 3 February 1900. He studied medicine, completed his specialist training, and started working as assistant doctor at Solingen\u2019s municipal hospital in 1929. He then, in October 1931, set up his own medical practice for gynaecological conditions and obstetrics, located at Wilhelmstra\u00dfe 21 in Ohligs. However, from 1933 onwards, his medical practice began to be less and less frequented as a consequence of the Nazi\u2019s racial policies. As of 30 September 1938, the regime revoked the approbations of all Jewish doctors. Only one day after that, on 1 October 1938, the Z\u00fcrndorfer\u2019s business was \u201cAryanised\u201d and was sold to Elisabeth Schmidt, who had been its managing director until then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9382409\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"621\" height=\"328\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Lichtenstein_OA19310930.jpg\" alt=\"Er\u00f6ffnungsanzeige von Dr. Hugo Lichtenstein im Ohligser Anzeiger vom 30.9.1931, Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw\" class=\"wp-image-268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Lichtenstein_OA19310930.jpg 621w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Lichtenstein_OA19310930-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Announcement on the opening of Dr. Hugo Lichtenstein\u2019s medical practice in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 30 September 1931. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9382409\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After the \u201cKristallnacht\u201c in the night of 9\u201310 November 1938, Hugo Lichtenstein was arrested and subsequently deported to Dachau concentration camp, together with other Jews from Solingen. He was released on 3 December 1938 under the condition that he left Germany soon. Only a couple of days later, on 16 December, his sick wife Margot died from her cardiac disease. In the funeral book of the Jewish community, it says [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cA noble, devout human child that had pleased the eyes of God and mankind. A bad heart condition kinked a precious rose before it even bloomed. She was an adornment of our community. She rests next to her father who died young.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>Funeral book of the Jewish community (translation: M.B., 2021). Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5209-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tombstone of Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer and his daughter Margot Lichtenstein. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rosalie Z\u00fcrndorfer managed to emigrate and join her daughter Thea Shortt on 11 March 1939. Hugo Lichtenstein had already fled to England in February. All of his assets were confiscated \u201cfor the benefit of the German Reich\u201d, with his household goods being auctioned off in 1941. In England, he started working as a language teacher before he became a factory\u2019s warehouse keeper in April 1940. In 1941, he was given permission to work as assistant doctor in a hospital and was practicing doctor in Swindon, Wiltshire, from July 1949 onwards. Hugo Lichtenstein lived in Swindon until his death on 11 August 1975.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His mother-in-law Rosalie Z\u00fcrndorfer died in Birmingham on 23 April 1957. Her son-in-law Ivan Shortt, who had been \u201cPresident of the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation\u201d in Birmingham\u2019s Jewish community, died in 1962 already. His wife Thea died on 15 December 1991. Over the course of our research on the Jewish merchants of D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe, we managed to establish contact with the Shortt\u2019s grandchildren in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 9: The Steinberger and Goldschmidt Families <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1080\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-686x1024.jpg 686w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-768x1146.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1030x1536.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1373x2048.jpg 1373w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1568x2339.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-scaled.jpg 1716w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 26 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 26 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Julius Steinberger was born in Lauterbach, Hesse, on 12 July 1872. His wife, Sybilla Herz, was born in Langenfeld-Richrath on 2 February 1872. The couple got married in 1897.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"657\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-1024x657.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-1024x657.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-768x493.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-1536x985.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-2048x1313.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/PK-2136-1568x1006.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Steinberger department store, D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 26 and 26a, on the right. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 2136<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The townlet of Ohligs was turning into a commercial centre and had its main street close to the train station \u2013 potentials that Steinberger recognised early on. Shortly before his wedding, he opened [in translation] a \u201cfirst-rate department store\u201d for \u201cmanufactured and fashion items, women\u2019s and men\u2019s clothing\u201d on 3 April 1897. The store was located [in translation] in the \u201cnewly constructed building of Mr. Kleefisch\u201d at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 32 \u00bd (later: 26). The range of products subsequently included bedroom furnishings, beds, mattresses, bedlinen and curtains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9130238\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA18970403.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA18970403.jpg 862w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA18970403-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA18970403-768x551.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Julius Steinberger\u2019s notice of his store\u2019s opening in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 3 April 1897. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9130238\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nr<\/a>w<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sybilla Steinberger gave birth to daughter K\u00e4the on 29 September 1897, followed by son Kurt on 28 October 1899. The couple\u2019s second daughter, Elisabeth, was born on 28 November 1902. In 1912, Julius Steinberger was first elected to the \u201cRepr\u00e4sentantenversammlung\u201d (literally \u201cAssembly of Representatives\u201d) in Solingen\u2019s synagogue community of which he would become a permanent member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In July 1914, World War I broke out in Europe. In early October that year, Steinberger advertised the re-opening of his amplified and modernised store. At the same time, he demonstrated his patriotic attitude in the ad, saying [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOn the occasion of the opening and out of consideration for the grave times, I have decided to donate 10 percent of my entire revenues made between the 3<sup>rd<\/sup> and, including, the 5<sup>th<\/sup> of October of this year. The donations will go to Mayor Czettritz of Ohligs and be administered for charitable purposes in the city of Ohligs as well as to the wounded warriors. Department store Jul. Steinberger, Ohligs.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Julius Steinberger in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9180070\" target=\"_blank\">3 October 1914<\/a> (translation: M.B., 2021)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of months later, the family had to deal with great sorrow. On 28 February 1915, daughter K\u00e4the died after a long period of suffering, aged only 17. She was laid to rest on the Jewish cemetery in Solingen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"423\" height=\"750\" data-id=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19150301.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19150301.jpg 423w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19150301-169x300.jpg 169w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-1568x2352.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/jf_5199-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><br>Left: Obituaries in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 1 March 1915. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9180915\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a>; Right: K\u00e4the Steinberger\u2019s tombstone.<br>Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Next to his functions in the synagogue community, Julius Steinberger also became active in local politics after the war. He was a member of the \u201cDeutsche Demokratische Partei\u201c (literally \u201cGerman Democratic Party\u201d). He also advocated the interests of the retail industry as committee member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and as chairman of Ohligs\u2019 local trade association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 18 June 1925, the Steinberger family came together on a festive occasion: daughter Elisabeth got married to Martin Goldschmidt of Tilsit. After the wedding, Martin worked as procurator, his learned profession, in Tilsit at first. Together with his wife, he returned to Ohligs in April 1928 to join the management of his father-in-law\u2019s newly-founded steel ware company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After having run his business for 30 years, Julius Steinberger had announced the clearance sale of his department store on 12 August 1927. We don\u2019t have any further information on his reasons for closing. The store\u2019s former location was soon occupied again, with <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/10\/\">Albert Oster and Karl Wallach<\/a> opening their retail shop for textile ware, \u201cOster &amp; Co.\u201d, there in September 1927.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 1 November 1930, Julius Steinberger started producing and trading razor blades in Ohligs as well as exporting penknives and scissors. The factory was located at Junkerstra\u00dfe at first and moved to Erholungsstra\u00dfe afterwards. Julius\u2019 son-in-law Martin Goldschmidt became part of the management, daughter Elisabeth worked there as buyer and correspondent and son Kurt also joined the new business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After suffering a stroke, Julius Steinberger died in D\u00fcsseldorf on 30 October 1932. Different associations and his employees expressed their sympathy in the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d. He was laid to rest on Solingen\u2019s Jewish cemetery. His burial took place on 2 November 1932, joined by the top officials of public as well as municipal authorities and by many associations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9386891\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"834\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19321102_a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19321102_a.jpg 834w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19321102_a-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steinberger_OA19321102_a-768x529.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 834px) 100vw, 834px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Obituary by Ohligs\u2019 trade association in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 1 November 1932. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9386891\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Son Kurt Steinberger emigrated to London in as early as 1932. Following her husband\u2019s death and her son\u2019s departure, Sybilla Steinberger had become the sole owner of the steel ware manufacture. In 1933 though, she arranged for her son-in-law Martin Goldschmidt to become silent partner in the company and appointed him as manager. After the National Socialists had seized power, the company still made substantial profits until 1934. 1937 was, however, the first year it incurred losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In early 1938, the Steinberger family still seemed to believe that their company had a future in Germany. Advertising in the respective section of the \u201cCentral-Verein-Zeitung\u201d, they were looking for a sales representative. The job listing read [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cLooking for a Jewish sales representative that is reliable and renowned (with wholesalers and retailers). Will be covering the districts East Prussia, West Prussia, North, Central and South Germany, Frankfurt and Greater Berlin, working for commission. Detailed applications, including references, to: Julius Steinberger Stahlwarenfabrik und Export Solingen-Ohligs.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Job listing by the Steinberger company in the Jewish newspaper \u201cCentral-Verein-Zeitung\u201d of 24 March 1938 (translation: M.B., 2021)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Sibylla Steinberger sold all her property shortly afterwards and used the proceeds to pay the \u201cReichsfluchtsteuer\u201d (literally \u201cReich Flight Tax\u201d). In October 1938, she travelled to England to see her son Kurt. In early 1939, she then officially emigrated together with her daughter Elisabeth and her son-in-law Martin Goldschmidt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the \u201cKristallnacht\u201c, on 9\u201310 November 1938, members of the SA (<em>Sturmabteilung<\/em>, literally \u201cStorm Detachment\u201c) forced an entry to the Goldschmidts\u2018 flat at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe, ravaging it and abusing Martin Goldschmidt. After the war, he reported [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThat night around 1:30 AM, there were 5 to 6 people in SA uniforms demanding entry after they had rang the doorbell. [\u2026] Since I was in the corridor on the second floor at the time, I heard how Mrs. N., who lived on the second floor, activated the door opener. I then saw how that woman headed towards these people. Upon entering, the SA men asked Mrs. N.: \u2018Where is the Jew?\u2019 Mrs. N. replied: \u2018He\u2019s hiding at the Stoll family\u2019s, on the second floor.\u2019 Since I realised that I could not escape the things that were about to happen, I wanted to go back to my flat on the first floor. However, halfway through I ran into the intruders. I was then beaten by the men. All persons present were involved in this abuse. [\u2026] One of the men carried an iron bar with him. They went into every room that belonged to my flat and ruthlessly destroyed all of the furnishings, the paintings, the crystalware and ripped the chandelier from the ceiling. [\u2026] I heard H. say to my wife: \u2018If you don\u2019t stop screaming, I will shoot you down.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>Source of the German text: LAV, Abteilung Rheinland, NRW Gerichte Rep. 191, Nr. 43, Bl. 82, as quoted in Stracke, Stephan: Der Novemberpogrom 1938 in Solingen im Spiegel der Justiz. Darstellungen und Dokumente, Solingen: 2018, pp. 147 (translation: M.B., 2021)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Martin Goldschmidt was arrested on 10 November 1938, as were two of his neighbours, gynaecologist <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/8\/\">Dr. Hugo Lichtenstein<\/a> and merchant <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/10\/\">Karl Wallach<\/a>. Together, they were deported to Dachau concentration camp. By his own account, Martin was only released under the condition that he would immediately sell the company and emigrate as soon as possible. His business was \u201cAryanised\u201d on 5 December 1938 when it was transferred to Eugen Spiecker, a long-time employee of the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Martin and Elisabeth Goldschmidt managed to emigrate to London on 14 January 1939. By his own account, Martin did not have any income at first and therefore had to rely on financial support from his brother-in-law. Later on, he worked as self-employed representative. Kurt Steinberger died very young on 1 April 1940. His mother Sybilla passed away on 22 June 1942. Elisabeth Goldschmidt died in London on 8 April 1969, her husband Martin in 1972.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 10: The Wallach Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1080\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-686x1024.jpg 686w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-768x1146.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1030x1536.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1373x2048.jpg 1373w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-1568x2339.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due26_7823-scaled.jpg 1716w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 26 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 26 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Karl Joseph Wallach was born on 1 December 1897 in Eilendorf, a village close to Aachen. He was the seventh child of butcher and cattle trader Andreas Wallach and his wife Eva. We don\u2019t have any information about his childhood and youth. According to his daughter Margot, he was trained as decorator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9356530\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Oster_OA19290315.jpg\" alt=\"Annonce im Ohligser Anzeiger vom 15.3.1929, Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw\" class=\"wp-image-275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Oster_OA19290315.jpg 551w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Oster_OA19290315-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 15 March 1929. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9356530\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In August 1927, Karl Wallach moved from Gelsenkirchen to Ohligs where, together with Albert Oster, he opened a store for textile goods in September 1927, called Oster &amp; Co. It was located at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 26, the previous address of <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/9\/\">Julius Steinberger\u2019s<\/a> department store. Wallach and Oster employed up to 11 auxiliaries at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 17 February 1929, Karl Wallach got married to businesswoman Hildegard Koopmann. The marriage ceremony was held in Goch where Hildegard had been born on 17 November 1900. Her family ran the city\u2019s largest <a href=\"http:\/\/wp.ge-mittelkreis.de\/webfrie05\/webinsch\/jupage\/fkoopj.htm\">store for clothing and textiles<\/a>. The couple\u2019s daughter Margot Johanna was born on 12 January 1931 in Ohligs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9356240\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"561\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19290217.jpg\" alt=\"Verm\u00e4hlungsanzeige vom 16.2.1929 im Ohligser Anzeiger, Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw\" class=\"wp-image-276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19290217.jpg 561w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19290217-300x268.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marriage announcement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 16 February 1929. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9356240\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9410106\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"132\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19360510-132x300.jpg\" alt=\"Annonce von Karl Wallach im Ohligser Anzeiger vom 9.5.1936, Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen via zeitpunkt.nrw\" class=\"wp-image-277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19360510-132x300.jpg 132w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_OA19360510.jpg 260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 132px) 100vw, 132px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement by Karl Wallach in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 9 May 1936. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9410106\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In August 1931, the company \u201cOster &amp; Co.\u201c advertised a newly opened department where goods were sold at a unit price. One year later, the store was transferred to Hildegard Wallach and henceforth went by the name of \u201cOster &amp; Co. Nachfahren\u201d (literally \u201cOster &amp; Co. Descendants\u201d). In November 1932, the Wallach family moved from D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe to nearby Talstra\u00dfe 38 where they continued the operation of their store at first. However, as Jewish businesses started to be boycotted from 1933 onwards, the company had to file for bankruptcy in October 1934. Karl Wallach instantly registered a business as commission agent for haberdashery. He managed to run a store for fabrics, covering one floor of their home at Talstra\u00dfe, until 1938. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Margot Wallach recalls, the family had achieved quite some prosperity. The mother collected antiques. A housemaid, a laundress and a cleaning lady worked at the family\u2019s spacious flat at Talstra\u00dfe. The parents were not particularly religious, but once Margot started going to school, she also attended Hebrew lessons at the synagogue community in Solingen. This is where she met her lifelong friend <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/closedbutopen-sally-rosa-und-bella-tabak\/3684\/\">Bella Tabak<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1536x1053.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-2048x1404.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LichtensteinHochzeit_Bella-1568x1075.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Margot Wallach (3rd from left) and Bella Tabak (on the right) were flower girls at the wedding of their neighbours Hugo Lichtenstein and Margot Z\u00fcrndorfer. Source: Bella Tabak Altura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-646\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-1568x2091.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMAG4600-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Talstr. 38 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Margot had a happy childhood. Together with her father, she wandered through the forests, went to football matches and, in 1936, visited the newly built autobahn. However, she also started to experience antisemitic exclusion through her fellow classmates on the playground. Even though Margot\u2019s teachers had a positive attitude towards her and signalled her mother that she was a good student, they were not allowed to assign good grades to the Jewish child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wallach family was among the victims of the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/closedbutopen-novemberpogrom\/1076\/\">Kristallnacht<\/a>\u201d, the coordinated rampage against Jews on 9 November 1938. In 1946, witness Anni Meyer testified [in translation]: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201eI vividly recall the night of the known action against Jews in 1938. At the time, I used to live at that house on Talstra\u00dfe, number 38. The Jewish WALLACH family lived on the first floor. (\u2026) In my flat, I then heard screams coming from the WALLACH family\u2019s flat and I could also hear that furniture was being destroyed which, later on, I saw for myself in the flat of the WALLACH family. The screaming I heard gave me the impression that the Jewish family was in need and distress, so I opened my window that faced the street and called for help. A police officer, which I [saw] standing (\u2026) under a gas lantern and whose voice I recognised to be that of officer DREYER, answered me from the street: \u2018You don\u2019t seem to be aware of what\u2019s going on tonight, the whole of Germany can\u2019t get no sleep tonight.\u2019 DREYER inquired about my name and asked me to close the window. There were two other police officers accompanying DREYER. (\u2026) I did not see anyone else on the street.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>Testimony of Anni Meyer (3 November 1946) on the happenings in Solingen-Ohligs (translation: M.B., 2021). Source of the German text: LAV R NRW Gerichte Rep. 191, Nr. 43, Bl. 8, as quoted in Stracke, Stephan: Der Novemberpogrom 1938 in Solingen im Spiegel der Justiz. Darstellungen und Dokumente, Solingen: 2018, p. 154<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the \u201cKristallnacht\u201c, more than 25,000 Jewish men in Germany were deported to concentration camps. Karl Wallach found himself among the Jews arrested in Solingen. On 10 November, the Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei, literally \u201cSecret State Police\u201d) put him into \u201cprotective custody\u201d. On 16 November, he was transferred to Dachau concentration camp. Merchant <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/9\/\">Martin Goldschmidt<\/a> and gynaecologist <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/8\/\">Dr. Hugo Lichtenstein<\/a> of Ohligs were among his fellow prisoners. Karl Wallach\u2019s business had been closed down while he was still in custody, his daughter left the \u201cVolksschule\u201d (primary school of the time) merely one and a half years after she had first started going there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-1024x756.jpg\" alt=\"Gewerbekarte Karl Wallach, Quelle: Stadtarchiv Solingen\" class=\"wp-image-279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-1024x756.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-1536x1134.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-2048x1512.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wallach_GWK1934_a-1568x1158.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Business registration card of Karl Wallach. Source: City Archive of Solingen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Karl Wallach returned to his loved ones as a broken man in December 1938. The family now started looking for escape routes that would lead them out of the country. Since they had no relatives in the USA, there was no chance of emigrating there. In early April 1939, the family crossed the Belgian border on foot, aided by a trafficker. Margot had to leave her doll behind during the nightly march. It had been a present from her grandmother but since the doll was constantly exclaiming \u201cMama\u201d it would have given them away otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the next couple of months, further relatives of the Wallach family arrived in Brussels. Among them were Karl\u2019s sisters-in-law Helene Appel, n\u00e9e Koopmann, together with her husband Joseph, and <a href=\"http:\/\/wp.ge-mittelkreis.de\/webfrie05\/webinsch\/jupage\/fkoopj.htm\">Anna Hoffmann, n\u00e9e Koopmann<\/a>. Going by the alias of \u201cAnita M\u00fcller\u201c, Anna Hoffmann organised the illegal emigration of Jews to Belgium up until May 1940. She later on fled to Paris, where she was arrested in September 1941.floh sie nach Paris, wo sie im September 1941 festgenommen wurde. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Rue Masui 158, the Wallach family stayed in an attic flat and lived there in poor circumstances. Hilde Wallach earned the family\u2019s meagre livelihood by working as a cleaning lady, while Karl Wallach looked after daughter Margot. One by one, the couple had to sell all of their valuables in order to survive. Margot attended primary school where she was reunited with her friend Bella Tabak from Solingen and learned French very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together with other German males, Karl Wallach was interned shortly after Germany invaded Belgium in May 1940. Later on, the internees were transferred to camps in southern France. From July 1942 onwards, the French Vichy regime extradited Jews from France\u2019s non-occupied zone to Germany. Via the camp in Drancy, Karl Wallach was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp on <a href=\"https:\/\/ressources.memorialdelashoah.org\/notice.php?q=fulltext%3A%28Wallach%29%20AND%20id_pers%3A%28%2A%29&amp;spec_expand=1&amp;start=3\">26 August 1942<\/a> where he was eventually killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hilde and Margot Wallach had stayed behind in Brussels where Margot was able to attend a public school until May 1942. However, from June 1942 onwards, Jews in Belgium and northern France were also forced to wear yellow badges (\u201cJudenstern\u201d, literally \u201cJew\u2019s star\u201d). At the same time, the German occupiers started to transport them towards the territory of the Reich, supposedly for work. Hilde Wallach responded by setting up a hiding place above a garage in the backyard. Until September 1942, she hid there together with her daughter, her sister Helene and Helene\u2019s 15-year-old daughter Ellen. Margot, who was the only one fluent in French and attending a Catholic school by then, did the shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!4v1624190133200!6m8!1m7!1sYlwxav72Q_FZ9-iFJs7t2w!2m2!1d50.86872948688527!2d4.361939309809428!3f349.03246177467696!4f1.068780164376335!5f0.7820865974627469\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Rue Masui 158 is the red house on the right. The family\u2019s hiding place was located above the garage.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the situation was getting more and more dangerous, Hilde Wallach eventually turned to the nuns at Margot\u2019s school for help. Assisted by a supportive priest, the four women and girls were allotted to different Catholic institutions, the Belgian resistance movement organised fake identity papers for each of them. Under the name of Rosette Nisal, Margot found shelter in a convent in Namur and received a Catholic baptism. Namur is where, in September 1944, she witnessed Canadian troops liberating Belgium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once Margot was back in Brussels with her mother, the aid organisation <em>United Jewish Appeal<\/em> enabled the talented schoolgirl to attend the Lyc\u00e9e (institution of secondary education). At only 16, Margot Wallach successfully completed school and was one of the best graduates in town. Due to financial reasons, going to university was, however, not an option and so she started working as a secretary. In December 1948, Hilde and Margot Wallach travelled from Antwerp to the USA \u2013 Hilde\u2019s sister Helene Appel and her daughter Ellen had already emigrated there the year before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In New York, Margot Wallach started a family with Lothar \u201cLeonard\u201d Katz, a survivor of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Her mother Hilde died in New York in June 1976. Margot Katz gave an interview to the <a href=\"https:\/\/vhaonline.usc.edu\/viewingPage?testimonyID=54480&amp;returnIndex=0\">USC Shoah Foundation<\/a> in 2001. She died in Naples, Florida, on 23 August 2004. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"958\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Wallach_USC.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Wallach_USC.jpg 958w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Wallach_USC-300x229.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Wallach_USC-768x586.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2001 interview of Margot Wallach by the USC Shoah Foundation can be viewed at the City Archive of Solingen. \u00a9 1994-2001 USC Shoah Foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 11: The Meyerhoff Family <\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-187x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1081\" width=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-187x300.jpg 187w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-639x1024.jpg 639w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-768x1231.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-958x1536.jpg 958w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-1277x2048.jpg 1277w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-1568x2514.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Due17_7819-scaled.jpg 1597w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 187px) 100vw, 187px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 17 as of today. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 17 \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em><\/em><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em><\/em><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a><\/em><\/em><em><em>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><\/em><\/a><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em><\/em><\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the manufacture and fashion store <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/3\/\">\u201cS. Meyerhoff, Manufaktur- und Modenhaus\u201c<\/a>, located at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 49, went bankrupt, Henriette Meyerhoff had opened a new business in 1932, registered under her name at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe 17. Two auxiliaries worked at the new store that was advertised for in the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d as [in translation] \u201cS. Meyerhoff, house of fine woven goods\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9387914\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"659\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19330211-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19330211-1.jpg 659w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Meyerhoff_OA19330211-1-300x272.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 659px) 100vw, 659px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advertisement in the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201c of 11 February 1933. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9387914\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After the National Socialists had seized power, the economic existence of the Meyerhoff family in Ohligs was threatened, as was that of their relatives in K\u00f6rbecke and Duisburg. They all felt the effects of the boycott of Jewish businesses as well as of the advancing exclusion and disenfranchisement of Jewish citizens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"902\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-902x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-902x1024.jpg 902w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-768x872.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-1352x1536.jpg 1352w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-1803x2048.jpg 1803w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Grete_Naturalization1939-1568x1781.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Grete Luise Rosenblatt\u2019s application for American citizenship. Source: National Archives at Riverside; Riverside, California; NAI Number: 594890; Record Group Title: Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685-2009; Record Group Number: 21 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Henriette\u2019s daughter Grete, together with her husband Heinrich Rosenblatt and their daughter Hella, managed to emigrate to the USA on 29 October 1938. The family departed from Rotterdam and arrived in New York only a couple of days before the Jews remaining in Germany had to endure the nationwide pogroms. In the night of 9\u201310 November 1938, a police officer in Ohligs forced Simon Meyerhoff to clear the D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe of the shattered glass that National Socialists had left there when raiding his store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PK_Due_oben_1910sw-1024x652.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PK_Due_oben_1910sw-1024x652.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PK_Due_oben_1910sw-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PK_Due_oben_1910sw-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PK_Due_oben_1910sw.jpg 1372w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Henriette Meyerhoff\u2019s store was located on the left-hand side, at the last house visible in the centre of the postcard (dating ca. from 1910).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Henriette\u2019s son Fritz Marx, registered in Duisburg at the time, was among the Jewish men that had been deported to Dachau in November 1938. After his release, he managed to flee to Belgium and, in May 1939, eventually emigrated to the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simon Meyerhoff\u2019s brother Max and his wife had moved from K\u00f6rbecke to D\u00fcsseldorf where they lived at Steinstra\u00dfe 60, presumably since January 1939. The Lubascher family, having moved in from Solingen, ran a restaurant and guesthouse there until the night of the pogrom. In the course of the year 1939, the house was turned into a so-called \u201cJudenhaus\u201d (literally \u201cJew house\u201d). <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/4\/\">Cilly Rosenbaum<\/a>, a neighbour of the Meyerhoff family in Ohligs, also moved to this address in May 1939.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Solingen\u2019s housing office also forcefully relocated Jewish families and merged them in houses of Jewish owners. For that reason, Simon and Henriette Meyerhoff had to move into the house of Toni and Berthold Westheimer, located at Malteserstra\u00dfe 23, on 3 August 1939.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When, in 1941, the Nazis started deporting Jews to the eastern ghettos and extermination camps, Simon and Henriette Meyerhoff were among the first victims. Together with fifteen other Jews of Solingen, they were deported to the Ghetto of Litzmannstadt (Lodz) on 26 October 1941. On 17 December 1941, Simon Meyerhoff\u2019s brother Max wrote to Solingen\u2019s religious community [in translation]: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI hereby kindly ask if you could provide me with any information on where the transport headed east as of 27 Oct. was going. This is about spouses Simon Meyerhoff, Malteserstrasse 23. Maybe you have already come to know their current address. I\u2019d be grateful for a swift reply in this matter.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>City Archive of Solingen, Ve 44-5 (translation M.B., 2021)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t have any proof of a reply. On 8 May 1942, Simon and Henriette Meyerhoff were killed in a gas van at Chelmno extermination camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Stolpersteine_Meyerhoff02-1024x648.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Stolpersteine_Meyerhoff02-1024x648.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Stolpersteine_Meyerhoff02-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Stolpersteine_Meyerhoff02-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Stolpersteine_Meyerhoff02.jpg 1167w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>The \u201cWei\u00dfe-Rose-AG\u201c (extracurricular club named after the German<br><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White_Rose\">resistance group<\/a>) of Solingen\u2019s comprehensive school Geschwister-Scholl-Schule regularly takes care of the Stolpersteine at D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe. Photo: Daniela Tobias<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time, Henriette Meyerhoff\u2019s children in the USA did not yet know about their parents\u2019 fate. Fritz Marx, now going by the name of \u201cFred\u201d, signed up for the US army on 14 August 1942. He was transferred to Algiers where the pianist arranged the music for the troop musical \u201cSwing, Sister Wac, Swing\u201d in 1943. However, the show was cancelled again after only four performances in January 1944. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 18 February 1944, journalist Tania Leshinsky interviewed Fred\u2019s wife Alice Marx for the New Yorker periodical \u201cAufbau\u201c. Excerpts of the article read [in translation]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c\u2018Fred has always been a musician\u2019, his wife Alice tells me \u2013 he was the student of Teichm\u00fcller, he was a pianist and, after that, conductor. You can imagine that he was never interested in jazz. When he came to America five years ago, he immediately found a job as pianist in a nightclub, and that was \u2013 in Yorkville. And then came in the new, the American! He started playing jazz, music the American way (\u2026). He is also very successful with his own compositions. Almost all of his seven popular songs turned out to be a hit. (\u2026) \u2018And what are your and his plans for the future?\u2019 I asked. \u2018Music and music, over and over again. The cheerful, American music that makes one forget everything \u2013 even Dachau.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u201cBegegnung in Algier\u201c, article in the periodical \u201cAufbau\u201c of 18 February 1944 (translation: M.B., 2021). <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/aufbau101944germ\/page\/n107\/mode\/1up?view=theater\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"739\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-739x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-708\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-739x1024.jpg 739w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-768x1064.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-1108x1536.jpg 1108w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-1478x2048.jpg 1478w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218-1568x2173.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Marx_Aufbau19440218.jpg 1679w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>The alleged escape from Dachau in this article is very unlikely since there are documents about his regular release and there is no evidence that any escapes happened during this time. Source: \u201cAufbau\u201c Archives at JM J\u00fcdische Medien AG, Zurich via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/aufbau101944germ\/page\/n107\/mode\/1up?view=theater\" target=\"_blank\">archive.org<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After the war was over, Fred Marx still worked as musician in New York, but didn\u2019t make a career in show business anymore. He died in New York on 11 July 1977. His sister Grete and her family had settled down in Los Angeles and had changed their last name from Rosenblatt to Roy. Greta Roy died in 1989, ten years after her husband Heinrich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop 12: Ohligs Station<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bremsheyplatz \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/mmp\/fullscreen\/2\/\" target=\"_blank\">go to map<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><em>go to starting point<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the train station Ohligs-Wald commenced operations on 25 September 1867, the small village of Ohligs soon grew into a townlet. Its development significantly profited from the Jewish merchants that settled there towards the end of the 19th century. Along the new commercial street, extending from the station westwards, small department stores with ready-to-wear-clothing emerged: something that people had only known from larger cities before then. The local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d was the preferred medium when it came to advertising special offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"633\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051-1024x633.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051-768x475.jpg 768w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/PK-4051.jpg 1546w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ohligs station, postcard from 1936. Source: City Archive of Solingen, PK 4051<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Jewish merchants often brought a family network of business partners with them, enabling the purchase of goods at affordable prices. While most of their parents\u2019 generation had still been cattle traders, they themselves mainly tried their luck in the textile industry. That way, they socially advanced towards the middle-class spheres and achieved some prosperity. As a consequence, they were in the financial position to invest in their offspring\u2019s education and some of their children then went on to reach the next stratum of society, becoming part of the academic circles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is another aspect in which the station was an important location factor. It enabled the merchants from Ohligs to visit their often far-flung family members and business partners via railway. And <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/8\/\">Bernhard Z\u00fcrndorfer<\/a>\u2019s daugter Thea attended a school in Cologne, ca. 35 km from Ohligs, that she could easily reach by train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The religious life of Ohligs\u2018 Jewish residents also depended on the station. It was the point of departure for the tram to Solingen where the synagogue and the Jewish cemetery were located.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steeg_Steinberger_OA19140929.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"241\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steeg_Steinberger_OA19140929-241x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steeg_Steinberger_OA19140929-241x300.jpg 241w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Steeg_Steinberger_OA19140929.jpg 378w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ahead of Jewish holidays, many Jewish merchants informed their clients via the local newspaper that their businesses would remain closed: examples from the \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 29 September 1914. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9180044\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Most of the Jews living in Ohligs were faithful worshippers and members of Solingen\u2019s synagogue community. Some of them even fulfilled functions in the religious community\u2019s council or other committees. Up to the 1920s, Jewish businesses indicated via the local press when they would remain closed during holidays such as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. Therefore, the religious affiliation of the shop owners was very well known to the clients in Ohligs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Socialist\u2019s antisemitic propaganda did not spare the people in Ohligs of course. Even before 1933, the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nazi_Party\">NSDAP<\/a> started hosting events that targeted and denigrated Jews. Despite Nazi Germany\u2019s call to boycott Jewish businesses, many of Ohligs\u2019 residents kept faith with the local merchants. However, the \u201cKristallnacht\u201d in November 1938 meant the ultimate escalation of the situation. The remaining businesses along D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe were the first targets of the ruthless <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sturmabteilung\"><em>Sturmabteilung<\/em><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Schutzstaffel\"><em>Schutzstaffel<\/em><\/a> squads that smashed stores to pieces and terrorised families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9359474\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NSDAP_OA19291204.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NSDAP_OA19291204.jpg 612w, https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/NSDAP_OA19291204-300x166.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In the local newspaper \u201cOhligser Anzeiger\u201d of 4 December 1929, the NSDAP invited to an assembly that aimed at denying Jews the status of being German citizens. Source: City Archive of Solingen via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zeitpunkt.nrw\/ulbbn\/periodical\/zoom\/9359474\" target=\"_blank\">zeitpunkt.nrw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, Ohligs\u2019 train station became a turntable, this time for emigration. Especially the younger generation that still had the chance of rebuilding their life elsewhere left Germany behind and went to the USA, England or South America. For those who weren\u2019t lucky enough to have relatives abroad vouching for them, fleeing to Belgium was, in many cases, the only option left. Germany closed the borders in 1941 and started the deportations towards the east; several Jews from Ohligs were among those murdered in the ghettos and extermination camps. Some of the transports are likely to have been handled via the station in Ohligs. Apart from <a href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/6\/\">Enrique Bassat<\/a>, none of the emigrants ever returned to Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ohligs\u2018 D\u00fcsseldorfer Stra\u00dfe still is a lively shopping promenade. Nowadays, you will find several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.solingen.de\/de\/inhalt\/stolpersteine-in-solingen\/&amp;r90=Ohligs%2FAufderh%C3%B6he%2FMerscheid&amp;src90=Schicksale_nach_Stadtteil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stolpersteine along the way<\/a>, commemorating the persecuted. With this tour we also want to remember those who have not yet received a Stolperstein as they managed to emigrate in due time. They, too, were disenfranchised, persecuted, and expelled, and should not be forgotten.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Armin Schulte and Daniela Tobias, translated from German by Miriam Braun, Autumn 2021 The tour starts at the marketplace of Ohligs and ends at the main station. The route is barrier-free and covers a distance of about 400 meters. Stop 1: The Coopman Family D\u00fcsseldorfer Str. 76 \u2013 go to map&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;go to starting point&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/en\/jewish-merchants-in-solingen-ohligs\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Jewish merchants in Solingen-Ohligs<\/span> weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-841","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=841"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1447,"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/841\/revisions\/1447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/max-leven-zentrum.de\/2021JLID\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}