Re: [Cz-L] Czernowitz 2008: Centenary of the 1908 Yiddish Language Conference

Hi, Bruce,
In general, the idea to commemorate the Centenary of the 1908 Yiddish
Language Conference in Czernowitz in 2008 is excellent. I responded
accordingly to Mr. Mazower.

I have two comments:
According to my information, from various sources, the 1908 International
Conference was supposed to be held at the Jüdisches National Haus but Dr.
Benno Straucher, the "strong" leader of the Jewish Community at that time,
opposed; he had several "excuses", among them that the construction of the
building was just completed and that the venue it was not appropriate for
such a conference. However, in one of the articles I had read, it seems that
the opening ceremony took place there, but all the rest was either in the
Musikverein Konzert Halle or in the Ukrainisches National Haus. Whether
this is true or not apparently nobody knows.
Regarding help from Josef Burg - He is well known and respected, but I have
some doubts whether he could really help, because of his age. His reputation
in Ukraine as a scholar and writer does not necessarily go together with
organizational capability. I think the right man to be contacted is the
President of the Jewish Community in CSV.; Mimi has his phone number and
perhaps even his e-mail address, although he does not speak English, nor
German. Nevertheless, in his office there is an excellent
translator-interpreter, who did an excellent job at the party we organized
during the 2006 Reunion to honour the local community.
All the best, to you and your mother,
Abraham K.
----- Original Message -----
From: ajs1pres_at_aol.com
To: dmazower_at_yahoo.com ; Czernowitz-L_at_cornell.edu
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 9:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Cz-L] Czernowitz 2008: Centenary of the 1908 Yiddish Language
Conference

Dear David,

I am but one member of the list, but here is my reaction:
I think that would be a brilliant way to help celebrate the 600th
anniversary of Czernowitz. Unfortunately I can not get involved at this
time. There is a writer by the name of Joseph Burg who, although quite aged
might be someone to contact. In addition there is the university there.
Don't know how much help there would be.
The Jewish community there is quite small.
I was under the impression that the conference was held at the Jewish
National house, which opened the same year as the conference.
I was in that building last year, and it is quite beautiful still.
Coincidently, my mother left Czernowitz about a month after the conference.
She will, G-d willing, celebrate her 99th birthday in May.

I wish you luck and i am sure others on the list will send you replies and
suggestions.

Bruce

-snip-
Received on 2006-12-03 09:55:38