World War, 1939-1945

Benovitz discusses her grandparents, Lithuanian immigrants, and her grandfather's work as a peddler; her father's dry goods business and the family's life in Carrollton, Mississippi, where they lived for twenty years before returning to Louisville in 1923; her husband's business in New Albany, which operated from 1941 until 1966; the Depression of the 1930s, World War II, and recent changes in the local Jewish community.

Berg was reared in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended elementary and secondary school. His parents had come to the US from Russia. Berg's father attended trade school and worked as a plumber in New York. Harold came to Louisville to attend the University of Louisville for his pre-medical and medical education. Berg recieved his MD and completed his internship before being drafted in the US Army during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater as a surgeon and after the war retuened to the US to complete his residency in surgery. Since 1951 he has practiced in Louisville. Berg is also known for his work in mosaics, examples of which were on display at the Jewish Community Center and the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville at the time of the interview.

Berman, a Louisville native, recalls family immigration, reasons for immigration, and European conditions. His parents were Meyer Berman of Covna and Esther Spindler of Grodna, Poland. He discusses associated families such as Goldsmith, Fink, Schuster, Sher Askenaz, Frehling, Mandel, Banshek (St. Louis), Goldberg, Bornstein, Goc, Arthur Kling, Israel and Zehavi Naamani. He describes Louisville merchants in 1912; family life; traditions; the University of Louisville in 1929; Market Street; 4th and Hill Streets; neighborhood stables; Ali Bornstein, builder; Ohio River's importance; Young Men's Hebrew Association; Jewish Hospital; Louis Hebrew School; Jewish Professionals; the Haymarket; Demolay for Boys; Congregations. Tape 2: Discusses Rabbi Zarchy; Rabbi Madlebaum 1940 - as president Kennesseth; World War II; B'nai B'rith; the 1937 flood; shabbat; Four Courts.

A University of Louisville employee discusses World War II and his U of L experiences.

Trudy Briner discusses her life in Austria during the 1920s and 1930s until her departure after Kristallnacht, November 1938. There are numerous descriptions of family life, Vienna society after World War I, and a self-portrait. Information relating to the change in political climate from 1933 to 1938 with the rise of Hitler in Germany and its impact on her and her family is detailed. Subsequently, she discusses her circuitous route to America and ultimately to Louisville. Early occupations in Louisvlle and first impressions of America and Louisville are noted. Finally she mentions her feelings upon returning to Vienna for the first time since 1938. Partial transcript available.

The Diamonds discuss their parents who came to the United States from Latvia; Mrs. Diamond's education at the Louisville Normal School, a two-year teacher's college run by the city; Dr. Diamond's education at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville School of Medicine; recollections of World War II and its impact on the local Jewish community; anti-Semitism in Louisville; and impressions of the nation of Israel, Zionism, and involvement in the local Zionist movement.

The narrator discusses local Jewish organizations, individuals, and neighborhoods. Topics include the Jewish Hospital, the Byck family, Adath Israel congregation, the Young Men's Hebrew Association, recollections of World Wars I and II, the Standard Club, the Council of Jewish Women, anti Semitism, Jewish assimilation, and the Jewish Debutante's Ball.

Lydia Haas discusses family and town life in Heibrun, Germany during the 1920s and 1930s. The ramifications of her marriage to a Jewish man are noted at length. Her interaction with members of the Nazi party are detailed as well. Her family's reaction to Hitler are mentioned. Early experiences in Lousiville, including an episode in which the FBI are brought forth. A reunion of Heilbrun emigres is also discussed, and her views on neo-Nazis and the folly of the war are enumerated.

The narrator discusses growing up in a Jewish neighborhood on east Walnut Street. Her grandfather immigrated to the United States from Kiev, Russia. Her parents' family owned a fish market in Louisville. She discusses World War II and its effect on the local Jewish community, and work with various agencies, including those concerned with Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany.

Werner Herz details his early childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in Dusseldorf, Germany. He provides a portrait of his family and a life of culture and the arts. His career aspirations were crushed in 1933, and he notes his turn toward business. He discusses his immigration to the United States with his brothers. One of his brothers was a noted jurist, and the other was Gerhard Herz of the University of Louisville School of Music. His first recollections of America and Louisville are mentioned with much care. An FBI encounter is also noted. He discusses at length his painful return to Germany for a visit and the attitude of the German people to the war. Index available.