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VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

The eAstern front

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The Eastern front extended as far south as Macedonia but mostly focused on Poland and Russia. Austro-Hungarian forces were much more involved here. The conflict raged in countless Jewish communities, which had contributed their bread-winners as conscripts to the war effort but were also impoverished by the flow of opposing armies and forced relocations. Eastern Poland was ruled by Russia and had been part of the Pale of Jewish Settlement. Jewish life there was changed forever.

Balkan and M. East Campaign Map This Nazi-produced postcard presents a map in German of the 'Balkan and Palestine' theatres of war. The caption reads "Memorial plaque in the Kyffhauser monument for the fighters in the East'. We see the Balkans, Turkey, Palestine, and Egypt - all areas of fighting in the East. The back of the card shows a symbol with the Nazi Swastika in the center.	German and Austro-Hungarian Allies This Jewish New Year card celebrates the alliance of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Austro-Hungarian Kaiser Franz-Joseph. Their crowns are above their heads and they shake hands in front of weapons. "G-d Bless Our Weapons'. This card also expresses the loyalty of the Jewish community to their country and its cause.	Austria.Prayer for Emperor The Mishnah in Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 3:2) teaches us: "Pray for the welfare of the government ..." Siddurim can be found from countries around the world with a version of this prayer. Here we have one from Austria naming the Kaiser Franz Joseph I, his wife Elizabeth, prince Rudolph and princess Stephanie.
German Cavalry Defeats Russians This card was printed in Berlin for use of soldiers in the field. The caption tells the story: "Our Fight on the Eastern Border. Destruction of a Russian Cavalry Brigade at Soldau". That was a town in north central Poland at which the Germans defeated Russians in the first month of the war. The card was sent a few months later from Gorlitz, on the German Polish border, on 13 Jan 1915.	Bulgaria.Bayonet Battle This postcard copies a painting depicting a clash between German and Russian forces. The caption reads 'Bayonet Battle'.	Bulgaria.Bayonet Battle Moris Aladjem sent this card to wife Sarah. He dated it 29 May? 1916. His message is in German but the address is in Bulgarian and so is the postmark, which appears to be a military one.
Bombardment of Russian Poland This card reproduces an artist's conception of the German and Austrian forces bombarding Russian Poland cities. The writer is in the Austro-Hungarian army, convalescing in a facility in Klagenfurt, Austria. 28 December 1915.	Military Doctor in Prussia Dr. Rahmer writes to Maria Meyer from the field where he is stationed in Schlichtingsheim. That is located in western Poland. He writes "...hard times last 12 days, not to be repeated. If I could have better rations...". Dated 24 Dec 1915, the logo shows the Iron Cross awarded to German combatants. Underneath is the slogan "Forward with G-d that is hopefully with us as he was with our fathers" (I Kings 8:57).	Field Hospital.Jewish Clinic F. Merkel writes from the field hospital in Bad-Nauheim in central Germany, on 23 January 1915. "I got your card, thank you very much. My sickness is not deadly...As soon as I am well I'm coming to visit." The stamped seal says that it is from a Jewish clinic. Postcards were a relatively new type of mail. They were used much more than letters because they were easier to censor and so delivered more quickly.
Enemy civilian interned in Germany Many civilians from what were now enemy countries were interned in camps throughout the war. Abraham Kanoivitch writes on 14 July 1916 to the 'International Welfare Department for Russians' in Holland. "I'm held for 17 months as a POW. I'm 14 years old...don't know where my parents are...Please get me information". Havelberg held 4500 internees. Censored and mailed without postage.	German Soldier in the Field to Baden Mailed home to Baden Germany from the field by an infantryman in Russian territory, this card pictures typical Lithuanian/Russian clothing worn by Jews in this period. The caption reads "Jewish Family in Front of Their Sturdy Home". 26 May 1917.	Austrian Soldier Sabbath photo Bela writes from his field regiment to Miss Frieda in Vienna 18 Feb 1916. "I got your letter. From now on I'm going to number my cards and you do the same...Kisses, your Bela." He chose a very Jewish scene that must have reminded him of home: A Jew making Kiddush Shabbat evening wearing a Talit (?) in front of the lit candles. Almost all the cards shown here were sent by Jews involved in the conflict.
Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Sanger Pictured are 3 Chaplains serving in WWI - Protestant, Jewish and Catholic. Only the Jew is identified: Field Rabbi Dr. Jacob Sanger (1878 - 1938) was one of 30 in the German army. He served 1915-18 in the 11th Army in Romania. In their memoirs, the chaplains report that they respected and worked well with each other. Although not given the full support of their country, they served valiantly and ministered to all who needed them.	Jewish Calendar for Servicemen Another chaplain, R' Dr. Paul Pinchas Lazarus, (1888-1951) issued this Jewish calendar. The cover reads 'Jewish Note-Calendar for the War Year 5679 (1918-19) for the Jewish comrades of the Scholtz group'. He served the 11th Army in Macedonia 1916-18. Most of these chaplains had both Rabbinic and University credentials. They also supplied Siddurim to the troops.	Wartime Jewish Calendar Introducing the calendar is an inspiring message quoting Psalm 118:6 'G-d is with me, I shall not fear. What can man do to me.' He signs it in Macedonia New Year 5679. The sample page shown gives the Jewish and secular dates and lists the Holidays in Hebrew and German. The opposing pages with blank lines were for notes.
Austrian Soldiers at a Seder Chaplains used their position and connections to make Passover Seders for the troops. These were looked forward to and enthusiastically attended. Even locals and even POWs were allowed to participate. The caption under this photo reads "An 'Easter' Eve/Seder/Jewish Soldiers Behind the Front. 'Easter' 1918. Germans referred to Passover as 'Easter'.	Austrian Soldiers at Prayer.JFB This painting, which appears in more than one version, illustrates soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian army at a synagogue prayer service. A soldier is leading and a cantor sits at the table among the soldiers. Hungarians and Poles are among the group.	Jewish War Veterans Due to rising anti-Semitism, in 1932 Austrian ex-soldiers founded the 'Federation of Jewish War Veterans' - BJF (Bund Judischer Frontsoldaten). They wore uniforms, published a journal, and erected Jewish War Memorials. They published cards like this one, illustrating obvious Jewish participation in the war effort.
Austrian Soldier to Son.Pinchov Writing from Pinchow Poland on 26 May 1916. 'I'm in good health, with nothing important to write."	From Lyck/Eik Poland.Cemetery This undated postcard from the war zone in Lyck/Eik Poland pictures a cemetery. The caption reads 'The war in the East - Lyck. The Jewish cemetery'. We see some gravestones but also a few crosses, making us wonder what it was.	Brody.Recuperating in Quarantine This Austrian soldier writes 19 October 1918 to his friend Hans Kerschbaum in Vienna. He is recuperating in a 'Return Receiving Station' in Brody, Ukraine, and is in quarantine. "I have Russia behind me...am in quarantine until October 30th. I would enjoy receiving a letter from you...'.
Aust-Hung Soldier Returns Soldier Yankel Ber Bickel was wounded and admitted to the Hospital. He was released on 2 June 1918 with a 20% disability. This discharge document records that and the typed addition permits him to ride the train for free (but not the express!) to reach his home in Berlin.	Yankel Bickel returns home The back of the document records his admittance and discharge and his arrival in Berlin 1 July 1918 where he checked in at the Hungarian General Consulate.	German Passport Lithuanian Jews Lithuania, which was controlled by Russia, was occupied by Germany from 1915-18. People who had been variously Polish , Russian, and Lithuanian, were now stateless. Germany issued this I.D. 'Pass', in German and Yiddish, to Jews in the area. The seal reads "German Administrative Area.Commander in Chief.East".
German Passport Lithuanian Jew Inside we find the details of birth and location. Somebody Lewin was born in 1865. We see his photo, and the passport number appears above his head. Interestingly, there is a large imprint of his right index finger. Fingerprinting was just beginning to be used as a means of identification in the beginning of the 20th century.	Hungarian POW in Siberia This apparently Jewish Hungarian soldier is a POW in Siberia. He was sent a double postcard from home and is sending back the second half with his message, from a POW camp in Tomsk, Siberia. "Your dear cards I receive with great joy...I hope peace will come, that's all we talk about. It's already enough war...Kisses and greetings from your Oskar." Dated 19 March 1917.	Hungarian POW writes from Russia Sandor Goldberger is a POW held in Penza south of Moscow. He is writing to the 'Help Association for POWs' in Stockholm, Sweden and including his father's address in Hungary. They apparently acted as a clearinghouse to forward mail between opposing sides. The card is censored by Russia and also Hungary when it arrived. "I am thank G-d very well...Holiday greetings (Rosh Hashana)".
German POW Writes to Copenhagen This German prisoner is situated in Kaschira, in the Moscow area. On 18 October 1917 Siegfried Fuchs writes to "The Zionist Organization in Copenhagen, Denmark. "I got the card...thanks for your kindness...I'm in the medical camp since April...My health is getting better."	Russian Soldier Held in Vienna Shaya Resnik, held in Josefstadt, Vienna Austria writes to The Jewish Relief Committee in Berlin 1 Oct 1916. "For 16 months I have no news from my family in Opalin near Vladimir-Volinsk (Russia, today in Ukraine)…Please tell my father I'm healthy...ask him to send me some money. Thanks.".	Resnick Double Postcard Resnik used a postcard sent through the Red Cross. Actually it was a double card, with a blank self addressed part. The recipient could immediately detach it, write a response, and send it back. In this case it was never used.
Belgorod.POW translation needed translation needed. ***** Sent from 'Jewish Committee for Refugees' in Belgorod, Russia to Geneva Committee for Russian Jewish POWs. 6 September 1917.	From One Relief Agency to Another The Geneva Committee for the Relief of Jewish Russian POWs sent this card on 2 Oct 1917 to the Jewish Relief Committee in Halle, Germany. "We hereby inform you that on 28 September we sent the following to you: 1 kilo of Bouillon cubes, worth 300 marks, and 1 package of tobacco 2.5 kilos for distribution to needy Jewish Russian war prisoners. Please acknowledge receipt of those. Thanking you in advance...".	Berezno. translation needed Russian soldier Boris Schechterman is held POW in Papa, Hungary. On 15 Nov 1914 he writes to family in Berezno (once Poland, now Russia, currently Ukraine). translation needed
POW camp Gross-Breesen, Germany POW Chaim Yoselevitz is a Russian soldier held in Gross-Breesen, Germany on the border with Poland. The camp was built in Sept 1914 and held thousands of Russian prisoners. Chaim writes to the 'Moscow Relief Committee for POWs' in Copenhagen, Denmark. The letter was censored and postmarked 18 Nov 1915.	POW Butow Germany to NY Benzion Ziskind writes through the Relief Committee for German Jewry to the Relief Committee for Russian-Polish Jewry in New York City 27 June 1916. "Dear Uncle, I am a POW in Germany. PLEASE send me a few dollars...Regards...". He gives the return address.	Austrian Wartime Mail Censored translation needed. ******* Censored PC
Jews at the Polish Market In good times, there was brisk business and trading at the 'rynyk' - the market - in the center of town. This card, that was supplied to German soldiers in the field, pictures such a market on Lodz, Poland. It was mailed from there 27 March 1915.	Soup Kitchen in Belarus Postmarked 9 March 1918 from a German army camp, it's not clear if this writer was Jewish. But the picture clearly is. The sign above the doorway reads in German 'Volkskuche' meaning 'People's Kitchen' and beneath, in Yiddish, 'Bilige Kich' meaning 'Cheap Food'. With most of the men conscripted, and two opposing armies having to be fed, food for the locals was a major concern.	Distribution to the Polish Poor The German army actually distributed staples to local citizens when they occupied Poland. The caption here reads: "Free Distribution of salt and Sugar to the Poor Polish population by German Soldiers". And many Jews among them. This card was never mailed.
Jewish Soup Kitchen The caption reads in Polish & German: "Scene in Front of Jewish Charity Kitchen Krolewno Poland". The card was mailed by a soldier stationed in Poland. The postmark 16 Jan 1916 reads Lodz. The Jewish chaplains were instrumental in helping to get the food to the local Jewish poor. TRANSLATION	Selling Tea to Soldiers.Cartoon Printed for soldiers in the field, this postcard features a cartoon. It shows an obviously Jewish local family in the East who has set up a tea stand . Their son brings the German soldier over. In Yiddish/German, the caption has him saying "Drink some tea!, fine Sir, an Excellent Tea!". The intent is comical, even derisive, but it reflects the desperation of locals in the war zone trying to eke out a living.	Polish selling to soldiers The caption reads 'Cigar dealers and tea sellers in a Polish town doing business with soldiers'. The seller in the middle of the scene is a Jewish peddler.
Lomza, Poland.Need help Zipa Epstein is in German-occupied Poland. On 2 September 1916 she writes to the Aid Organization for German Jews in Berlin. “Please relate to my son Shlomo Epstein in Merchavia Palestine, Café Mezonot, that his mother Zippa Epstein is back living in Lomza and is expecting help from him.” This is half of a reply card. The stamps are German, but overprinted ‘General Government Warsaw’. Germany had taken control of northern Poland in Oct 1915.	Linas Hatzedek.1912 Even before the war, there were many needy Jews who needed assistance. This envelope was mailed from Khodorkov, Ukraine 28 February 1912. It bears the seal of 'Linas Hatzedek'. That was the Hebrew name for the 'Society for Helping Poor, Sick Jewish People' from the city of Khodorkov. It was sent registered, with the stamps on the back.	Political New Year's Card This political New Year's card shows a German/Austrian soldier reciting the Kaporot formula on the eve of Yom Kippur. "This is in exchange for us...this rooster shall go to death and we shall go to a good long life and peace". The goal is to cast off sins before the holiday begins. Here, the rooster's head is Czar Nicholas of Russia. We see the letters for C(z)ar on his neck.
Pinsk.Austerity Vouchers The heavy fighting between sides took place mostly in Poland. Hundreds of thousands of locals were deported. Goods were scarce and vouchers and ration tickets were issued. The top card allows member Berl Begun to eat at the 'Workers Kitchen'. The bottom one is a voucher issued by the German military command to Begun for a cubic meter of wood.	Bon Pour. Sanok 'Bon Pour' chits are privately issued tokens that can represent donations or recognition of some achievement. This one was issued by Lazar Schachter, an official of the Talmud Torah Jewish school in Sanok Poland in 1919. In Polish and Yiddish it declares that in groups of 20 they can be redeemed for Austro-Hungarian banknotes.	Warsaw Matzah Ration Ticket This ration card controlled the distribution of matzah and sugar, for Passover 1916. It has Yiddish, German and Polish legends, offering 2 kilos of flour or 1.8 kilos of Matzah and 275 grams of Sugar. It was stamped by the 'Commission to Distribute Flours and Bread for Warsaw' and was actually used. The building is the Jewish Community center of Warsaw as shown on the JNF stamp.
Matzah and Staples Ration Card Another wartime ration ticket, this one attributed to Warsaw, dated 1918 and valid March 18 - 31. It has coupons for bread, potatoes, bread, matzah, and sugar. However the one for potatoes is crossed out, indicating scarcity. This ration card survived unused.	Funds Sent But Delayed Osher Yablok left Russian Poland for America in March 1914, (not knowing that a World War would soon break out). He found work in Chicago and sent money home to his wife and family in Biten in Grodno district, near Slonim. $43.50 equaled 100 Rubels. The plan was for them to come as soon as they received enough money and could arrange it.	Delay on Account of War However, due to war conditions, the Schiff company could not guarantee delivery, and stamped this receipt 'subject to delay on account of war'. In fact the family was separated for 5 years, only able to re-unite after the war.
Jews in the Eastern War Zone This book was published by the American Jewish Committee in 1916. It is a report describing the condition of Jews even before the War and then how they were negatively affected during the War. Loyalty, anti-Semitism, expulsions, bias in local relief organizations, spy accusations, etc. etc. are all described. Conditions in Palestine are also mentioned, including the locust plague of 1915.	Prayer for Czar Demonstrating loyalty and support for their host country, Jews included prayers for the government in their Shabbat service. This page from a Siddur names the family of the Russian ruler: Czar Nikolai Alexandrovitch, his wife Alexandra Fyodorovna, and their son and heir Alexei Nikolayevitch.	A Little Jewish Bundist The Jewish Labor Bund was a secular Jewish Socialist party. After the war, they joined the Communist Party in Russia. This postcard pictures a child carrying a ball - and a gun. His Jewishness is indicated by the star on his clothes. Jewish support did not win them much favor under the subsequent Soviet government.
Soldier Returns after Pogrom The picture tells the story. A wounded Jewish Russian soldier returns home from battle only to find the home ransacked and his family slaughtered. The elder man is resigned to prayer. Pogroms attacked the Jewish community after the Revolutions and more after the war ended.	Jewish Shops Looted Kovno Lithuania. The caption reads 'The Plundering of Shops'. The shop signs in Russian read 'Jacob Ginzberg' and 'Portnoy'. Russia had expelled the Jews but under the Germans they returned. This is what they found.	3 Countries Meet This postcard pictures the point at which three empires met, on the eve of WWI. They are Germany, Russia, and Austria. The 'Folk Types' pictured look quite Jewish. The sender had this postcard stamped and cancelled in each of the countries, as seen on the back. This illustrates how easily communities could be overrun by enemy countries and find themselves suddenly part of a new empire, as happened in and after the war.

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