The first Chanukah services in Germany since the outbreak of the war will be held by American Jewish soldiers in the conquered part of Germany, and immediately behind the front lines, it was announced here today by Major Judah Nadich, senior Jewish chaplain. Other services will be held for American Jewish officers, enlisted men and WACS in England, France, Belgium and Holland.
American Jewish military personnel stationed in the Paris region has raised a fund of 55,000 francs for the purchase of Chanukah gifts to be distributed to needy children of this city. In addition, many enlisted men and WACS have contributed their post exchange rations of chocolates, candy and cookies to be given to the children. Chaplain Nadich will officiate at a special service in Paris on Dec. 17 at the Liberal Synagogue. The service will be followed by a Chanukah dance with music and entertainment provided by American soldiers.
Chief Rabbi Julien Weill, broadcasting from Paris for the first time since the liberation of the city, thanked the Frenchmen who participated in the resistance movement for the help they gave to Jews during the occupation. He drew a parallel between the Maccabees and the leaders of the resistance movement in France. “Like their modern counterparts, the Maccabees fled to the mountains and to caves in order to escape the enemy and prepare for a fight against him,” he said.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
