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Dr. Immanuel Loew, Famous Hungarian Rabbi, Dies in Budapest; Quiet Funeral Ordered

August 28, 1944
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Chief Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Loew of Szegedin, former member of the Hungarian Upper House and descendant of Rabbi Loew of the Golem fame, died in Budapest, it was learned here today. He was 90 years old.

Members of both houses of the Hungarian Parliament attended his funeral which took place during the hours when Jews in Budapest are permitted to do their shopping. The authorities mapped out a strict route for the funeral procession and allowed no speeches at the grave.

Chief Rabbi Loew is the author of a large number of learned works, which were issued in 1900 in a collected edition. Among the best known of these is his “Flora of the Jews” and “Fauna of the Jews.” In 1920 his name was thrown into the limelight throughout the whole Jewish world. He was accused by a journalist of having given him an interview condemning the Horthy regime in Hungary. He was arrested on a charge of high treason and was for a long time kept in solitary confinement in his home. Eventually, however, it was proved that the statements made against him were invented, and his name was cleared. A violent controversy had been raging meanwhile in Hungary, many important personages rallying to his defense.

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