Jewish and German dignitaries from all parts of West Germany today assembled in the State Parliament building here to mark the 80th birthday of Dr. Leo Baeck, Chief Rabbi of Berlin before and during the Nazi regime, who now lives in London. Dr. Baeck, who is this year retiring as head of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, is also president of the Council of Jews from Germany. He had been held by the Nazis in The Reinstated Concentration camp.
Last week, Dr. Baeck was decorated in London with the German Grand Order of Merit, with Star. The award was presented by the German Charge Affaires in London, on orders from President Heuss. Rabbi Baeck was also awarded an honorary degree from Berlin’s Free University; Today’s gathering was addressed by Rabbi R.R. Geist, of Karlsruhe, Chief Rabbi of Baden and the only Liberal rabbi now in Germany.
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