Reference code
ZA UCT BC1556_AL
Title
Bernhard Lazarus Collection
Date(s)
- 1928-1945 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
2 items
Name of creator
(1926-)
Biographical history
Bernard Lazarus was born 1926 in Mainz, Germany to Eugen and Alice (nee Hess); his brother Gunter was born in 1928. Bernard was named after his grandfather who was a butcher. The Larazus family lived in a small village named Appenheim, near Mainz since 1542. When the First World War broke out, Eugen who previously worked as a textile agent enlisted and fought for Germany until he was wounded. He returned home and joined his family’s agency business. When Hitler came to power, Eugen no longer saw a future for Jews in Germany. He decided to immigrate to South Africa with his family. They travelled aboard the “Ubena” which sailed from Rotterdam to Durban via Cape Town. When they arrived in Durban Eugen joined his brother-in-law Erich Hess’ metal smelting business named SA Smelting.
Archival history
The collection was donated to the Durban Holocaust Centre by Bernard Lazarus.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Scope and content
The collection contains a magazine for B’nai B’rith, a Jewish welfare organisation, as well as a Luftwaffe emblem which German soldiers wore on the front of their cap.