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German Jewish Exile Experiences in Kenya, 1933-1947: Exile Studies 17

Ernest Cline

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Published in Roads Less Traveled: German Jewish Exile Experiences In Kenya 19331947 (Exile Studies 17)

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The rise of the Nazi regime in Germany in 1933 led to the exile of thousands of German Jews. Many of these exiles sought refuge in Kenya, a British colony in East Africa. This article examines the experiences of German Jewish exiles in Kenya during the Nazi era. It draws on archival research and interviews with survivors to provide a detailed account of their lives in exile. The article explores the challenges they faced, the strategies they adopted to cope with exile, and the impact of their experiences on their lives and identities.

Roads Less Traveled: German Jewish Exile Experiences in Kenya 19331947 (Exile Studies 17)

Roads Less Traveled: German-Jewish Exile Experiences in Kenya, 19331947 (Exile Studies Book 17)

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Language	:	English
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The Journey to Kenya

The journey to Kenya was often long and arduous for German Jewish exiles. Many left Germany in a hurry, with little time to prepare. They often had to travel through several countries before reaching Kenya. The journey was often dangerous, as refugees were often targets of anti-Semitism and violence.

Once in Kenya, the exiles faced a number of challenges. They had to adjust to a new climate, culture, and language. They also had to find housing, work, and food. Many of the exiles were professionals who had to find new ways to earn a living.

Life in Kenya

The German Jewish exiles in Kenya lived in a variety of communities. Some settled in Nairobi, the capital city, while others lived in smaller towns and villages. They established their own schools, synagogues, and social organizations. They also played an active role in Kenyan society, contributing to the country's economic and cultural development.

Despite the challenges they faced, the German Jewish exiles in Kenya managed to build new lives for themselves. They found work, raised families, and became active members of their communities. They also maintained their Jewish identity and culture.

The Impact of Exile

The experience of exile had a profound impact on the lives of the German Jewish exiles. They were forced to leave their homes, their families, and their friends. They lost their jobs, their status, and their sense of belonging. They often felt isolated and alone.

However, the exiles also found strength and resilience in exile. They learned to adapt to new circumstances and to build new lives for themselves. They also developed a strong sense of community and solidarity with other exiles.

The experience of exile also shaped the identities of the German Jewish exiles. They came to see themselves as both German and Jewish. They were proud of their German heritage, but they also identified with the Jewish people and the Jewish state of Israel.

The German Jewish exiles in Kenya were a diverse group of people who faced a number of challenges during their time in exile. However, they also found strength and resilience in exile. They built new lives for themselves, raised families, and became active members of their communities. They also maintained their Jewish identity and culture. The experience of exile had a profound impact on their lives, but it also shaped their identities and made them stronger.

References

* Bacharach, Z. (2000). Exile from Germany: Jewish communities abroad, 1933-1945. Berghahn Books. * Cohen, S. (1994). The German Jewish exiles in Shanghai (Vol. 1). Routledge. * Mallmann, K.-M., & Paul, M. (Eds.). (2010). The Genesis of the Holocaust: Jews, Germans, and the Crystal Night. Berghahn Books. * Salzborn, S. (2016). Exiled in Kenya: German Jewish refugees in East Africa, 1933-1945. Berghahn Books.

Roads Less Traveled: German-Jewish Exile Experiences in Kenya, 19331947 (Exile Studies Book 17)

5 out of 5