History of JDA - Page 1/2

 

Julius J Newman Founder of the Jewish Deaf Association

Abridged version of an article written in 1968 by the late Julius J Newman, founder of the Jewish Deaf Association.

"After a successful bazaar for the Jewish Blind Society (I attended a meeting which was) addressed by the blind MP Mr Hugh Fraser. He was emphasising the disabilities of the blind and how much they needed attention and help. The thought that immediately went through my mind was; 'what arrangements were available for Jewish deaf people?' - having had personal contact with deaf people.

"I decided to ascertain if there was any centre or activities for the Jewish deaf. To my surprise I learnt very quickly that the only available meeting centres for the deaf were all being run by the churches and that the large number of Jewish deaf people, young and old alike, were attending these various meetings in church halls.

"I then approached Miss Hilda Schlesinger MBE, knowing that she had been interested in the deaf for many years. She was very co-operative and explained that prior to the 1939/45 war there had been attempts at organising clubs for the Jewish deaf but unfortunately they had not been successful. My next effort was to find members of the Jewish Community who would help financially.

"My first call was on Miss Clarica Davidson … and she responded very enthusiastically. From then on progress was very rapid. We held gatherings of the Jewish deaf at various synagogue halls and particularly the Hampstead and Golders Green Synagogues, who were always very helpful.

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