Portrait of a life

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David Friedmann was born on December 20, 1893, in Mährisch Ostrau, Austria-Hungary, now Ostrava, Czech Republic. He studied etching with Hermann Struck and painting with Lovis Corinth in Berlin. He painted some of the most important events in modern history, surviving World War I and World War II as an artist.

Friedmann’s flourishing career in Berlin was terminated in 1933 by the Nazi regime. As each of his options narrowed, he continued to produce art illustrating the events and his personal experiences of the time. In 1938, Friedmann fled with his family to Prague, escaping from the Nazis with only his artistic talent as a means to survive. He depicted human fate as a refugee in Prague, as a prisoner in the Lodz Ghetto, in the Auschwitz subcamp, Gleiwitz I, and as a survivor. 

The story of his life, his art, and his daughter's pursuit for recognition for her father as an artist are a compelling window into Jewish life in Europe during this time. 

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Topic
  • Jewish Holidays (Chagim)
  • Holocaust
  • History
  • Creativity and the Arts
Grades
  • 3 - 5
  • 6 - 7
Setting
  • After School and Beyond
  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Early Childhood
  • Family Engagement

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Old hand holding child's hand
Collection

Resources to connect learners to the individual stories of Holocaust victims and survivors.

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Camp counselor staff t-shirt

Beginning at the time of hiring second-year bunk counselors, this guide takes learners through the analysis of their camp's Jewish environment and rituals in order to identify the elements of excellent Jewish experiential education within.

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Israel Education in the Days After - Book Photo and Title

Dr. David Bryfman, Chief Executive Officer, The Jewish Education Project

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