Figure 1.--

Blau-Weiss (Blue-White) was the first Jewish youth group established in Germany. It was founded in 1912. Jewish boys like other German boys were inspired by the German youth movement culture of outings, hikes, singing, and comradship. Many German youth moveements refused to accept Jews. Wandervogel left it up to the local units to decide. Jews were also not accepted by many Scout groups and formed their own Scout association. All of the nationalist groups formed after World War I refused to accept Jews. We have few details, but assume that Socialist and Communist youth groups did accept Jews. Zionist groups were also founded. Blau-Weiss adopted a Zionist platform at its convention in 1922. Other Zionist groups were formed. Blau-Weiss was disbanded in 1929 evern before the NAZI seizure of power. After the NAZI takeover the Hitler Youth adsorbption of other youth movement and banning of most other groups meant that Jewish children could only belong to Jewish youth groups. The NAZIs gradually replaced more and more restrictions on their operations. Their facilities were seized, often by the Hitler Youth. The Reich Youth Leadership in 1934 prohibited German Jewish youth groups from wearing uniforms. The Baden Minister of Interior in 1935 prohibited group hikes and similar activities for all non-National Socialist youth groups. Other states adopted similar ordinaces. Finally all Jewish youth groups were ordered disbanded in 1938.

Membership Policies of German Youth Groups

Many German youth moveements refused to accept Jews. Wandervogel left it up to the local units to decide. Jews were also not accepted by many Scout groups. This requires some context. I am unsure about how welcome Jewish boys were in Scout associations in other countries. Many Scout troops were sponsorded by churches so Jewish boys would be unlikely to join these. In America Scouts were alo spinsored by schools. I do not believe Jews were excluded from these, but do not have information to confirm this. The German youth movement was radicalized and highly politicicized by World War I and its outcome. Many groups were formed, often quite small groups with only local memberships. In this climate it became more difficult for Jewish boys to participate in German youth groups. All of the nationalist groups formed after World War I refused to accept Jews. We have few details, but assume that Socialist and Communist youth groups did accept Jews.

Jewish Groups

Blau-Weiss (Blue-White) was the first Jewish youth group established in Germany. It was founded in 1912. Jewish boys like other German boys were inspired by the German youth movement culture of outings, hikes, singing, and comradship. A Jewish Scout Association was formed. Zionist groups were also founded. Other Zionist groups were formed, although we do not have the actual names of the groups.

Blau-Weiss

Blau-Weiss (Blue-White) was the first Jewish youth group established in Germany. It was founded in 1912. Jewish boys like other German boys were inspired by the German youth movement culture of outings, hikes, singing, and comradship. Blau-Weiss adopted a Zionist platform at its convention in 1922. Afterwards the group stressed emigration to Palestine and retraining for agricultural and manual labor and rural settlement. The Blau-Weiss movement members who went to Palestine joined kibbutzim. This was relatively easy in the 1920s, but this did not appeal to many German Jews who were among the most assimilated Jewish community in Eurpoe. Blau-Weiss was disbanded in 1929 even before the NAZI seizure of power.

EZRA

EZRA is a religious youth movement named after the Biblical prophet Ezra. It was founded in Germany during 1919. We have no information about its operations in Germany. Groups were founded in Plaestine only in 1936. In Isrrael it was affiliated with the Orthodox Agudat Israel party, but now classifies itself as non-political. The aim is to educate young Jews towards the building of the Land in the spirit of Orthodox Judaism. Its members have helped found several kibbutzim and moshavim, as well as in various community and educational enterprises. It is active in Israel and the Diaspora.

Jewish Scouts

Judishe Verbande

NAZI Policies

After the NAZI takeover the Hitler Youth adsorption of other youth movement and banning of most other groups meant that Jewish children could only belong to Jewish youth groups. The Catholic youth movement managed to remain independent for a few years, but Jewish boys would not have wanted to join Catholic groups. The NAZIs gradually replaced more and more restrictions on the operations of Jewish youth groups. Their facilities were seized, often by the Hitler Youth. The Reich Youth Leadership in 1934 prohibited German Jewish youth groups from wearing uniforms. The Baden Minister of Interior in 1935 prohibited group hikes and similar activities for all non-National Socialist youth groups. Other states adopted similar ordinaces. Finally all Jewish youth groups were ordered disbanded in 1938.

Individual Experiences

Walter Natt: Natt explains that, "Although my parents were, at the time, rather opposed to it, I joined the Zionist youth movement in the late 1920s. We youngsters were at this time already becoming aware of the slow rise in anti-Semitism, which tended to bring the Jewish youth together. I spent many happy weekends and vacations on hikes and camping out all over Germany and Switzerland. At the same time, I was still in close contact with all my Christian friends and school mates." After the NAZI seized power, all German youth groups were either merged intp the Hitler Youth are banned. The only exception were the Jewish youth groups.

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Last updated: June 13, 2002