Engraved medallion presented to Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, head of the Jewish Council, by bakers in the Lodz ghetto 2010.74.1 front
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, United States
Large engraved badge presented to Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, the Älteste der Juden [Elder of the Jews] of the Litzmannstadt (formerly Lodz) ghetto in 1943 by the workers of bakery number 7, in recognition of his management of their bakery. It was acquired in postwar Germany by a United States serviceman. The ghetto was established in early February 1940 by the Germans following their occupation of Poland in September 1939. An Ältestenrat [Council of Elders] was appointed to administer ghetto services. Prewar Lodz was a thriving industrial city and the ghetto became an important manufacturing center. The Germans established nearly 100 factories and forced the Jewish residents to work for food. Rumkowski hoped that an economically valuable workforce would prevent the destruction of the ghetto and its residents. Lodz was the last ghetto remaining in Poland when it was liquidated in August 1944. Rumkowski and his family were transported to Auschwitz death camp on August 4, 1944, where they were murdered.
Large engraved badge presented to Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, the Älteste der Juden [Elder of the Jews] of the Litzmannstadt (formerly Lodz) ghetto in 1943 by the workers of bakery number 7, in recognition of his management of their bakery. It was acquired in postwar Germany by a United States serviceman. The ghetto was established in early February 1940 by the Germans following their occupation of Poland in September 1939. An Ältestenrat [Council of Elders] was appointed to administer ghetto services. Prewar Lodz was a thriving industrial city and the ghetto became an important manufacturing center. The Germans established nearly 100 factories and forced the Jewish residents to work for food. Rumkowski hoped that an economically valuable workforce would prevent the destruction of the ghetto and its residents. Lodz was the last ghetto remaining in Poland when it was liquidated in August 1944. Rumkowski and his family were transported to Auschwitz death camp on August 4, 1944, where they were murdered.
- Title: Engraved medallion presented to Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, head of the Jewish Council, by bakers in the Lodz ghetto 2010.74.1 front
- Provenance: The appreciation badge was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2010 by Quincy Kirsch., The appreciation badge was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2010 by Quincy Kirsch.
- Subject Keywords: Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Poland--Łódź--Personal narratives. Jewish ghettos--Poland--Łódź--History. Jewish leadership--Europe, Eastern--20th century. Jews--Poland--Łódź--Biography., Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Poland--Łódź--Personal narratives. Jewish ghettos--Poland--Łódź--History. Jewish leadership--Europe, Eastern--20th century. Jews--Poland--Łódź--Biography.
- Type: Awards, Awards
- Rights: Permanent Collection, Permanent Collection
- External Link: See the full record at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, See the full record at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Medium: Circular, silver colored metal button with cast designs attached to the front. At the top center is a 6 pointed Star of David supported on opposite sides by a lion rampant with arched tail, looking backward, paws on the upper arms of the Star. Above the star are 2 linked circles. Below the star is the number 7. Yiddish text and a date are etched in the center. There is a border of laurel leaves along the lower half. All pieces are attached with metal rivets. Attached to the back is a set screw with a 2 prong circular nut., Circular, silver colored metal button with cast designs attached to the front. At the top center is a 6 pointed Star of David supported on opposite sides by a lion rampant with arched tail, looking backward, paws on the upper arms of the Star. Above the star are 2 linked circles. Below the star is the number 7. Yiddish text and a date are etched in the center. There is a border of laurel leaves along the lower half. All pieces are attached with metal rivets. Attached to the back is a set screw with a 2 prong circular nut.
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