Poster – Seamanship Training Group "Kovshei HaYam" in Deggendorf Displaced Persons Camp – Munich, 1947

Poster – Seamanship Training Group "Kovshei HaYam" in Deggendorf Displaced Persons Camp – Munich, 1947
"Idishe jugent, der yam ruft dikh!" [Jewish youth, the sea calls you!], poster issued by Noham (No'ar Chlutzi Meuchad) in Germany, calling to join the seamanship training group "Kovshei HaYam" [Hebrew: Conquerors of the Sea] in the Deggendorf DP camp, near Munich. Printed by F. Bruckmann KG, Munich, [1947]. Yiddish.
A poster announcing the opening of a new training course of "Kovshei HaYam" seamanship training group in the Deggendorf DPC, calling young boys and girls, 17-24 years of age, with a minimum of five years school education and a certificate declaring that they are in good health, to turn to the representatives of the Jewish Agency in the camp, or to Noham organization representatives or to the director of “Kovshei HaYam”, Shlomo Steindel, and enroll in the training program of sailors, fishermen and seamen.
The importance of seamanship training for “She’erit HaPletah” is emphasized: “if Jews want to be independent in Eretz Israel, they must regain all of the Jewish lands and seas, and become again a nation of farmers, fishermen and sailors…” (Yiddish).
After World War II, approximately 2000 refugees occupied Deggendorg DP camp, most of them from Theresienstadt, on their way to Eretz Israel. A lively cultural activity took place in the camp with two newspapers, a theater group, synagogue, Mikveh and a Kosher kitchen. The camp administration even issued its own paper currency. 42X61 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks. Restored tears (slight paint restorations). Linen-backed for display and preservation.
From the collection of Dr Simon Cohen.