OMIKE, the Hungarian Jewish Educational Association was a Jewish cultural association that existed from 1910 to 1944.

History

Beginning

OMIKE was founded in 1910 by Budapest chief rabbi, Simon Hevesi, with the purpose to maintain the traditional values of Judaism for people living in secular society. The association set up several cultural and welfare institution, e.g. kitchen for out of town students, library lodging for Jewish industry and trade students, summer camps. Lectures were organized. After the Anti-Jewish Laws from 1938 onwards, actors, singers, artists, and writers who could not work under the anti-semitic restrictions received assistance and protection.

Artist Action

From 1938 limits were placed on Jewish actors performing in theatres and cinema. The Budapest Opera suggested the possibility of acting in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Community. Dr. Géza Ribáry succeeded in obtaining the permission needed for performances, without advertising and with only Jewish audiences, leading to the formation of OMIKE Artist Action (Művészakció) in September 1938.

Program

The opening performance occurred on January 8, 1940 with Moses by Imre Madách. Oszkár Beregi played the principal role. Other shows were: The last event took place on March 19, 1944, when during the dress rehearsal of a Molière comedy in Szeged German soldier marched in and shut the theater for any further performances. This ended the four years of activity of OMIKE.

Celebration

A “Remény”, Jewish social and cultural periodical remembered OMIKE in 1998 on the occasion of the 65. Anniversary.

Persons

Management

Singers

Painters

Writers

OMIKE program included classic works and pieces written by Jewish writers whose works could not be performed.

Souvenir

Literature