This is the NCJWBCS Archives (January 2013 - May 2021). The current site can be found here.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

A Faith in the Future. A Belief in Action.

NCJW MEMBERS INSPIRED BY WORD WAR II STORY AT APRIL MEETING

Harry Ettlinger FlyerTo commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, a moving memento mori of Holocaust experiences was delivered by Felice Zimmern Stokes of Teaneck, a hidden child survivor, at the start of the meeting sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section on April 21.

Harry Ettlinger, one of the few surviving ‘Monuments Men’ who saved hundreds of thousands of cultural treasures stolen by the Nazis, was the featured speaker drawing 200 NCJW members and guests at Temple Emeth in Teaneck. The energetic and humorous 89-year old fascinated the audience with his stories of his Bar Mitzvah and last-minute escape from Germany; rescuing the art treasures from German mines; his later life when he worked on nuclear missiles for submarines; and his meeting with George Clooney, who used ‘The Monuments Men’ story as the inspiration of his movie of the same name.

It was our pleasure to welcome non-members in the audience, including a Mr. Kirk and a Mr. Kurt Roberg , who came specially to meet Harry. Mr. Roberg had lived near Harry in Germany and the three octogenarian gentlemen, originally from Germany, had an opportunity to reminisce about their World War II experiences.

Click here to read Lois’s Goldrich’s article in Jewish Standard. Reprinted with permission.

Harry Ettlinger with NCJW Program Committee
Harry Ettlinger with NCJW Program Committee

Harry Ettlinger meets contemporaries
Harry Ettlinger meets contemporaries

Harry Ettlinger
Harry Ettlinger

Harry Ettlinger at podium
Harry Ettlinger

Felice Zimmern Stokes
Felice Zimmern Stokes