Ellinger, Alfred and Heim, Konrad: “We are at the front and fighting for Emperor and Fatherland”, open letter published in Dr. Bloch´s Oesterreichische Wochenschrift, the central organ for the general interests of the Jews, Vienna, 9 November 191?

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Extracts from a open letter from Alfred Ellinger and Konrad Heim to the Vienna Israelite Community, published in Dr. Bloch´s Oesterreichische Wochenschrift. In their letter, the corporal and the one-year volunteer complain about the poor supply of religious texts at the front. At the same time they describe their dual motivation for participating in this war. JCS University Library, Frankfurt am Main

Universitätsbibliothek JCS Frankfurt am Main

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Jewish soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian army

The overwhelming majority of the Jewish population in the western half of the monarchy reacted with enthusiasm to the start of the war. They saw it as an opportunity to exhibit their patriotism and counter anti-Semitic prejudices. Behind this lay the desire to earn membership and respect by demonstrating Jewish commitment.