Title: Czechs, Germans, Jews? : national identity and the Jews of Bohemia /
Authors: Čapková, Kateřina.; Paton, Derek; Paton, Marzia.; Paton, Derek,; Paton, Marzia,
Publisher: Berghahn Books,
Year: 2012
Subjects: Jews Czech Republic Bohemia Identity.; Jews Czech Republic Bohemia Social conditions; Jews Czech Republic Bohemia History; Bohemia (Czech Republic) Ethnic relations History
Abstract: The phenomenon of national identities, always a key issue in the modern history of Bohemian Jewry, was particularly complex because of the marginal differences that existed between the available choices. Considerable overlap was evident in the programs of the various national movements and it was possible to change one's national identity or even to opt for more than one such identity without necessarily experiencing any far-reaching consequences in everyday life. Based on many hitherto unknown archival sources from the Czech Republic, Israel and Austria, the author's research reveals the inner dynamic of each of the national movements and maps out the three most important constructions of national identity within Bohemian Jewry--the German-Jewish, the Czech-Jewish and the Zionist. This book provides a needed framework for understanding the rich history of German- and Czech-Jewish politics and culture in Bohemia and is a notable contribution to the historiography of Bohemian, Czechoslovak and central European Jewry.--Publisher description.
Contents: The basic features of the Jewish community in Prague and in Bohemia -- Jews as a national minority in the new republic -- German Jews -- Czech-Jews -- Zionists.