War damage; Himmler's greenhouse; Zeilsheim DP Camp
Albert Scher was attached to US military intelligence after World War II. He was stationed at USFEF Supreme Headquarters, first in Paris, then from November 1945 to May 1946 in Frankfurt. During this time, he visited Zeilsheim DP camp, befriending residents and workers, taking photographs and 8mm film footage with a Bolex camera. He learned about Zeilsheim shortly after arriving in Frankfurt. He attended Friday night service sponsored by the National Jewish Welfare Board, where a chaplain mentioned the camp.Scher visited the camp on his first free day and met Rabbi Joseph Lookstein who was helping Jewish DPs immigrate to Palestine. Scher was able to use his special connections and privileges to assist Lookstein and the DPs.
Albert Scher served with the U.S. military intelligence between November 1945 and May 1946. The film of"German" includes coverage of war damage in Frankfurt, Air force station at Eschborn (Wiesbaden air force base), Orly airbase near Paris, Himmler’s greenhouse in Frankfurt (color), daily life in the Zeilsheim DP camp, soccer match, and children in costume for Purim. 01:09:27 to 01:18:06 - Zeilsheim sequence. Assembly center entrance sign. EXTs. Camp life, crowd of DPs. DP policeman. DPs get into car leaving for Palestine via Itay. Hand-made sign on building:"We Want to Go! We Have to Go! We Will Go to Palestine" Memorial stone monument. Flag on tall pole in camp. EXTs, living conditions, DPs, parked jeeps, buildings. Police force fake an arrest. Market, food. Soccer match between Jewish and Polish DPs, CUs of athletes, referees, audience. Brief shot of children in Purim costumes (wearing their parents' clothing).
Mr. Scher recorded a sound documentation videotape of the film with MJH curators in April 1993.