Interview with Helen Chong

Helen Chong born in England to Jewish parents who went there from Germany in 1939. Interview focuses on her parents' life in Germany during the period of Hitler's anti-semitism; childhood in Sydney where parents emigrated in 1949 and where she received her education; growing up in a Jewish environment in Australia, and later in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where she moved after her marriage to Robert Chong in 1970. Mentions the harrassment of Jews in Palmerston North and connects it to the economic depression. Mentions the help they received from people on coming to Palmerston North, especially the staff of Palmerston North Girls' High School where she got a job as a mathematics teacher. Talks about her husband's culture, (Chinese) and discusses having a `mixed marriage'. Describes the compromises both have made so that children would share in both cultures. Describes her involvement with WIZO (The Jewish womens' group) and being helped in to the Jewish community by Sheba Gordon. Abstracted by - Susan Hawes Awards/funding - Award in Oral History Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes Recorded by - Susan Hawes Venue - 65 Pitman Road Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006817-006819 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1577 and OHA-1577a (Additional material). 2 photographs + 1 sheet with 2 images of Helen's father, Alfred Meyer taken before and after his six weeks stay in Buchenwald Concentration Camp and two images of a medal given to Alfred's ancestor for bravery at the Battle of Waterloo, 1815.. Search dates: 1944 - 1993