Disrespected
Disrespected is the feeling of not being valued and therefore being mistreated. It is a large theme throughout Jewish history that we felt could be explored from several angles, places and times.
By Sylvia, Emily, Anna and Galia
Explore the Collection
Tally Sticks
These notched 13th Century tally sticks display a payment of one shilling by Isaac the butcher . Tally sticks were notched to indicate a payment and split into two ‘receipts’ which could be checked by notching them back together.
The payments shown on these sticks were likely made in relation to the taxing of Jews in the 13th Century – in this case likely Gloucester. These tally sticks serve as a reminder of the unjust taxation of Jews in medieval England- who during this time could be taxed directly by the King without parliamentary approval.
How does it make you feel to know how long the unfair treatment of Jews has persisted?
Sylvia, Year 12
Commerative Plate
This decorative wooden plate was commissioned by Morris Myer who was the editor for one of the main Anglo-Jewish Yiddish newspapers. In the centre of the plate is a quote with a persons response from someone who was heckled which sits over the star of David.
The object shows the disrespect Jewish people faced in day-to-day life. They persecuted on a quotidian basis. The response to the heckler is able to convey their pride in their Jewish identity “I am a Jew of course and I am proud of it.” Despite all of the disrespect and abuse the quote exhibits the pride and love for Judaism they had.
How do you think this person felt when being persecuted for their identity?
Emily, Year 10
German Propaganda Book for Children, c. 1935
The object is a German antisemitic children’s book titled “Trust no fox on the green heath and no Jew upon his oath”. The picture book has a red cover with a picture of a fox and caricature of a Jewish man. The book contains violent colour caricatures of Jewish people aimed at demonizing the Jewish people.
The book’s attempt to indoctrinate the German youth represents the disrespect of the Nazi’s treatment of the Jewish people. The manipulation of childhood innocence to turn young people against their peers shows the cruelty of Nazi propaganda in “othering” the Jewish population. Walking through the exhibitions this book evoked a strong feeling of disrespect at the Nazi’s exploitation of children to divide society and persecute the Jewish people.
How can we ensure the youth of today have respect for each other?
Anna, Year 12
Alien Registration certificate, 1916
This is an Alien Registration certificate issued by the Metropolitan Police to Meyer Benemzon of 12 Sunbury Buildings, Shoreditch, in 1916. He would have had to carry it on his person to show the police if required. Immigrants had to register with the police after the First World War.
He would have felt extremely dehumanised and isolated by being called an “alien”. The expectation of the police stopping him would have made him feel like a criminal simply for existing, which shows the immense amounts of disrespect and mistrust that the police had for Jewish immigrants.
How would you feel if you were classed as an “alien”?
Galia, Year 11
