Zion in Africa : The Jews of Zambia

This work represents the definitive account of the Jewish community in central Africa. It tells the story of the coming of the first Jews to the area in the late 19th century, the heyday of the Jewish community in the mid-20th century, and its decline since Zambian independence. Dealing primarily with the Jewish traders in Zambia who flourished in the face of both anti-semitism and their own acute social dislocation, Macmillan explores a number of interrelated topics: the colonial office discussions about Jewish immigration in the 1930s, the attempts to settle refugees in Africa by both pro-and anti-semites, Jewish religious life in the region, and the remarkable cultural and professional role played by the Jewish settlers. Setting these issues in the context of a general history of southern and central Africa, this book constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of the economic history of the entire region. It will be of interest to both historians of Africa and anyone concerned with economic development, identity and immigrant communities. The Jewish Community Played A Pivotal Role In The History And Economic Development Of Zambia - And Central Africa More Broadly - In The Course Of The Twentieth Century. This Book Tells The Story Of The Coming Of The First Jews To The Area In The Late Nineteenth Century, The Heyday Of The Jewish Community In The Mid-twentieth Century, And Its Decline Since Zambian Independence. Dealing Primarily With The Jewish Traders In Zambia Who Flourished In The Face Of Both Anti-semitism And Their Own Acute Social Dislocation, Hugh Macmillan And Frank Shapiro Explore A Number Of Interrelated Topics: The Colonial Office Discussions About Jewish Immigration In The 1930s, The Arrival And Settlement Of Refugees Who Escaped The Holocaust, Jewish Religious Life In The Region, And The Remarkable Cultural, Professional And Political Role Played By Members Of The Jewish Community. Setting These Issues In The Context Of A General History Of Southern And Central Africa, This Book Constitutes A Major Contribution To Our Understanding Of The Economic History Of The Entire Region. This New Edition Includes An Epilogue Which Brings The Story Up To The Present Day. Jews On The Frontier -- The Susman Saga: The Early Years, 1901-30 -- Jewish Networks, The Line Of Rail And The Growth Of Towns: 1905-39 -- A Wandering Jew: Moss Dobkin's Story -- The Copperbelt: Boom, Bust And Recovery, 1924-39 -- 'land Of Milk And Honey': Settlement Schemes And Immigration Debates, 1934-39 -- Escape From The Holocaust -- Bigger Business: From The Depression To Independence, 1930-64 -- The Climax Of The Community, 1945-70 -- The Galaun Story -- Bigger Business Continued: Independence And After -- Religion -- Politics -- Intellectuals And Some Professionals -- Conclusion -- Epilogue: 1999-2016. Hugh Macmillan With Frank Shapiro. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 357-364) And Index. "The Jewish community played a pivotal role in the history and economic development of Zambia - and Central Africa more broadly - in the course of the twentieth century. This book tells the story of the coming of the first Jews to the area in the late nineteenth century, the heyday of the Jewish community in the mid-twentieth century, and its decline since Zambian independence. Dealing primarily with the Jewish traders in Zambia who flourished in the face of both anti-Semitism and their own acute social dislocation, Hugh Macmillan and Frank Shapiro explore a number of interrelated topics: the colonial office discussions about Jewish immigration in the 1930s, the arrival and settlement of refugees who escaped the Holocaust, Jewish religious life in the region, and the remarkable cultural, professional and political role played by members of the Jewish community. Setting these issues in the context of a general history of southern and central Africa, this book constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of the economic history of the entire region. This new edition includes an epilogue which brings the story up to the present day." --back cover