Founded in 1910 by Budapest chief rabbi, Simon Hevesi, with the purpose to present to people living in modern ideas and values the traditional values of Judaism. The association stimulated the Hungarian ways and religious life’s requirement. OMIKE set up several cultural and welfare institution, e.g. kitchen for out of town students, library lodging for Jewish industry and trade students, summer camps. Lectures were organized. After 1930 OMIKE tutored the cultural life. Actors, singers, artists, who could not operate under the anti-Semitic restrictions imposed after 1939 received assistance and protection.
Artist Action
From 1939 on Jewish actors could not participate in theatres and cinema. The Budapest Opera suggested the possibility of acting in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Community. The head of Community, Dr. Ribári succeeded of obtaining the necessary permission.. That is how the OMIKE Artist Action were created.
Program
The opening performance occurred on January 8, 1940 with Moses by Imre Madách. Oszkár Beregi played the principal role. Other shows were:
The last event took place on March 19, 1944, when during the dress rehearsal of a Molière comedy in Szeged German soldier marched in and shut the theater for any further performances. This ended the four years of activity of OMIKE.
Celebration
A “Remény”, Jewish social and cultural periodical remembered OMIKE in 1998 on the occasion of the 65. Anniversary.
Oszkár Beregi, actor, director, during the years 1940–1944 principal director of OMIKE Artist Action. In 1944 went into hiding assisted by his brother-in-law, Pataky Kálmán, world famous singer.
László Weiner, composer, pianist, conductor. Studied at the Academy with Kodály. In 1942 married Vera Rózsa. In 1943 was taken to a camp where he was killed. Not even Kodály could save him.
Singers
Vera Rózsa, studied at the academy as conductor and later as singer. Her first appearance happened in 1943 at OMIKE. She sang in Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus and Cherubino in Mozart’s Nozze di Figaro. In the Swedish Embassy found refuge during the persecution but lost her husband. After the liberation sand at the Budapest Opera and Vienna State Opera.
Gabriella Relle, 1924–29 soloist at Budapest Opera, in the thirties appeared in Berlin Staatsoper; sang over 40 roles.
Manc Herendi, actress; after the war had principal roles in different cities in Hungary.
Dezső Ernster, bass opera singer; had great success in Germany. Upon arrival of the Nazis returned to Hungary. Sang on several occasions at OMIKE. In 1944 was taken to lager, but could be liberated with great difficulties and expense. After the war sang in Budapest and several major theatres abroad.
Moshe Schwimmer, cantor; studied in Brno and sang in the choir of the Conservatory. Upon arrival of Nazis escaped to Budapest. Continued studying and participated in the OMIKE organization. Gave concerts until taken to laber camp. After the liberation appeared in Europe and then went to Chicago where he Served as Cantor at Temple Ezra for 30 years.
Béla Lénárd, actor; in the twenties founder and secretary of a comedies and cabaret theatres. During 1940–44 played and gave conferences at OMIKE. After the war he continued his theatrical career.
Painters
Imre Ámos Ungár, graphic artist; in the forced labor camp carried out drawings that were exposed in OMIKE. Later was again arrested and taken to Ukraine. Even there continued to draw and wrote poems. In 1943, the Germans forced him to proceed West. During this march he died at not exactly known place.
Ilka Gedő Ilka, painter and graphic artist; in 1940 participated at the OMIKE second art show and in 1943 the fifth art show. Her works include drawings in the ghetto.
Writers
OMIKE program included classic works and pieces written by Jewish writers whose works could not be performed.
2004 évben nagy árverés volt Budapesten V. Szt. István krt. 11.
Literature
Horák Magda "With ancient faith and honor for the homeland" OMIKE: National Hungarian Jewish Public Civilization Association, assorted documents: 1909–1944
Hasznos Judit – Garics Erika: Száz éves az OMIKE 1998 Remény Folyóírság 2009 tavaszi számja
