Hanging on the wall of the den in my childhood home was a framed diploma of which my father was enormously proud. It was his Juris Doctor degree, granted by the University of Vienna. It took years of hard work to obtain this degree, as my father attended Law School at night, while working full time to support himself and his parents. 

Juda, known as Julius, began his studies in 1931, and received his degree on the 8th of March, 1938. Antisemitism in Austria grew exponentially during this period. Julius was among the very last Jews, and possibly THE last Jew, to be granted a law degree from the University for many years to come. 

Four days after Julius was awarded his degree, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria, arriving in Vienna on March 15th, where Adolph Hitler addressed 200,000 cheering Austrians and declared the annexation of Austria by Germany – the Anschluss – to be complete. For the Jews of Austria, including Julius’ parents, this was the prelude to catastrophe. Julius’ parents perished in the ensuing Holocaust. 

When Julius emigrated from Vienna, he carried his diploma with him on his journey of thousands of miles – from Austria to Italy to New Zealand and finally to New York. 

I can hear my father’s voice, filled with pride, recite the Latin words written on the diploma. Did I hear a note of melancholy as well? 

I believe the diploma was a symbol for Julius not only of all that was happy and precious in his life in Vienna but also of all that was lost. 

The diploma contained multitudes. 

– Marilyn Mauler

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant