Hilbert E. Fuerstman oral history interview, 1989 February 2
Description
Hilbert Fuerstman describes the Jewish community in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he moved to from Newark, New Jersey in 1941. He describes the subtle and not-so-subtle biases he noticed against the Jewish community in Charlotte, such as not being permitted membership in certain clubs and societies, and noted that Charlotte was unusual compared with other Southern cities in not having any large Jewish-owned department stores or businesses. Mr. Fuerstman describes joining the Reform temple in Charlotte, Temple Beth El, once it opened, and about the tension he perceived between Temple Beth El and and the Conservative temple, Temple Israel. He also recounts his friendship with Harry Golden, who was recognized nationally as the author and publisher of the Carolina Israelite, and how many Jews in Charlotte were far more moderate in their political and social views than Mr. Golden. Mr. Fuerstman also talks about his relationship with the Blumenthals and other prominent Jewish families and differences between New Jersey and the South.
