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Actions Displays	Ordnungsdienst Remove from selection Add to selection Object numberM2018/032 TitleOrdnungsdienst DescriptionJewish Police badge originating from Kielce ghetto. The object was purchased post-war through an antique dealer and later donated to the Museum. Often referred to as a badge or hat pin (this example is more than likely the former), its outer border is engraved with: ‘Ordnungsdienst’ and ‘Sluzba Porzadkowa’, the German and Polish for ‘Order Police’. Within the centre of the hexagon is a Star of David. Above the star are the abbreviations, Ält R Kiel – a likely reference to the ‘Eldest’ or ‘Elders’ who governed the Jewish council, followed a reference to the ghetto name. The abbreviations G G are etched below the star. The engravings vary depending on the ghetto of origin (see notes for further research and other institutional examples). Jewish police (Juedischer Ordnungsdienst) were established and administered by Jewish councils, usually called Judenraete or Judenrat. They were required to ensure that Nazi orders and regulations were implemented, particularly in ghettoized populations. Prior to the war, approximately 24000 Jews lived in Kielce. A ghetto was established in April 1941 and those who were able, became forced labourers. On 20 August, 1942 the ghetto was liquidated. In 1945 when liberated by the Russians, only 2 Jews remained in Kielce. By 1946, the Jewish population grew to 200. In July the same year, after an accusation of 'blood libel', over 40 Jews were murdered and another 40 injured by a pogrom instigated by Polish police and soldiers. Only a small number of perpetrators were subsequently punished for their actions in the Kielce Pogrom. Production date 1941 - 1942 Subjectghettos, ghetto management, Jewish police, Kielce ghetto, badges, pogroms Object namebadges Materialbrass, enamel Dimensions width: 33.00 mm height: 38.00 mm Language German Polish Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pamela Masel

Object numberM2018/032

TitleOrdnungsdienst

DescriptionJewish Police badge originating from Kielce ghetto. The object was purchased post-war through an antique dealer and later donated to the Museum. Often referred to as a badge or hat pin (this example is more than likely the former), its outer border is engraved with: ‘Ordnungsdienst’ and ‘Sluzba Porzadkowa’, the German and Polish for ‘Order Police’. Within the centre of the hexagon is a Star of David. Above the star are the abbreviations, Ält R Kiel – a likely reference to the ‘Eldest’ or ‘Elders’ who governed the Jewish council, followed a reference to the ghetto name. The abbreviations G G are etched below the star. The engravings vary depending on the ghetto of origin (see notes for further research and other institutional examples).

Jewish police (Juedischer Ordnungsdienst) were established and administered by Jewish councils, usually called Judenraete or Judenrat. They were required to ensure that Nazi orders and regulations were implemented, particularly in ghettoized populations.

Prior to the war, approximately 24000 Jews lived in Kielce. A ghetto was established in April 1941 and those who were able, became forced labourers. On 20 August, 1942 the ghetto was liquidated. In 1945 when liberated by the Russians, only 2 Jews remained in Kielce. By 1946, the Jewish population grew to 200. In July the same year, after an accusation of 'blood libel', over 40 Jews were murdered and another 40 injured by a pogrom instigated by Polish police and soldiers. Only a small number of perpetrators were subsequently punished for their actions in the Kielce Pogrom.

Production date 1941 - 1942

Subjectghettos, ghetto management, Jewish police, Kielce ghetto, badges, pogroms

Object namebadges

Materialbrass, enamel

Dimensions

Language

Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pamela Masel

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