Aharon Lazer papers

The Aharon Lazer papers contain two handwritten diaries and documents that belonged to Jewish Brigade soldier, Aharon Laser (Lazer). Aharon served in the 1st Palestine Light Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 202 Field Artillery Regiment in Cyprus, Italy, Germany, and other locations in Europe. The first diary, which begins in French and then switches to Hebrew, dated November 14,1944, includes numerous edits and deletions. In an entry dated May 27, 1944, and revised on December 1, 1944, he documents the last months of the war. This diary also includes entries about a battle on the Senio River, encounters with survivors, a temporary stay in the Mittenwald DP camp with American forces, and the efforts of the Jewish Brigade to assist displaced persons on their way to Palestine. The second diary includes Aharon’s daily documentation of events, activities, and conditions in the Brigade. Also included in this diary are the following: Germany; Palestine; Tel Aviv; Haifa; Ein HaHoresh; visiting Alexandria; Palestinian orchestra playing for the Brigade; boarding the boat on October 31, 1944; arrival at the combat theatre; poetry; and testimony as to the liberated camps. The collection also includes a copy of "Aliya!" issued by HaShomer Hatza'ir calling to open the gates of Israel for refugees, dated 1945; a membership card for the 1st Palestine Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, in the name of Aharon Laser, dated 1942; and a group photo of Brigade soldiers.

The Aharon Lazer papers are arranged as a single series. Folder 1: Diary, approximately 1942-1945