Overview
- Description
- The collection documents the pre-war and post-war lives of Ignacy and Izi Greif (née Korn) of Romania. Included are pre-war photographs of the Greif and Korn families in Romania; post-war documents relating to Ignacy and Izi’s engineering education and careers in Romania; naturalization certificates of Ignacy and Izi; and writings of Ignacy’s relative Yehuda Hersch Stempler. Photographs include depictions of Ignacy’s high school classmates in Romania and Izi’s brother Hari.
- Date
-
inclusive:
1925-2009
bulk: 1925-1980
- Credit Line
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Claudia Greif
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Claudia Greif and Vladimir Brandwajn - Collection Creator
- Greif family
- Biography
-
Ignacy Greif (born Ignatz Michel Greif, 1920-2012) was born on 4 September 1920 in Kolomea, Poland (present-day Kolomyia, Ukraine) to Hersch Peretz Greif (1882-1965) and Chaia Itta Stempler (later Klara Stempler Greif, 1881-1946). Hersch and Klara married in Kolomea in 1910. Ignacy had one brother, Maximilian (1912-1980). In the early 1920s, the Greifs moved to Romania.
Ignacy went to Bucharest, Romania in 1939 to study electro-mechanical engineering. In 1940 Jews were no longer allowed to attend school. From 1940-1944 he was a forced-laborer in Bucharest. Ignacy resumed his studies in 1945. He graduated in 1948 and married Izi Korn the same year. They had one daughter, Claudia. Both Ignacy and Izi worked as engineers. In 1973 the family immigrated to the United States, settling in San Francisco, California.
Izi Greif (born Izi Korn, 1923-2008) was born on 6 May 1923 in Romancăuţi, Romania to Solomon (1899-1983) and Lea (née Koifman, 1897-1967) Korn. She had one brother, Hari Korn (1927-2010). Her family later moved to Piatra Neamț, Romania. She stopped attending high school in 1940 after Jews were no longer allowed to attend. She resumed her schooling in 1945, and studied engineering in Bucharest.
Physical Details
- Genre/Form
- Photographs.
- Extent
-
1 box
4 oversize folders
- System of Arrangement
- The collection has been arranged as two series: Series 1: Biographical material, 1952-2009; Series 2: Photographs, 1925-1978 and undated
Rights & Restrictions
- Conditions on Access
- There are no known restrictions on access to this material.
- Conditions on Use
- Material(s) in this collection may be protected by copyright and/or related rights. You do not require further permission from the Museum to use this material. The user is solely responsible for making a determination as to if and how the material may be used.
Keywords & Subjects
Administrative Notes
- Holder of Originals
-
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Legal Status
- Permanent Collection
- Provenance
- Donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2014 by Claudia Greif. An accretion to the collection was donated by Claudia Greif in 2016.
- Record last modified:
- 2023-02-24 13:44:41
- This page:
- https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn158944
Additional Resources
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-
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Also in Klara Stempler Greif family collection
The collection consists of booties, silverware, tablecloths, a table runner, documents, and photographs relating to the experiences of Klara Stempler Greif and her sons Maximilian and Ignatz, and Ignatz’s wife, Izi, before and during the Holocaust in Romania, and after the Holocaust in Romania and the United States.
Date: 1900-2009
Cross-stitch table runner from a Jewish woman’s dowry
Object
Cross-stitch table runner that was part of Klara Stempler Greif’s dowry upon her marriage to Hersch Peretz Greif in 1910. Klara and Hersch were both born in Kolomea, Austria-Hungary (now Kolomyya, Ukraine) and had two sons, Maximilian and Ignacy. The family moved to Roman, Romania shortly after Ignacy was born, and were there when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. In Roman, Jews were spared from much of the antisemitic violence prevalent throughout the rest of Romania because Jewish leaders were able to influence the local Iron Guard commander through financial support. Nonetheless, Klara was still forced to wear the yellow Star of David badge, and was prohibited from moving around town outside of a few designated hours each day. Additionally, Ignacy was kicked out of school in Bucharest, and was a forced laborer in the German barracks. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Ignacy reenrolled in school, while Maximilian worked for an import-export company in Bucharest.
Embroidered tablecloth with blue floral design owned by a Jewish woman
Object
Embroidered tablecloth owned by Klara Stempler Greif in Roman, Romania during the Holocaust. Klara and her husband Hersch were both born in Kolomea, Austria-Hungary (now Kolomyya, Ukraine) and had two sons, Maximilian and Ignacy. The family moved to Roman shortly after Ignacy was born, and were there when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. In Roman, Jews were spared from much of the antisemitic violence prevalent throughout the rest of Romania because Jewish leaders were able to influence the local Iron Guard commander through financial support. Nonetheless, Klara was still forced to wear the yellow Star of David badge, and was prohibited from moving around town outside of a few designated hours each day. Additionally, Ignacy was kicked out of school in Bucharest, and was a forced laborer in the German barracks. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Ignacy reenrolled in school, while Maximilian worked for an import-export company in Bucharest.
Table knife owned by a Romanian Jewish family
Object
Berndorf table knife owned by Izi Greif’s (née Korn) family. Izi was born in Romancauti, Romania (now Romankivt︠s︡i, Ukraine), but grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student, Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Butter knife owned by a Romanian Jewish family
Object
Butter knife owned by Izi Greif’s (née Korn) family. Izi was born in Romancauti, Romania (now Romankivt︠s︡i, Ukraine), but grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Fork owned by a Romanian Jewish family
Object
Berndorf fork owned by Izi Greif’s (née Korn) family. Izi was born in Romancauti, Romania (now Romankivt︠s︡i, Ukraine), but grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Tea infuser spoon owned by a Romanian Jewish family
Object
Tea infuser spoon owned by Izi Greif’s (née Korn) family. Izi was born in Romancauti, Romania (now Romankivt︠s︡i, Ukraine), but grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Embroidered yellow tablecloth with a floral design owned by a Romanian Jewish woman
Object
Small tablecloth embroidered by Izi Greif (née Korn) while she was in high school or shortly thereafter. Izi grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Embroidered pink tablecloth with a floral design owned by a Romanian Jewish woman
Object
Small tablecloth embroidered by Izi Greif (née Korn) while she was in high school or shortly thereafter. Izi grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Embroidered pink tablecloth with a nautical design owned by a Romanian Jewish woman
Object
Small tablecloth embroidered by Izi Greif (née Korn) while she was in high school or shortly thereafter. Izi grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Embroidered tablecloth with a floral design owned by a Romanian Jewish woman
Object
Large tablecloth embroidered by Izi Greif (née Korn) while she was in high school or shortly thereafter. Izi grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. While there she met electro-mechanical engineering student Ignacy Greif, and they married in 1948. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
Hand-knit baby bootie made by a Romanian Jewish woman
Object
Hand-knit baby bootie made by Izi Greif shortly after her marriage to Ignacy Grief in Bucharest, Romania in 1948. Izi grew up in Piatra Neamț, Romania with her younger brother Hary, and their parents Lisa and Solomon Korn. Izi was in high school when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Originally, Romania chose to stay neutral in the war. However, in September 1940, a coalition government came to power led by General Ion Antonescu and the Iron Guard, a nationalistic party which promoted violent antisemitism. Following this change in government, Romania officially joined the Axis alliance, and restrictions against Jews began to intensify. The new Romanian government quickly passed regulations forbidding Jews from public education, and Izi was kicked out of school. The Iron Guard and local authorities in Piatra Neamt also terrorized Jews by confiscating the Jewish cemetery, torturing people into giving up their wealth and property, and restricting their movement around town. In August 1944, opposition politicians overthrew Antonescu and signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. Romanian troops then started working with the Allies. Following the ousting of the antisemitic Romanian government and the German military, Izi reenrolled in high school. She graduated in 1945, and moved to Bucharest to study textile engineering. In 1973, Izi and Ignacy immigrated to the United States with their daughter, and settled in San Francisco.
