OMIKE

 
OMIKE Hungarian Jewish Educational Association 1910–1944 ().
History.
Beginning.
Founded in 1910 by Budapest chief rabbi, Simon Hevesi, with the purpose to present to people living in modern ideas and values the traditional values of Judaism. The association stimulated the Hungarian ways and religious life’s requirement. OMIKE set up several cultural and welfare institution, e.g. kitchen for out of town students, library lodging for Jewish industry and trade students, summer camps. Lectures were organized. After 1930 OMIKE tutored the cultural life. Actors, singers, artists, who could not operate under the anti-Semitic restrictions imposed after 1939 received assistance and protection.
Artist Action.
From 1939 on Jewish actors could not participate in theatres and cinema. The Budapest Opera suggested the possibility of acting in the Goldmark Hall of the Jewish Community. The head of Community, Dr. Ribári succeeded of obtaining the necessary permission. (Only Jewish artists could perform). That is how the OMIKE Artist Action were created.
Program.
The opening performance occurred on January 8, 1940 with Moses by Imre Madách. Oszkár Beregi played the principal role. Other shows were: 
The last event took place on March 19, 1944, when during the dress rehearsal of a Molière comedy in Szeged German soldier marched in and shut the theater for any further performances. This ended the four years of activity of OMIKE.
Celebration.
A “Remény”, Jewish social and cultural periodical remembered OMIKE in 1998 on the occasion of the 65. Anniversary.
Persons.
Writers.
OMIKE program included classic works and pieces written by Jewish writers whose works could not be performed. 