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ARCADIAN BOOK IN PROGRESS
THE OCHBERG ORPHANS – Volume 3

The “Ochberg Orphans” are a group of 167 orphans who were fortunate enough to be rescued in 1921 from the pogroms and poverty of Eastern Europe by the late Isaac Ochberg. Immediately after docking in South Africa, 78 children were sent to Johannesburg by train and placed into the care of the South African Jewish Orphanage (SAJO). In 1923, when ‘Villa Arcadia’ was bought from mining magnate Sir Lionel Phillips, and the SAJO adopted the name Arcadia, 67 of the children went to live in Arcadia. Funds collected by the SA Jewish Relief, Reconstruction and Orphans Fund were used as part of the purchase consideration.

The rescue of these orphans through the generosity of the Jewish Community of South Africa is an important part of South African Jewish history and an important part of the history of Arcadia.

Ochberg Orphan Group Passport photo number 8 of 9

I am continueing to collect the Memories of Ochberg Orphans (through their children) and PG when I have collected enough of their Memories will put them in a book and PG it will be a fitting memorial to the Ochberg Orphans as PG the Arc Books will be.

I therefore invite the children of Ochberg Orphans to contact me with their parent’s details and story.

Anyone who might want more information about the book please contact David Sandler by email sedsand@ca.com.au