German Passport Issued in Jerusalem

Introduction

Within passport history, certain documents hold extraordinary significance. German Passport Jerusalem Jew
Among them, the German passport of Julius Rosenberger, born in Berlin in 1893, stands out as a truly exceptional artifact. What makes this passport even more unique is the fact that it was issued in Jerusalem—a remarkable occurrence. There are intriguing details about Rosenberger’s passport that shed light on its historical significance and its journey across borders.

The Remarkable Issuance in Jerusalem

The German Consulate General in Jerusalem, on September 22, 1938, issued Julius Rosenberger’s travel document. During that time, passports belonging to Jews were distinctly marked with a large red “J.” Consequently, Rosenberger’s passport carried this telling emblem. The validity of the passport lasted for one year, aligning with the standard practice imposed upon Jews at the time.

Immigrant Registration in Palestine German Passport Jerusalem Jew

The last page of the passport contains a notable entry, stating that Rosenberger had registered as an immigrant into Palestine, as indicated in his previous passport. The German Consulate General in Jerusalem made this record on September 22, 1938, leaving an indelible stamp that serves as a testament to historical events.

USA Immigration Visa and a Dual Identity

Page seven of the passport showcases an immigration visa issued in Palestine on October 19, 1938, enabling Rosenberger to embark on a journey to the United States. Additionally, page six reveals a handwritten entry made by the German Consulate General in New York, which states that the bearer also carried the name “ISRAEL.” This intriguing notation adds an intriguing layer to Rosenberger’s identity and invites further exploration into his story. German Passport Jerusalem Jew

Journey Across Borders

The first page of the passport bears the J-stamp, marked with the date of January 31, 1939, along with a stamp from the German Consulate General. Notably, page nine boasts a Palestine immigration stamp dated November 16, 1938, accompanied by another stamp on November 25, whose issuing authority remains unclear. On November 24, 1938, Rosenberger embarked on a voyage from Haifa, reaching Marseille on November 30 as a transmigrant. Finally, on December 8, 1938, his journey brought him to Boulogne Sur Mer, as evidenced by the last stamp in his passport.

Unfulfilled Destination: The United States German Passport Jerusalem Jew

Despite his efforts to reach the United States, it appears that Julius Rosenberger never accomplished his goal for reasons unknown. His passport, with its intricate network of stamps and entries, stands as a testament to a voyage interrupted. Through this document, we glimpse the complexities and challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge during a tumultuous period in history.

Conclusion

Julius Rosenberger’s German passport, issued in Jerusalem, serves as a remarkable piece of history. Bearing the distinctive J-stamp and featuring a network of stamps and entries documenting his journey, this passport encapsulates the struggles faced by individuals seeking safety and opportunities during a dark era. Rosenberger’s untold story resonates through the pages of this document, reminding us of the enduring power of historical artifacts to shed light on past events.

The Last German Consul in Jerusalem German Passport Jerusalem Jew

Walter Döhle, born on January 19, 1884, in Eschwege, Germany, held the position of German Consul-General in Jerusalem. Having joined the Foreign Service in 1909 as a tobacco inspector within the Consulate in Rotterdam, Döhle embarked on a career path that showcased his talents and dedication. Progressing through various roles, he served as Secretary of the Legation at the Embassy in The Hague from 1920 to 1923 and as a council of representatives at the German Embassy in Paris from 1923 to 1935.

It was during his tenure in Paris that he became a member of the NSDAP in 1934. In 1935, Döhle assumed the role of Consul General in Jerusalem, where he fostered notable relations between the National Socialists in Palestine and the German Embassy, unlike the situation in other countries. Prior to his appointment, his predecessor, Heinrich Wolff, had been relieved of his duties due to his marriage to a Jewish woman.

With the outbreak of the war in 1939, Döhle’s term in Jerusalem came to an end, leading him to return to the economic policy department of the Foreign Relations Department in Berlin. German Passport Jerusalem Jew

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FAQ Passport History pasaporte passeport паспорт 护照 パスポート جواز سفر पासपोर्ट

1. What are the earliest known examples of passports, and how have they evolved?

The word "passport" came up only in the mid 15th Century. Before that, such documents were safe conducts, recommendations or protection letters. On a practical aspect, the earliest passport I have seen was from the mid 16th Century. Read more...

2. Are there any notable historical figures or personalities whose passports are highly sought after by collectors?

Every collector is doing well to define his collection focus, and yes, there are collectors looking for Celebrity passports and travel documents of historical figures like Winston Churchill, Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Read more...

3. How did passport designs and security features change throughout different periods in history, and what impact did these changes have on forgery prevention?

"Passports" before the 18th Century had a pure functional character. Security features were, in the best case, a watermark and a wax seal. Forgery, back then, was not an issue like it is nowadays. Only from the 1980s on, security features became a thing. A state-of-the-art passport nowadays has dozens of security features - visible and invisible. Some are known only by the security document printer itself. Read more...

4. What are some of the rarest and most valuable historical passports that have ever been sold or auctioned?

Lou Gehrig, Victor Tsoi, Marilyn Monroe, James Joyce, and Albert Einstein when it comes to the most expensive ones. Read more...

5. How do diplomatic passports differ from regular passports, and what makes them significant to collectors?

Such documents were often held by officials in high ranks, like ambassadors, consuls or special envoys. Furthermore, these travel documents are often frequently traveled. Hence, they hold a tapestry of stamps or visas. Partly from unusual places.

6. Can you provide insights into the stories behind specific historical passports that offer unique insights into past travel and migration trends?

A passport tells the story of its bearer and these stories can be everything - surprising, sad, vivid. Isabella Bird and her travels (1831-1904) or Mary Kingsley, a fearless Lady explorer.

7. What role did passports play during significant historical events, such as wartime travel restrictions or international treaties?

During war, a passport could have been a matter of life or death. Especially, when we are looking into WWII and the Holocaust. And yes, during that time, passports and similar documents were often forged to escape and save lives. Example...

8. How has the emergence of digital passports and biometric identification impacted the world of passport collecting?

Current modern passports having now often a sparkling, flashy design. This has mainly two reasons. 1. Improved security and 2. Displaying a countries' heritage, icons, and important figures or achievements. I can fully understand that those modern documents are wanted, especially by younger collectors.

9. Are there any specialized collections of passports, such as those from a specific country, era, or distinguished individuals?

Yes, the University of Western Sidney Library has e.g. a passport collection of the former prime minister Hon Edward Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret. They are all diplomatic passports and I had the pleasure to apprise them. I hold e.g. a collection of almost all types of the German Empire passports (only 2 types are still missing). Also, my East German passport collection is quite extensive with pretty rare passport types.

10. Where can passport collectors find reliable resources and reputable sellers to expand their collection and learn more about passport history?

A good start is eBay, Delcampe, flea markets, garage or estate sales. The more significant travel documents you probably find at the classic auction houses. Sometimes I also offer documents from my archive/collection. See offers... As you are already here, you surely found a great source on the topic 😉

Other great sources are: Scottish Passports, The Nansen passport, The secret lives of diplomatic couriers

11. Is vintage passport collecting legal? What are the regulations and considerations collectors should know when acquiring historical passports?

First, it's important to stress that each country has its own laws when it comes to passports. Collecting old vintage passports for historical or educational reasons is safe and legal, or at least tolerated. More details on the legal aspects are here...

Does this article spark your curiosity about passport collecting and the history of passports? With this valuable information, you have a good basis to start your own passport collection.

Question? Contact me...

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