American Jewish K.C. Fraternity, Inc.

During the 1880s, anti-Semitism at German universities had become increasingly notable, especially within the popular fraternity system. Jews were forbidden to wear "colors" (couleur) of fraternities or to duel, some fraternities were founded that were openly anti-Semitic, others refused to admit any new Jewish members. In response to these attitudes, the Jewish fraternity Viadrina was founded at the University of Breslau, its goal to actively fight anti-Semitism in German academic life as well as the development of self-assured German Jews, capable of defending their country and of supporting the political and societal equality of Jews in Germany. Fraternity members were meant to exemplify good Jews as well as good Germans. Other Jewish fraternities followed their example in Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg and Freiburg. In 1896 the Kartell-Convent der Verbindungen deutscher Studenten Jüdischen Glaubens (henceforth referred to in this finding aid as the Kartell-Convent) was established, an umbrella organization to join together scattered Jewish fraternities. Fraternities later developed at other universities, including those in Bonn, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe, Königsberg and Leipzig.

The Kartell-Convent fraternities followed the spirit of German fraternities: closely knit, disciplined, wearing insignia and following an honor code. Each fraternity had its own insignia and colors including a coat of arms, flag, motto and monogram. They had their own fraternity songs and sports activities, and had lessons in Jewish history, religion and fencing. Their members used the traditional nomenclature of German fraternities: new members were Füchse (foxes), former members were Alte Herren (old gentlemen), the head of the fraternity was the Erstchargierter, and so on. Kartell-Convent fraternities also engaged in dueling with swords, sometimes referred to as Mensur or academic fencing, finding honor in the facial scars ( Schmisse ) combatants frequently received. Several of the fraternities became well-known for insisting on satisfaction, including for anti-Semitic remarks; in Breslau, Heidelberg and Freiburg the corresponding Viadrina, Badenia and Friburgia fraternities were suspended by university authorities for aggresive behavior and had to be reformed under new names. The Kartell-Convent fraternities were the only duelling fraternities that consisted entirely of Jews.

The Kartell-Convent ceased to function in 1933/1934, its fraternities closed by government decree. After the war, the Kartell-Convent was reconstituted in England, and additional chapters opened in many countries. In the United States, it was known as the American Jewish K.C. Fraternity, with the Max Mainzer Memorial Foundation created to provide worldwide financial support to members of the fraternity. At the end of 2000, the American branch of the K.C. and the Max Mainzer Memorial Foundation turned over their management to SELFHELP.

From the guide to the Kartell-Convent deutscher Studenten Juedischen Glaubens Collection, 1867-2002, bulk 1965-1999, (Leo Baeck Institute)