28/07/2025
A photograph from the 1920s following a duel that took place in a Jewish fraternity. Due to anti-Semitism, Jews were almost always not allowed to join fraternities, and responded in 1896 by creating their own all-Jewish fraternities, under an umbrella organization called the Kartell-Convent.
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 engaged in fencing tounaments, 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.
A sign of honor was to receive a "Schmiss" or dueling scar during a fencing tournament. Many students purposely let themselves receive a fencing scar so they could be held in high honor among their peers. The receiving of a "Schmiss" on your face was something celebrated, as in this photo here.
From the archives of the Leo Baeck Institute.
