THE JEWS OF DUBROVNIK IN WORLD WAR I

Reconstructed on the basis of the documents of Dubrovnik Municipality and newspapers Prava Crvena Hrvatska and Crvena Hrvatska, issued in Dubrovnik in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, is the life of Dubrovnik Jews before and during the First World War. The article highlights their humanitarian activity, everyday life marked by hardship and poverty, along with their participation in war. The Jews of Dubrovnik were notable members of the society, owners of factories, shops and hotels (Samuel Kaldor, Solomon Tolentino, Fani Stojan), but also respected teaching figures (Rafo Janni). A most prominent member of the community was Dr Solomon Mandolfo, distinguished lawyer and long-term councillor of the Dubrovnik Municipality, known as fervent advocate for the union of Dalmatia with Croatia and Slavonia. The Jewish women of Dubrovnik, such as Dijana and Klara Tolentino, along with Stella and Viktorija Finzi, participated just as equally in the city life of the day. Dubrovnik Jews, like the rest of the citizens, were loyal to the Monarchy: they celebrated the victories of the Austro-Hungarian army, sent birthday gifts to Emperor Francis Joseph, and made significant humanitarian contributions.