During the war years, the economy of George grew as a result of the opening up of an air school, where 800 English student pilots were being trained for the Royal Air Force. Ralsons enjoyed the spin-off of the improved economic climate and by the time World War Two was over, Wulf Israelsohn and his shop Ralsons were financially fully established. George being part of that beautiful coastal strip, known as the “Garden Route”, with its sea side resort and honeymooner’s favourite, “The Wilderness”, enjoyed a tourist boom, even in the 1940’s.

The fame of Ralsons being the upmarket store of George, did not go unnoticed by the “criminal population” of the town! A break-in to the shop took place and rather amusingly, Wulf placed an advert in the local newspaper, using the incident as theme for the advert:

Burglars Choose Ralsons for a Midnight RAID Why?
A WISE MAN
always shows discrimination in his choice of articles. That is why some (unwelcome) visitors on Tuesday night passed by other stores and made a bee-line for ours in Hibernia Street. We commend their wisdom and discretion in picking on us. They knew, and it proves our claim, that RALSONS Is the
SMARTEST STORE In George
And the store for “Smart” people.

They came all through the principal towns, too, and found our stocks the most attractive, so they did the job there and then at midnight, being too impatient to wait for the doors to open at 8 a.m. next day!

We do not expect you to act likewise – but take a tip from our nocturnal visitors - be attracted by our really modern displays, and come along any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Wednesdays 1 p.m., Saturdays 7 p.m.)

WE ARE KEEN TO GIVE YOU
SERVICE – VALUE – SATISFACTION

Phone		Next to Post Office
48	Ralsons	Hibernia St. - George

Just before the outbreak of war in 1939, Bella Israelsohn’s only daughter, Deb, married Isidore Lewis of Cape Town. The wedding took place at the George Synagogue and was reported both in the Cape Argus and the George and Knysna Herald on the 9th August, 1939:

Synagogue Wedding

The wedding took place in the George Synagogue on Sunday of Miss Deborah(Deb) Israelsohn, only daughter of Mr and Mrs I. Israelsohn of George, and Mr Isidore Lewis, son of Mr and Mrs S.M. Lewis of Aylwood, Muizenburg. The service was conducted by Rev. I. Wolk.

The bridesmaids were Miss Ronnie and Miss Pam Lewis, and Mr W. Israelsohn was the best-man.

Following the ceremony there was a wedding luncheon at the George Hotel at which many guests were seated. Telegrams of congratulations came from many parts of the Union. Later Mr and Mrs Lewis left for Knysna en route to the Victoria Falls for the honeymoon.

In 1943, Isidore Israelsohn was elected President of the George Hebrew Congregation. At the end of that year on the 29th December, an inter-denominational service was held at the George Synagogue, which was attended by, amongst others, The Bishop of George, the Rt. Rev Gwyer and the Rev. A.R. de Villiers.

Isidore Israelsohn’s address to the congregation was reported in the papers:

Mr Israelsohn stressed the need for every effort to be made to assist the war and to wipe out the last vestiges of Nazism. Everyone who could, should join the fighting forces, and those who could not do so, should assist willingly and generously with funds to carry on the fight.

Interestingly, on the 24th February, 1943, Wulf Israelsohn managed to get a discharge from the army on the basis of his father’s ill health and inability to manage the business on his own.

The fortunes of the Israelsohns and their store, Ralsons, went from strength to strength. Wulf Israelsohn was now the eligible bachelor of the town, and with his blonde hair, blue eyes and good looks, was every Jewish mother’s answer in hoping to make a “shiddach” for their daughters. Wulf was given the nick-name “Prince of Wales”, due to an uncanny likeness to Edward, who gave up the throne “for the woman he loved”. Wulf was actually far better looking, an excellent golfer, a good yachtsman and a charming partner on the dance floor. Add to this good business acumen and successful retailing, its no wonder that he had these Jewish mothers in a flap!

Tragically, in 1946, Bella’s son –in-law, Isidore Lewis, (my father), was struck down by a fatal coronary heart attack. I was only three years old at the time, but to this day still remember him falling down right in front of me! It was decided that it would be best for my mother and I to leave Muizenberg and come and live in George with my grandparents, Bella and Isidore Israelsohn.

Source: Derrick Lewis

  Article Date: 3 May 2007