Hochmann, Hanna (born Gerson)

Hanna Hochmann (born Gerson) was born on 17.6.1913 in Berlin-Weissensee and died in Israel. Hanna grew up in a liberal, conservative, Jewish, non-Zionist home. In her youth, she was a member of the Jewish youth movement of the Central Verein (close to the 'Kameraden'). Hanna attended the social-pedagogical seminary (Sozialpädagogisches Seminar) of the Verein Jugendheim in Berlin-Charlottenburg and trained as a kindergarten carer/day-care provider (Kindergärtnerin/Hortnerin). In 1938, she started her Hachshara for immigration to Palestine. She established a kibbutz and worked with children in Petah Tikva. Hanna was a member of the Mapai Party (the workers' party in Israel) and was involved in educational reforms. In 1972, she volunteered as a mentor for young teachers, kindergarten carers and soldiers working with distressed children, using psychological methods.