Fonds des prêts d’études

Collection description

Scope and content:: This fonds contains the lists of approved and rejected loan applications (for the academic years 1970-1971 to 1982-1983), a file concerning the reimbursement of the loans (1970-1981), a file concerning the creation of the Fondation universitaire juive de spécialisation (1980-1982) and individual files of student loan applications, ordered alphabetically by applicant (1970-1985).

Archival history:: This fonds was transferred to the Jewish Museum of Belgium by Georges Schnek in 2006.

Administrative/biographical history:: The goal of the asbl Fonds de Prêts d’Études (FPE) (1961 - ca. 1985?) was to provide loans and grants to deserving Jewish students who did not have the necessary resources to begin or pursue higher education. It specifically targeted promising students who did not meet the criteria required for other scholarships. Each application and decision was taken individually, regarding the conditions of the grant, the amount awarded and the terms of repayment. The association also supported research and education in the broad sense. It accepted donations and bequests, and participated in other foundations and institutions dedicated to similar goals. The FPE was created at the initiative of Max Gottschalk, the founding president of the Centrale d’Œuvres sociales juives, and initially presided by Alexis Goldschmidt who was succeeded by Georges Schnek. The FPE was affiliated with the Centrale d’Œuvres sociales juives, and cooperated with the Service Social Juif and the Société de Bienfaisance Israélite Sépharadite de Belgique. At its inception, the main beneficiaries were Jews from Central and Eastern Europe; a few years later, we note among the beneficiaries many North African Jews. (“Fonds des Prêts d’Études, à Bruxelles. Statuts”, Annexe au Moniteur belge, December 13, 1962, pp. 1911-1912. Fonds des prêts d’études (BE / MJB / Fonds des prêts d’études).)

Subject terms:: Aid and relief; Aid and relief--Philanthropy and charity; Education; Education--Schools and universities; Education--Students; Financial matters

Access, restrictions:: Access requires the authorisation of the archivist of the Jewish Museum of Belgium.