The FBI File on Yankel Bankle (Herb Kruckman)
(Thanks to Herb and Selma's son Russell for this file)
Office Memorandum – United States Government
The subject was interviewed on February 24, 1954 by Special Agents X and Y at 1:00 PM
en route from the neighborhood laundry to his residence.
The subject was approached and asked of he was Mr. KRUCKMAN of the Jefferson School
of Social Science, to which he admitted. The agents identified themselves and advised
that they would like him to cooperate with them regarding various organizations of a
subversive nature. KRUCKMAN advised he had nothing to say and hurriedly started walking
toward his residence. In an effort to continue the interview, KRUCKMAN was then questioned
as to whether he believed in the United States, to which he replied, yes. KRUCKMAN was then
asked by the agents, as to whether he was for Russia and Russian policy as they exist today.
The subject answered this by stating, “I am for world peace and I believe in freedom of thought,
and will continue to teach at the Jefferson School of Social Science” KRUCKMAN stated, “I do not
wish to discuss anything further with you.” The interview with KRUCKMAN was terminated at this time
because of his apparent un-cooperative attitude, and as he was hurriedly walking towards his residence.
The subject is being recommended for inclusion on the security index, inasmuch as he is presently a
teacher at the Jefferson School of Social Science, and has been so since 1944. A reliable informant
of this office has further advised that KRUCKMAN taught Art at Camp Kinderland and Camp Unity during
the summers of 1950 and 1952.
No further attempt will be made to reinterview KRUCKMAN because of his uncooperative attitude.
Camp Kinderland and Camp Lakeland
T-8 advised on June 9, 1953 that one HERB KRUCKMAN, not otherwise identified, was a member of the social
staff of Camp Kinderland and Camp Lakeland.
T-5 advised on September 2, 1952 that HERBERT KRUCKMAN, 248 Penn Street, Brooklyn, New York, artist,
taught in Camp Kinderland in the summer of 1952, and is to teach in Camp Kinderland in 1953.
T-5 advised on November21, 1952 that one KRUCKMAN, not further identified, attended Camp Lakeland
during 1952 summer season. T-5 further advised that Camp Lakeland is operated by IWO and is located
at Hopewell Junction, New York.
T-5 advised on July 29, 1953 that HERBERT KRUCKMAN, 248 Penn Street, Brooklyn, artist, was again
attending Camp Lakeland, and that he entertains the guests by doing political cartoons of the
unflattering nature of President ROOSEVELT and Senator McCARTHY.
T-6 advised on September 16, 1952 that HERBERT KRUCKMAN, not further identified, was art director
at Camp Lakeland and Kinderland.
This information has previously been stated under caption of employment.
T-6 advised that Camp Lakeland – Kinderland is in fact under the control and direction of the
Jewish Peoples Fraternal Order. These camps, according to my observation, are definitely nest
of social immorality and subversive propaganda. In Kinderland children are definitely being
instructed on everything that is unamerican. A whole generation of anti-Americans are being built
in Kinderland with the aid of teachers, counselors and propagandists from Kinderland, from Lakeland,
and with the aid of some who come from New York to “lecture and to instruct”.
The Jewish Peoples Fraternal Order has been designed by the Attorney General of the United States
pursuant to Executive Order 10450.
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