Organizations

Ester Shikman-Frenkel, standing in the middle with a hat. Below center, Josl Ornstajn-Gelbart (glasses) - actor, entertainer and director

The foundation of all Zionist activity in town was the Zionist organization. Although Katowice's community wasn't particularly known for unique achievements in Aliyah- idealistic immigration to Israel, it had a fair Zionist tradition. The heritage of the Katowice Zionist convention, as well as actions for the benefit of Zionist funds- and also the youth organizations' activities were all a meaningful part of the residents' lives. The Zionist world organization played an important role in all this, even after the core union branched out into various smaller organizations.

The community official bulletin frequently informed the public of Hebrew courses (for example, those given by Dr. Leon Hecht of Krakow), memorial rallies, lectures and receptions- all organized by the Zionist union. In December 1932 (Bulletin # 23) a Hanukkah prom took place. Lecturing were Rabbi Dr. Fogelman, vice president of the world organization Dr. Szajer and more.

A general conference of the Jewish organization was held in February 1933, led by the Chairman of honor, Alfred Miler. It was then reported that the number of members in the union has reached 300. The newly elected committee members were: CEO Dr. Rapaport, vice CEO Dr. Beter, Secretary Dr. Moszkowska, as well as Szif, Ms. Nojman, Gendelman, Freilich, Bruner and many others.

Even during these very days, a time of stress and action preliminary to the 18^th Zionist congress and the elections following it, a dance party was thrown and lectures were given. Remarkable events in 1934 are the Purim prom in March, and the memorial rally dedicated to Hertzel and participated by Rabbi Chameides. A few days later, a general mourning rally took place, which organized by all Zionist organizations in town. A special occasion was celebrated in October of that year: the Zionist movement in Katowice celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the “Hovevey Zion” establishing Zionist convention which took place in Katowice. The historical event was celebrated impressively, with a special public prayer at the central synagogue, a parade of the Pan-Zionist youth followed by a festive rally, where Dr. Jehosza Thon, Dr. Szwarcbart and Joachim Najger all made speeches.

In March 1935 a library was opened by the Zionist organization through the local group of “Bnei Zion”.

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Due to the severing political and economic situation, interest in Aliyah to Israel was ever growing. In may 1935, a registration of professional Zionists who are willing to immigrate to Israel was published in the community bulletin (#79), and in November that year the Zionists union addresses the public with a request to support two agricultural training centers about to be opened in Zywiec and Częstochowa.

Despite the raging anti-Semitism and hatred outside the borders, life continued as usual: a “Blue and White” prom was held in January 1936, regular ceremonies and prayers during the Jewish high holidays, and various fund-raising events supported by “Bnei Zion”.

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Bnei-Brith

Since this organization's activity was not widely covered in the local press, it is difficult to learn about the full extent of its activity. We do know, from a short article published in Community bulletin #33, that on June 1933 the Katowice branch “Concordia” celebrated its 50^th anniversary: participants included 3 of the founding members (Luis Rond and Eliyahu Erlich who both resided in Katowice at the time, and Moric Klajman who by then had moved to Breslau).

The branch was established on June 17, 1883 as one of the first centers in this area; its members dedicated their activity to mutual aid in the community. They were also the official hosts of the famous Zionist “Hovevey Zion” assembly, held in Katowice in that period.

Warriors for Polish Independence

In Katowice, as throughout Poland, Jews who supported Poland's national independence organized themselves as a group. They saw their mission as spreading Polish culture in the area, which had long been under German cultural influence, and deepening the public's loyalty to their new Polish nationality.

The first press release on this organization is found in January of 1934, on the occasion of its first general assembly. New council members were elected again in 1935 and 1936, and lectures on related subjects were given, including one by Dr. Kanarek, on “Poland's new constitution”.

Hebrew Class

This initiative is first mentioned in the #47 bulletin (January 1934), where the public was informed of two upcoming lectures: one, by L. Koralnik, dealing with “New Hebrew Literature”, and one on “Jewish education and culture”, given by Dr. Zilberfenig. The latter included also an open debate, in which local figures and men of letters took part- among them Rabbis Chameides, Fogelman, Cimber, Koralnik, Tenenbaum, and others.

In February that year the group held a formal Tu-Bishvat prom.

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From a notice published in December 1934, we learn that Mrs. Roza Altman was a member of the Hebrew Class group.

The league for laboring Erez-Israel

This organization was first mentioned in the press in March, 1933, in a notice about the upcoming open lecture by Dr. G. Tarlo of Krakow, on “Who is building the land of Israel?” In the bulletin of May 1935 there is a notice about regular meetings for friends and sponsors of “the league” in the club on Piastowskas St., along with an announcement that information concerning immigration to Israel would be given there as well. Another press notice informs us of a special lecture given by Dr. Juris from Israel, titled “A critical moment”.

Mizrachi

Mizrachi's first mention in the press is its April, 1933 request from the general public for donations of money or books to the new Judaism library about to be opened at the association's club Likely Mizrachi ran ongoing activities which were not published in the local press; in 1934 we are informed of a Mizrachi general assembly, where new management personnel were elected (Chairman Dawid Erlich, vice CEO Mosze Teper and others). Members of the youth branch filled administrative positions as well, from this year on.

In December 1936 the Mizrachi group in Katowice advertised a public celebration of a freshly-written Torah scroll, named after the movement's late Rabbi A. I. Kook.

“Zionist Youth” - a farewell reception for Josef Weinberg (at the center)

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Updated 9 Nov 2009 by LA