[Page 316]

A trip to the woods by the students of the I. L. Peretz School in Zamość on April 25, 1930 in the Sitaniec Woods

At the inauguration of the I. L. Peretz School in Zamość in the year 1926. In the middle is the teacher, Sonia Gershuni

Lazar-Melman Itkeh – Born into a religious Jewish family in the Lublin area (Piusk – ?), completed the ‘Tz. Sh. O.’ Teachers Seminary in Warsaw at a very young age. She was a very diligent teacher, full of belief in her work as a teacher, as a mission to the Jewish children. In her last years, she taught in Lodz, in the Medes and Mikholevich School, but before Lodz, she worked in several ‘Tz. Sh. O.’ schools in the province (Zamość, Czestochowa, and others).

Itkeh Lazar belonged to the Bund, and did every kind of work that was entrusted to her. She carried out ‘skip’-work among the children. Hasidic belief emanated from her, in everything that she did. Every community endeavor was a sort of sacred duty to her. In the ghetto of Lodz and Warsaw she was very active in the underground activities. She took the position of ‘courier,’ who traveled over the province.

Itkeh Lazar-Melman is mentioned many times in the book by Bernard Goldstein, where he tells about her:

‘Comrade Melman, a teacher from the Medes-School in Lodz over the course of many years, was the first to travel from Warsaw to Lodz to acquaint herself with the situation and to establish relationships; it happened that she had sharply critical things to say to the Head of the Lodz Judenrat, Rumkowsky, about distributing food products to the children of the schools; she opened school locations, called together the previous teaching personnel, and organized the food-action around the school locations. She traveled to Miedzyrzec, and provided a larger sum of support funds and established direct relationships. In Warsaw, she was active in the illegal Teachers Seminary, in the ‘Red Circle;’ She also occupied the position of a regional-inspector for the ‘Joint.’ Comrade Melman was killed with her 12 year-old child in the bunker on Grauetzka Gasse, togther with Emmanuel Ringelblum, and 30 other people.’

Itkeh Lazar-Melman was a prominent teacher in the school network of ‘Tz. Sh. O.,’ where she taught the younger classes, has a wonderful approach to the children, and was attuned to their mood. She truly thought of her school work as a sacred calling.

Profitker Rivkah – Born in Bialystok in 1905 to working-class parents. In 1917, she enters the first Bialystoker Yiddish-Secular School (Jugend-Verein) and finishes in 1920 (the second graduating class of the school). In 1921, she comes to the Jewish Teachers Seminary in Vilna. She belongs to the group of younger seminarians in the first course. She takes good counsel from all of her studies, and distinguishes herself with her good sense and a stubborn commitment to break through all difficulties. She gets her Teaching diploma in the year 1926, together with the rest of the seminarians of the first course.

She begins to work as a teacher in the Yiddish-Secular school. Her first practical work experience is in Zamość.

After several years of work in the school, she decided to study further. She had an interest in mathematics and chemistry. She decides to continue her education at the Vilna University. However, in order to enter the university, it is necessary to have a ‘Matura’ from a Polish gymnasium. This is no great shortcoming for Rivkah Profitker. She tears through the work in school and enters the eighth class of a Polish gymnasium in Vilna. It does not interest her that the

[Page 317]

other students in the class are younger than her, and have an entirely different mentality. She had but one objective for herself – she needs to get a ‘Matura,’ so she temporarily has to suffer certain ‘inconveniences.’ At the end of the school year she gets the ‘Matura.’

The way to the university is now open to her. True, she now has financial difficulties, but the will to advance her education is stronger, and he addresses the problem. Rivkah Profitker doesn't need much to live on, she can get by on a minimum, the most important thing is the university tuition. She will get a little bit of help form home, and the rest she will earn from temporary work in school. And in this fashion, her plan for further education materializes. In 1934 Rivkah Profitker enters the Chemistry faculty of the Vilna University, and at the same time, she takes over the full work of a second class in the Dvora Cooperstein School.

The Polish school-inspector visits Rivkah Profitker's class for the lecture on Polish. She emerges from the visit energized and strengthened: the inspector praised her work very highly.

When the world war breaks out, Rivkah Profitker was on her third class of the University. It was not ordained that she should graduate…

Rivkah Profitker belonged to the Bund. In resonance with her healthy sense of alignment, which was so characteristic of Rivkah Profitker, she was a highly disciplined and committed Bundist. She believes in the concept of the Bund and she conducts ‘skip’ groups with flame and fire

When the Red Army captures Vilna in 1939, Rivkah can no longer find any air to breathe, she flees, since she can no longer remain in Vilna, and she comes back to her home city of Bialystok. Here, she is killed during the period of the ghetto.

Tzipkin Reuven – In the school year 1940-1941, when the Soviet authority in Vilna did a re-organization of the schools, I was transferred to the ‘Mefitzei Haskala’ school, where Reuven Tzipkin became the director. This was some person; truly, it is rare to encounter someone with all these virtues: a brilliant pedagogue, and a wonderful friend at work. He possessed a great deal of knowledge and much culture. That year, everyone made an extra effort to please the new authorities, but it had rather minimal effect, doing their modest, serious and proper work, which produced wondrous results. He was still young at that time, but he had in his own personal control teachers older than himself, and of a different cut; in this respect, he showed himself to be not only a brilliant educator of the children, but also of the teachers – there was harmony in the workplace – and only because of the tact of the teacher, Tzipkin.

On September 6, 1941 we were driven into the ghetto – into the few small streets, thousands of people were squeezed in. We lay in the yards, one on top of another, because the houses were still locked and sealed at that time, after being chased out of the houses in the day of the known ‘provocation.’ A day later the domiciles were torn into, and really lived there. On the first day of the ghetto, I had the opportunity to squeeze myself in under a roof. Larger majority stood a whole night in the rain in the yard. (This was on the Szczarszun Gasse 7). In the middle of the night, I heard how the teacher Tzipkin comforted his little daughter (Faygeleh), who was crying. I took them in with me, under the roof – that means, we met up again.

He did not work in the schools in the ghetto. He went to work at the Vilna railroad station – at the train. He received a ‘lebensschein,’ and thanks to that he saved himself from all of the decrees with is wife and child. I was among the group that began to register the children in the ghetto-schools – the authorities called them ‘kinder-pflege Number 1.’

The teacher Tzipkin was in the ghetto up to the liquidation of the Vilna ghetto. If there were circumstances that took him away from the ghetto, I am unaware of them. I had heard that he was in Kloga (the extermination place of the Vilna Jews) and whether he was killed in that camp, or in another one – I do not know. He remained in the eastern lands, where one can find the common graves of the most beautiful and the best sons of Vilna.

[Page 318]

Brumberg-Gavenda Miriam (Marila) – Born in Lodz in 1980.^[1] In 1914, with the onset of the First World War, the family moved to Swienzian, near Vilna, the hometown of her father, Abraham-Ze'ev Brumberg. A Jew who was a merchant, and at the same time a great community activist, he became the leader of the Swienzian Jewish community, during the years of the German occupation, respected not only by the Jews, but also by the non-Jewish population.

The Brumberg family, no matter how tragic and ironic it should echo in the hindsight of the terrifying Hitler-epoch, was killed by the Bolsheviks: the father, together with 2 of his sons, Shimon and Henryk, were killed by them on May 2, 1919; Marila and the youngest brother were killed in Russia during the time of the Second World War, deep in Soviet Russia. Only two of the six children remained alive.

Marila Brumberg got her first education in Swienzian in the Yiddish school. She ended an eight-grade gymnasium in Vilna, and later graduated university in literature and history. In Vilna, Marila Brumberg always maintained a relationship with the circle of Jewish teachers, and followed the development of Yiddish-secular education with a special interest.

After finishing university study, Marila took a special course to obtain a diploma to be a teacher in a Volksschule or a middle school.

She began her teaching career in Swienzian. She also worked in the ‘Tz. Sh. O.’ school in Zamość. In the Jewish gymnasium of Sofia Markovna Gurevich in Vilna, and in the beginning of the Second World War, again in the Yiddish school in Swienzian. For a short while, she worked in the Medes-Sanatorium in Miedzieszin near Warsaw.

By nature a lively, animated and always happy-singing person, she had intrinsic qualities to be not only a teacher, but also a leader and a true friend of the children, who literally cleaved to her, and loved her like a sister and a friend. She integrated herself into the atmosphere of the sanatorium in an exceptional manner.

At the beginning of the Hitler-war, Marila and her husband Shmuel Gavenda, returned to live in Swienzian, which was occupied by the Soviet military. There, she gave birth to a child, and when the Germans drew close to Swienzian, she, and her husband and newborn child in arms – went deep into Russia; just short of three years of wandering, plodding and suffering, she died of an illness in Tashkent.

Blumenthal Mendel (Miska) – Younger brother of Nachman Blumenthal, born on December 14, 1899 in Borszczow, completed the gymnasium in Stanislavov – afterwards the university in Lemberg (philosophy and mathematics). Lived a longer time in Warsaw, where he added to his knowledge and skill in pedagogy. He was a teacher in the Yiddish-Polish gymnasium in Grodno and in Zamość, where he directed, at his own initiative, circles for Yiddish literature, and also organized dramatic studies by the younger and older students; directed the city theater in Zamość, instituted folk songs and fragmented scenes form Yiddish-dramatic works. A gifted portrait artist in general – and very friendly, he could gather about him circles of intelligentsia, and ordinary people. He was the vice-chairman of the leadership of the Jewish School Organization in Zamość, where he worked for the I. L. Peretz School, not to mention his position in the Yiddish-Polish gymnasium. The activists of ‘Tz. Sh. O.’ in Zamość, who are still living, speak of him as if he were a lamed-vovnik,^[2] a loyal school and culture activist.

Before the Hitler-war, Miska Blumenthal worked under the oversight of Yitzhak Gitterman and Dr. Emmanuel Ringelblum in ‘Tz.K.B.,’ the central aid society for bank loans from the ‘Joint,’ in Warsaw. He published articles in the bulletins of the ‘Tz.K.B.’ and took part in the ‘literary pages,’ a short time, he worked at the Medes-Sanatorium.

[Page 319]

In the war years of 1939-1941, he worked in the curia of the Soviet school system in Lutsk (Volhynia), leading the statistical division. He took part in organizing help and self-help during the time of the German occupation. He was killed, apparently, on October 22, 1941, during the first ‘aktion’ in Lutsk.

Grossbaum Shaul – Born in 1890 in Zamość. His father Shmuel was an educated man, a free-thinker, his uncle, his mother's brother, was Fishl Geliebter, a familiar activist in New York, and director of the education committee of the Workman's Circle. Shaul Grossbaum received a secular education and upbringing; he studied Jewish subjects in Brisk, which is where his father came from. In his young years, Sh. Grossbaum was torn along with the revolutionary storm, he comes into a new world of Yiddish language and literature. He is threatened by a political trial and even before the First World War, he flees to Switzerland, where he turns to the circles of the political emigration. With enormous patience and aggravation, he studies medicine at the University of Bern. A couple of years after the First World War he returns to Poland, accompanied by a notarized certificate of examination and obtains permission to practice [medicine] in Poland.

In 1928-1930 Sh. Grossbaum was a doctor in the Medes-Sanatorium near Warsaw. For a period of time, he discharged the duties of director of the sanatorium. After leaving the Medes-Sanatorium, he practiced a time in Garvolin (near Warsaw), and later he settled in Zamość. Here, he was active in the community. He was the chairman of TOZ and was selected as a councilman in the community on the Bund party ticket.

At the start of the Hitler-war, Dr. Grossbaum, together with many Jews, left Zamość and took up residence in the city of Ludomir (over the Bug [River]). When the Germans later captured Ludomir, Dr. Grossbaum, together with his wife, were killed during the first pogrom in September 1942.

About his work in the Medes-Sanatorium, Lyuba Kantorivich-Gilinsky tells: ‘Dr. Grossbaum was a modest, knowledgeable man of high ethical stature. He remained loyal to the ideals and principles of his youth, to the last days of his life. In his commitment and love for the children, he worked harmoniously with the personnel of the Medes-Sanatorium. Everyone had great respect for him, for his idealistic character traits. In his work, he showed fundamental skillful qualifications and a great deal of community responsibility.’

Translator's footnotes:

1. This seems to be a transposition error. Likely the intent was to write 1890. Return
2. From the Hebrew, lamed-vov, which had a numerical value of thirty-six. The reference is to an apocryphal thirty-six righteous, anonymous men, whose life is the reason that God continues to let the world exist. Return

[Page 320]

The following overview had been put together on the basis of more than 50 excerpts from the Lubliner Tageblatt, for the years 1926-1928. In this newspaper, correspondence from Zamość was published from time-to-time, that was sent in by Yaakov Neimark. Under the title of ‘Zamość Leben,’ or ‘News from Zamość,’ the correspondent would communicate a variety of events in Zamość. It is from this correspondence that we extract, first and foremost, the community news of the city. In that selection, we have made no distinction, as to which is group [news] and legal [news]. As most of these excerpts have no date associated with them, we have left those without comments. In any event, they occur, as we have said, between the years 1926-1928.

We have not sorted these news items according to issues, areas, and community groups. They are presented just as they were sent in the correspondence. Because dates are missing on these excerpts, they are not given in chronological order.

Regarding I. L. Peretz Gasse in Zamość

The summer half-colony of TOZ in Zamość in the year 1934

We have memorialized him up till now, by naming 3 cultural institutions after him. But many other cities and towns in Poland are doing this. We, the residents of Zamość, Peretz's townsfolk, must exert ourselves to have one of the nicest streets in Zamość, where the Jews live, named after I. L. Peretz.

It is already two months since the new city council took up its position, but the Jewish councilmen seem to have completely forgotten to put this on the daily agenda. Warsaw, the city where Peretz was creative, and lived his last years of his life, has already, some time ago, made a proposal about naming a street after him, but was defeated only because of the majority of Endekists. It is different here in Zamość, where we have a certain majority: Out of 24 councilmen, there are 12 Jews, and it is certain that the P. P. S. representatives will support the proposal, and in this way, there will be more than a two-thirds majority in favor of the proposal. An obligation therefore lies on the Jewish councilmen without distinction regarding their party affiliation, immediately to submit [a proposal], and to energetically see to the passage of such a proposal, because it is high time.

…there is vigorous discussion in the city, that the Zamość community will be disbanded, and there will be an end to the chaos that reigns in the district.

… in the city, one feels the elections to the treasury for the ill very strongly, which will take place on the 19^th of the month. Mass meetings are being organized on the side of the workers, at which the audience discusses issues quite amicably. Separate slates are being run in this election by ‘Poalei Tzion,’ (Right), ‘Bund,’ ‘Hitakhdut,’ under the name of the Democratic Zionist Bloc, ‘Poalei Agudat Israel.’ In opposition, the employers (Jewish) a substantive slate was put forward.

[Page 321]

…. the native Jewish co-educational gymnasium obtained the sole right, and by implication, it is already understood, that it will be able to issue ‘Matura’ designations to its students. In honor of this happy occasion, the gymnasium is organizing a large celebration in the garden of the gymnasium on Sunday the 12th of this month, during the day, and an evening of dance.

…at a general meeting of the Jewish Humanistic (co-educational) Gymnasium, the councilman, Mr. Geliebter came out against ignoring Yiddish and Judaic studies in the gymnasium, and in general against the spirit that is in control there, a spirit of a tendency to an education that is assimilationist, which seems to satisfy the school authorities. He put the entire responsibility for this on the director, Mr. Jakubowski. The parents then decided that for the coming school year, to broaden the Jewish studies, and in general, pay greater attention to the nationalist upbringing of the children. The director, Mr. Jakubowski drew the appropriate consequences from this decision, and submitted his resignation. The board of the gymnasium accepted the resignation.

….Sunday, elections took place to the Zionist Congress. The result was the following: 25 places were received by the Zionist-Socialist Bloc; 16 places are received by ‘Hitakhdut;’ 4 – ‘Al HaMishmar;’ 1– Revisionism. ‘Mizrahi’ and ‘Et Levanot’ – nothing.

…the division of ‘Linat Tzedek’ from the Altstadt decided to build a convalescent home in Krasnobrod. To this end, a place is being actively sought for the building, which will be found in the woods. The convalescent home will be for the poor Jewish sick, and will be made ready in time for the summer of 1928.

… at the last sitting of the town council, the issue of parceling out city property was taken up, and dividing them into shares… for a small number of places, there are already many bidders. Also, the Volksschule, named for I. L. Peretz near the Yiddish School Organization, is striving to acquire a place to build a building for the school.

… the native Jewish laborers and their leadership on Thursday declared a protest strike of 3 hours against the death sentence handed down against Sacco and Vanzetti.

… the council of the trade unions approached the Magistrate with a demand to set aside land from the municipal tracts, to build a house for the trade unions.

… the native TOZ division… is, in fact, the most active of our societies in the city. During the summer season, of the past year, 2 half-colonies were opened for children: one in the Neustadt, and one in the Altstadt. This week, the first session is already ending, and 65 children are being sent home from both colonies, and 75 new children are taking their place…

…In the village of Dlugy-Kant near Jozefów, the TOZ division rented a special building, where a children's colony was organized for 28 children, and is under the direction of Mrs. Wurst. The children are fed 5 times a day, also, each child had a separate bed in which to sleep.

…ten children suffering from lung ailments were sent by TOZ to Wiszniowa-Gora (near Lodz) to the sanatorium of the Lodz TOZ. Ten children were sent to Otvotzk.

… the local division has in mind, in short order, to create an advisory position in the city for pregnant women, and a ‘Drops of Milk’ program. Both institutions are needed by our city.

…the Hevra-Kadisha of Zamość has a Pinkas, which is about two-hundred years old, and from an historical and ethnographic standpoint, this Pinkas is of colossal value. It had been in the custody of the recently deceased Gabbai

[Page 322]

of the Hevra, Mr. Emmer. Immediately after his death, the Pinkas disappeared, and we had given up on finding it. Suddenly, we find out that Messrs. Y. Goldgraber and Y. Weintraub have purchased the Pinkas from the deceased Gabbai's son-in-law, Mr. Hilf, for 200 gulden, which he was then carrying as a debt. The community found out about this, and sent a warning letter, to the previously mentioned two gentlemen, that they are to return the Pinkas. The latter, indeed, returned the Pinkas, but not to the community, but to Mr. Margolis.^[1]

…the local Magistrate opened a children's colony in Krasnobrod, where children from the local ‘higher’ schools are sent to be healed. This past Sunday, 28 Jewish children were, indeed, sent there.

…on Saturday, July 28, our city was visited by the engineer, Mr. Reiss, and emissaries of the ‘Palestine Workers Fund.’ At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, a festive reception as held in the chamber of the city council. Greetings were offered by the chairmen of: Poalei Tzion (councilman M. Herman); Wiltos (P. P. S.); Bankovisky (Tur); Tz. K. Geliebter (Zionist Organization); B. Rosen (Hitakhdut); Sh. Engel (Teaching Personnel); Abraham Fekher (HeHalutz); B. Dinerman (‘Freiheit’). The guest spoke on the theme of ‘The Role of the Jewish Worker in the Building of the Land of Israel.’ On the following day, an [sic: fund-raising] action took place that produced satisfying results.

… it is now more than two weeks that a sharp strike has broken out among the men and women garment workers. The workers demanded raises in pay in the amount of 100, 75, 50 and 25 percent. In the course of 24 hours, the workers had to give a reply, and in apposition, the workers have walked off the job. In a number of workplaces, strikebreakers have been brought in. This has caused riots in several workplaces. The authorities began to intervene, and arrested a number of labor leaders, of which 2 continue to be imprisoned to this day. The City Elder proposed his compromise at the arbitration, and even proposed to the owners of the larger factories that they should give the demanded increase. The trade unions quit that arbitration by the City Elder. Negotiations then took place between both sides, currently without results. One nevertheless hopes that the strike will come to an end in the next immediate days, which had elicited so much bad blood.

… the week of holiday is being proclaimed by TOZ as a week for propaganda and gatherings. Speeches will be given on an array of medical and hygiene questions. Mr. Malkin, the well-known activist has also been invited, who will speak on the subject of ‘From the ‘Twelve’ to the ‘Eleven.’’ (Romen Rolan).

…this week, the local P. P. S. organization called a conference of the socialist parties, such as ‘Poalei Tzion’ (Right), Bund, and others. The question of a boycott of the ‘Fuchs’ chocolate firm was discussed. It was decided to carry this out in Zamość.

…the news about having Jewish artists, and such as Ida Kaminska and Sigmund Turkov, come and visit our city with their ensemble made a good impression, since it has been a very long time since such a Jewish troupe has been to [entertain] us. Despite the fact that Zamość had a sufficiently large theater, and a Yiddish theater following, these Jewish artist skip over the city. The reason for this is incomprehensible to us.

The local district legislature, at its last meeting on the 27^th of the prior month, decided to subsidize the branch of the TOZ, with 200 gulden, for its activities in the area of making the Jewish populace healthy. This is the first time that a Jewish society in general, and TOZ, in particular, was being subsidized by the local legislature.

[Page 323]

…the beginning of TOZ-week was inaugurated with a speech by Dr. Hirschenhorn (Lublin), in the beautiful hall of the local Rathaus, on the theme of ‘Health Problems Among the Jews.’ The large hall was filled to overflowing with masses of people from all walks of life in the Jewish community, who came to hear the speech of the one-time doctor from Zamość.

…Friday morning, the well-known poet, Z. Segalovich came to Zamość, at the invitation of the editorial staff of the Zamośćher Stimme. In the evening, the poet, after a warm greeting by the brother of the late poet, I. L. Peretz, – Jonah Joshua Peretz, read a speech on the theme: ‘The Poet, Reader, Critic,’ and presented a number of his most recent creations. Masses of listeners filled the hall of the Rathaus, and reacted the poet with heartfelt ovations. During the day, accompanied by several co-workers, he visited a whole array of historical locations, general and Jewish, which have a relation to Peretz, and the Enlightenment era.

… the strike of the men and women tailors in Zamość, which went on for such a long time, ended this week, with the employers giving a raise. Also, the two labor leaders of the trade unions who were arrested as responsible for the riots that took place between the workers and the employers were released under the fine one hundred gulden apiece, and it is interesting that the prosecutor had originally demanded ten thousand gulden.

…the local Bund organization sent the Bund officer Mr. Yerakhmiel Brandwein as a delegate to the funeral of the beloved labor leader Beinish Mikhalevich who died in Warsaw, as well as a letter of condolence to the Tz. K.

…last week after the murder of a brother in the Krasnystaw jail, where the provocateur Hochman murdered the communist Zaltsman, death notices were posted late at night on the streets of the city. Because the notices were not legal, the police tore them down. A policeman stopped the young N. Garfinkel, who was passing by, suspecting him of being the one who was hanging up the placards, and therefore, was detained for a number of days in jail, and charges were filed against him.

…Sunday and Monday, a circle conference of Keren Kayemet will take place by us. For this purpose, the representatives from the Land of Israel, Mr. Meir Haezrachi and A. Hartzfeld, will travel here. Significant preparations are being made also for the existing fund-raising campaign for Keren Kayemet here in the city.

In the past week, a circle advisory meeting was held by Keren Kayemet activists… the local committee took on a pledge of 8000 gulden for the year 1929.

…in connection with the 10^th anniversary of Poland's independence, a whole array of celebrations took place, in which the Jewish populace took part. In the houses of worship, special services were held in honor of the day. In the synagogue, a special service was held, where issues of the day were addressed by Mr. J. Peretz, and the Rabbis. The City Elder made a special visit to the synagogue.

… towards evening, everyone participated, for the poor and especially for the Jews, in a kosher afternoon meal. The Jewish community gave out a ‘bonus’ of coal and wood for the Jewish populace that was without means.

…at the last meeting of the advisory council and the leadership of the community, a decision was taken: to inscribe the 10^th anniversary of Poland's independence in the ‘Gold Book,’ of Keren Kayemet, and to send telegrams of congratulations to President Moszczicki and Marshall Pilsudski, ans well as an announcement to the populace which was released.

[Page 324]

…the local Rabbi, Blum, at the meeting of the community, protested against the decision to also play the HaTikvah in the synagogue at the time of prayer services. He demanded that his protest be formally recorded.

…the society, ‘Linat Tzedek,’ has already walked up to the initiative of creating a fund for building a sanatorium for poor, sick Jews in Krasnobrod. The first action has already been crowned with success. 1500 zlotys have been collected.

…also the landsleit of Zamość in America have not forgotten, and have sent in support in the amount of $175.00 for the poor for the holidays, which, along with the locally raised monies, distributed among the needy populace.

…the Jewish district worked out an increase in the Budget for the current year. The budget comes to 30,000 zlotys, instead of the prior amount of 12,000 zlotys.

…at their meeting the Jewish conscripts, who serve in the native units, voted some eighty in favor and 6 opposed, not to take advantage of the special holiday kitchen, provided especially for them, by the district. The motive behind this was, that if they accepted this offer, they would not receive permission to travel home.

…at the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of ‘HeHalutz,’ the local ‘HeHalutz-Organization’ arranged a ‘Stilovi’ in the theater on the Seventh Day of Passover, a grand festive academy. Apart from speeches and greetings from councilman Tz. K. Geliebter (Zionist elements in the city council and the community), Morgenstern (Poalei-Tzion), Rubinstein (Hitakhdut), and Yitzhak Fuchs from Warsaw, there also was an artistic program. Scenes were put on from the works of I. L. Peretz, Ch. N. Bialik and also singing by a choir.

…this past week, after a long recess, a sitting of the community took place…the issue concerning ritual slaughter was vacated. It was decided to approach the authorities that they should disqualify Rabbi Blum, since he does not possess the appropriate qualifications…at the same time, a protest resolution was passed against the pogroms in Rumania.

…the plenum of the city council struck down the name changes for the streets proposed by the education commission for street name change. The name of Rosa Luxembourg was taken off the list. A street to be named for I. L. Peretz was settled, and a street to be named for the creator of Esperanto, Dr. Zamenhof.^[2] The Jewish councilman, Elias Epstein was elected as the representative of the Zamość city council in the election committee (to the Sejm).

…the native landsleit from America sent $75.00 for the Yiddish School Organization, for the Yiddish Volksschule.

…the local Poalei-Tzion (Right-wing) arranged a festive academy in the hall of the city council in memory of their leader Ber Borokhov. Mr. Herman and Mr. Feilshako (Warsaw) gave speeches, as well as Kazansky from the P. P. S.

…the Magistrate has finally opened a kitchen for the unemployed. The Jewish unemployed, who do not wish to take advantage of the kitchen because of ritual concerns, can obtain products that are uncooked.

…the local Jewish Humanistic Gymnasium arranged a Hanukkah presentation. Most of the numbers were either in Yiddish or Hebrew. (Among them, two songs: ‘;Mai Koh Mashma Lon?’ and ‘Oyfn Pripitchuk Brennt a Fyerel’), conducted by Professor Blumenthal.

[Page 320]

…The First of May did not pass here particularly quietly. Already, by April 30 at night, the police began to chase the walking public home, and arrested a few. The city council had decided to hang out a red flag on the tower of the magistrate's building, with the inscription, ‘Long Live May 1^st!’ Also the Magistrate did not sit at all, and all communal institutions were closed for that day. Several days before May 1^st, there were negotiations between Poalei Tzion (Right), P. P. S. and the Bund and the trade unions to find ways to have a general demonstration, but we satisfied ourselves by doing nothing.

…The P. P. S. and Poalei-Tzion sponsored May-Academies.

…Mr. Zygmunt Lev, the well-known artist of the Hebrew theater, is visiting our city. He will be appearing in a number of interesting evening recitations.

…the city is strongly abuzz with the new Rabbi, who several days ago, came back, traveling here to assume the Zamość rabbinical seat. A great difference of opinion reigns in the city, because there are three sides; the side of the Podembitzer Rabbi Blum who actually occupies the rabbinical seat, has the smallest number of supporters, but it has been possible for several stubborn Dozors of the native area to push through this candidate.

Confirming the Rabbi took place at a sitting where there was not even a quorum, and paying no mind to the protests of all the sides. Whether from the side of the Agudah, and orthodox Dozors, or the side of the opposition, who in its time wanted to pressure a move to the ‘vote’ to give the Rabbi an open brief. Despite this, the Podembitzer Rabbi did not want to acknowledge this issue, and has now arrived by travel. The opposition went to the City Elder, about the impropriety of the election, but without result, and it appears that the question went from his time up to the highest administrative tribunal. The protagonist of the Rabbi was the famous eater of Jews, Khmursky. The argument of the lawyer about the leadership of the Zionists and Communists in the city, who, in general, don't want any Rabbi at all, elicited a great deal of aggravation from all walks of the Jewish populace. The administrative tribunal ruled that the Rabbi must take the rabbinical seat, and is entitled also to remuneration for the entire time that he has been approved by the community.

On the Sabbath, when the Rabbi, participated in prayer at the synagogue for the first time, a senior member of the police department (pshodovnik )was present.

…the city council, at its last plenary session, took up a protest resolution against the legal project of the Endekists of the election ordinance committee to the communal institution, which is currently being deliberated in the Sejm. The proposal was presented by councilman Mr. Herman, and was passed by a significant majority.

…in the budget for the year 1927, it was finally possible for the Jewish councilmen to secure demanded sums for Jewish institutions: TOZ – 500 zlotys; TOZ Children's Home (which is currently under consideration to be built) – 3000 zlotys; ‘Linat Tzedek,’ – 300 zlotys; ‘ld Age Home,’ – 2500 zlotys; And the so-called (Jewish Academies) – 300 zlotys; Yiddish Gymnasium – 700 zlotys; I. L. Peretz School adjacent to the Yiddish School Organization – 1500 zlotys; Evening courses by ‘Y. Sh. O.’ – 1000 zlotys; Jewish Library – 600 zlotys. It was also decided to open an ambulatorium in the Neustadt, where the needy Jewish population lives. It is necessary to point out, that according to the last statistics of the city ambulatorium, more than two-thirds who take advantage of the ambulatorium, are Jews.

…the ‘Kadima’ School approached the city council with a request for a subsidy. Councilman Herman came out against this, showing that this school calls itself Polish-Hebrew and neither Yiddish studies or Yiddish are pursued there, and therefore, the city council must not under any circumstances offer it a subsidy.

[Page 326]

Students and teachers of the Yiddish Gymnasium in Zamość (1937), standing on the steps of the entrance to the Gymnasium building, owned by the community

…in the state gymnasium for women, named Maria Konopnitska, Maturas were received by the students: G. Bernstein, H. Brokh, Chana Haltz, B. Fuchs, Ch. Zimmerung, B. Kilstein, A. Mandelbaum, Ch. Stern.

…in the state gymnasium for men, named for Jan Zamoyski, the following students received ‘Maturas:’ Berish Goldog, Israel Goldvarg, Pinchas Wahrman, Yitzhak Mendelson, Israel Ruf.

The Magistrate took up a decision to name one of the streets in Zamość ‘I. L. Peretz Street.’ in order to memorialize the name of the great Yiddish folk-poet I. L. Peretz in his own home town.

…the newly elected Magistrate in Zamość, which has a leftist majority, decided at its last sitting, to give the Volksschule that is a branch of the School-Organization a one-time subsidy of 900 zlotys and to put into the annual budget a separate subsidy of 2500 zlotys. It is worth emphasizing that the Yiddish Volksschule in Zamość is developing very well, and has a good reputation in the city.

At the last sitting of the city council, and interesting incident occurred between the councilman, attorney Czarniecki, ‘friend of the Jews,’ and councilman Ch. Herman (Poalei Tzion, right) regarding the point of the daily roster of public work. Lawyer Czarniecki came out against the socialist magistrate and the way public work was allocated. He came out against the day listings, demanding that the work be given over to accord, and told how he personally had seen how a Jewish worker was conveying a load of soil by taking 30 unnecessary steps, and time is idled away at work. In response, councilman Herman spoke up, and disclosed the real motive of the city watchdog, who did not take kindly to having Jewish workers work on public jobs.

…As conveyed to me by the labor leaders, today, 33 percent of the laborers, out of the entire force working on municipal jobs, are Jewish. In proportion, this is a satisfying ratio. The relationships between the Jewish workers and the Polish ones is sufficiently friendly.

… the leadership of the Yiddish school organization decided to build a building for the school. To this end, it will be approaching the magistrate about a location for the structure. It is intended to raise the funds required to accomplish this purpose from the American landsleit. Also, TOZ has in mind to construct its own building as a ‘Children's Home,’ which it is thinking of founding, [since this is] a place that is needed, perhaps the Magistrate will donate a location. The sum that is needed to erect the building is in the hands of the local TOZ – this is a sum of between six and seven thousand zlotys.

… Zamość has always been a city with original ideas, and also this time, the local Neustadt Hasidim came up with a novelty: it irritated them that the Neustadt Public Library, named for Sh. Ettinger, had instituted an evening on Friday night, and so they decided that they would all sign up as members of the library, hoping thereby that the young people would not be rude enough to at least not violate the Sabbath, during their evening sojourn at the library. In this fashion, the public library acquired a very handsome number of additional patrons.

… Through the initiative of HeHalutz, and Poalei Tzion, an association was created for the working class in the Land of Israel. At this time, the association numbers more than 100 members.

[Page 327]

…the current year Rosh Hashana also did not pass without incident here. The first day of Rosh Hashana cast a terror on the Jewish residents of the suburb of ‘Browar’ because of an incitement to a blood-libel. This arose from the fact that after the noon hour, a Christian employee of the shoemaker Shmuel Eiler came to him with his 6 year-old little sister, leaving her to play in the yard, and himself having gone inside to greet the shoemaker. Coming out of the house, he did not encounter his little sister. The Christian immediately raised a cry, and a large crowd of Christians gathered around him, who shouted that the Jews hid the child to be used for ritual purposes. Several policemen with a senior officer at their head reconnoitered the entire yard, and the child was not found.

On the morning of the second day, a ‘miracle’ occurs, and a Christian from a nearby village, who was passing through, hears that a child is being sought, and tells that yesterday towards evening a Christian child blundered into that location, which indeed, as it turns out, was the lost child. The police immediately freed the shoemaker, and simultaneously, the fear of serious unrest dissipated.

….at a prior sitting of the city council, the proposal for a motor transport company, to be granted a concession to implement a line between the city and the suburbs, was taken under consideration. The city council with a large majority, decided to give this mentioned company the concession. Because of this decision, the coach drivers, which consists only of Jews, will suffer a great deal, because the motor connection will deprive up to 50 poor Jewish of a livelihood. Characteristically, apart from one right-wing Poalei Tzion member, a manual worker, and 3 communists, all the remaining Jewish councilmen came out in favor of the concession.

This month, through the local TOZ branch, two half-colonies were opened in the city and the Neustadt. About 70 children will be accommodated in the half-colonies, where they will be given meals three times a day, and will find themselves under the supervision of pedagogically trained personnel. Also, a large number of children will be sent to Cuzmir. Additionally, weak children will be sent to Otvotzk and to Dembina.

A festive anniversary party was held on Sunday, July 1, at a specially prepared garden plot, at the day-care home for the children of TOZ. The children put on many numbers, excerpts form songs, etc.

Sunday the 23^rd of the prior month, a celebration took place at the Yiddish Gymnasium in honor of the first graduation. Many guests were invited to the celebration, and among others, the Chairmen of the educational authority, Yiddish culture institutions, etc. All conveyed their greetings, including the director of the government Men's Gymnasium, Mr. Levitsky, who praised the high pedagogic plane of the Yiddish Gymnasium.

– The manager of the estates of Khorovyeh Zamoyski that are found in our area sent the local ‘Linat HaTzedek’ Society a sum of 5000 (five thousand) gulden, for the construction of a sanatorium in Krasnobrod for the needy Jewish sick

– Finally, the district authority confirmed the decision of the city council about changing the names of a row of streets in our city, in the following manner: instead of Buzhnicza – I. L. Peterz; Juden-gasse – Dr. Ludovik Zamenhof.

– The recital artist, Mr. Zygmunt Lev had a great success here with us, with his sparkling recitation evenings. He came out up to 5 times with his rich repertoire, and he is now beginning to an array of theater performances. The first thing that is going to be performed is Z. Segalovich's drama, ‘The Wall.’ The premiere took place on Saturday June 2.

– In New-Zamość [sic: Neustadt] one is still used to carry on in the old manner. So, in this manner, since there is still a ‘Gemilut-Hasadim’ Bank there, the activists called together a general legal review meeting after 18 months of its existence. The reason for this, is that the treasurer had not provided any disbursements…in the bank review no disbursements at all were uncovered…

[Page 328]

– A chess club can be found in our city in the ‘Culture League.’

– The councilman, Eng. Moniek Goldstein (elected by the radicals) who entered the city council via the Jewish-Democratic Bloc, sent in a letter of resignation, in which he gave the reason for his resignation as being personal circumstances. In his place, Hirsch Zwerin was installed, from New-Zamość.

– The opposition of the recently, not-long-ago installed Rabbi, Mr. Blum, has in the last days very strongly spread about. It comes to light, that the opposition had the majority of the city behind it, and now wants to, by means of a variety of plans, place itself against the transgression done to it by the minority of the community. It has been a long time since we have had this kind of a controversy. For example, a plan was put forward to appoint as Rabbi, Rabbi Leibeleh Keltzer, who already has been living here for nearly two years, as the ‘de facto’ Rabbi of the city. As a compromise, let the nominated Rabbi Blum be the Rabbi, ‘de jure,’ insofar as the outside world is concerned, and he would then run the books of ‘Stan Zivilny.’ The Rabbi has not yet provided a clear response to the delegation of ‘important Jews,’ but as it looks to be, he will, indeed, assume the Rabbinical Seat. The supporters of Rabbi Blum keep sending delegations to the Rabbi to persuade him not to take the position. This Sabbath, before the Torah reading, the worshipers of the Gerrer and Shmigraver shtiblach gathered together, and also many from the Great Synagogue, together about 150 people, on the Schulhof, formed a ‘demonstration,’ and moved in the direction of the residence of the Rabbi in the Lublin suburb. No one was permitted to enter. It was barely possible for a delegation of 3 Jews to worm their way into the Rabbi, whom they implored ‘not to disturb the peace.’ He answered them, that he also wants peace. Then, the ‘demonstrators’ dispersed, not paying mind to the fact that they were greatly upset. The police even lodged charges against a number of the ‘demonstrators.’

– The approach made by the community opposition to the City Elder, against the election of the community leadership with Mr. Wolfenfeld at its head, was helpful. Mr. Wolfenfeld stepped down from his position as the President. In his place, it appears that Yitzhak Margolis will be designated as President, and Mr. Hona Eidelsberg as Vice-President.

– On Saturday, the local society for trade and bureau appointees received a communication from the City Elder, that the local branch is being liquidated, on the basis of the liquidation of the central organization in Warsaw.

– With a majority of only 3-2 votes, the city council, it was decided to remove the market stalls at the covered walkways, that is, in the places where they have been installed for many years. By contrast, it was decided to erect the 20 or so special small structures [sic: of this type] outside of the city. The interested Jews were strongly dissatisfied with the decision of the city council.

– At a sitting of the city council, the following gentlemen were elected as delegates to a meeting of the cities in Posen: The Bundist representative Yerakhmiel Brandwein and the P. P. S. Vice-Burgomaster Ostrovsky.

– The local TOZ used the days of Yom Tov for propaganda. On the 11^th of this month, the leader of TOZ, Mr. Schwerdscharf spoke at the New-Zamość Bet HaMedrash, on the theme of ‘The goals and Activities of TOZ.’ On the 12^th of the month the Chairwoman, Dr. Rosenbush gave a speech to 200 women on the theme of ‘ The Hygiene of the Child and the Meaning of Childhood.’ On Saturday the 15^th of the month, the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Zinberg spoke in the Great Bet HaMedrash of the Altstadt on the theme of: ‘What TOZ gives to the Jewish Populace,’ and Dr. Wegmeister spoke to an overflowing room in the ‘Stilov’ theater on the theme of: ‘The Hygiene of the Child of Pre-School Age.’ In the near future, the opening celebration of the ‘Children's Home’ will take place, whose premises are being renovated.

A Call to Vote of the Krasnystaw-Hrubieszow-Chelm Circle to the Sejm elections in the ‘Sanatia’ Period. The Placard was printed in Zamość

[Page 329]

– In the prior week, Dr. Szyfer spoke about the issues of the Sejm elections that will be held soon, and organized a local election commission.

– A regional conference of the Jewish section of the Nationalist Bloc took place on Sunday, with participation by the former deputy, Dr. Feldman from ‘Mizrahi’ and Engineer Mr. A. Prowalsky from ‘Hitakhdut.’ Delegates from the following towns came to the conference: Zwierzyniec, Tomaszow, Tarnogrod, Jozefów, Laszczow, Komarow, Szebrzeszczyn, apart from Zamość. According to the direction of the delegates, it appears that the 27^th Zamość regional population is disposed to vote for the Nationalist Bloc. Delegates from several towns demonstrated the necessity to put up a second approved candidacy in place of the current incumbent Dr. Szyfer. The reason given was, that Dr. Szyfer is not appropriately interested in his election district, and often even does not intervene when necessary. After a speech by deputy Feldman about the nationality problem several related resolutions were entertained. Also, the desire was taken up, that for the first time that the head of the ticket in the Zamość region be headed by a Jew, and for the first time that the second position be a Ukrainian. The reason – The Ukrainian population is not particularly favorably inclined to the Bloc. The ‘Serlov’ is conducting a rather strong agitation among the Ukrainians against the Bloc. A regional center was approved that would have its seat in Zamość. It appears that in Zamość, the Bloc will not put up a separate slate, because they have put together volunteers from the Nationalist Bloc about controlling the voting slates. The Zionists, Hitakhdut Mizrahi, the Merchants Society, Hand Workers Society, and the Volkists have joined with the Nationalist Bloc. There is no Small Business Society in the Altstadt, as opposed to new-Zamość, which does have one. The latter did not assume any position.

– Our local Jewish community is quite lively. Above the heads of the local population two sides contest with one another, and both sides impinge upon an insoluble problem of the most sacred principles of the rights given to us to independently elect our own officials. In a time of resignation and weak faith. In the year 1923, the Jews of Zamość elected an authority that, despite its inability to help, does not want to vacate its mandates. Not a single positive piece of work has been accomplished by it. Just the opposite – a lot of damage, yes. They have provisioned us with a Rabbi, that does not please the city in any respect. Now, the community advisory council has decided that the city needs an Assistant Rabbi. This has been taken up with the approval of the ‘opposition.’ First, there were arguments over whether the city needed a Rabbi, and were it not for the fact that the authorities demanded it, there would not be a Rabbi in Zamość to this day (there is a Rabbi in the Neustadt!). And now the opposition wants to get this passed, and if the City Elder will confirm this, the burden of an additional Rabbi will fall on the populace. At the same time when everything is destroyed, when no cultural institution receives any subsidy from the community, when an awesome chaos reigns all around. Thursday, a sitting of the council took place, and lasted until 2 in the morning and the first point of the agenda didn't even get touched.

– On the previous Saturday night the Zamość city council had a sitting at which an array of Jewish questions were dealt with. First and foremost, subsidies for Jewish cultural institutions. No normal budget has yet been worked out. For the time being, one-time subsidies for the Yiddish School Organization with the school and evening school, named for I. L. Peretz – 600 zlotys. The large Jewish municipal library (the former Peretz Library) adjacent to the Municipal Library – 300 zlotys; The Neustadt Library named for I. L. Peretz – 200 zlotys; the library of the trade class societies – 100 zlotys. For a smaller city, these sums are an indication of the good relationship to the Jewish institutions. The city council showed a different kind of attitude towards the Hebrew Library, which has 1000 volumes, and a larger number of members. A debate arose around this question between the Zionist councilman Geliebter and the Bundist councilman Brandwein.

At the same sitting, the approach to the city council was deliberated, to allocate 1000 zlotys to erect a memorial to the 14 Jews that were shot in 1914 by a Russian Cossack officer at the time that the Jews were carrying out a citizen's obligation. To this day, there is no marker over their common grave. The community is giving 1000 zlotys, and requests that the city council also match these funds. The anti-Semitic councilman Lawyer Czarniecki spoke out against this, arguing that it would be a ‘moral sin’ to put such a memorial over people who had been shot. Regarding this question, the Jewish councilmen took a full mouth of water, and kept quiet.

[Page 330]

– The local drama society of the Yiddish School Organization gave a performance of Seckler's ‘Yossi fun Yakrut,’ at the ‘Stilov’ Theater. This drama was performed for the first time anywhere in Europe. Suitable stage scenery was prepared. A second performance is being made ready.

– The ‘opposition’ appointed Rabbi Leibeleh Keltzer as Rabbi of the city, and a battle is underway any time there is a need to perform a wedding, the need for a Sandek, etc. Both sided are fighting with one another. The following situation has been created in the city: ‘the masses’ are with the Rabbi, and the ‘big shots’ are with Rabbi Leibeleh Keltzer.

– On Sunday, a festive opening of the Children's Home took place at the location of this institution. This was a get-together of the elite of the Jewish community. Mostly, lady members of the ‘Ladies Auxiliary’ came, which had been especially founded in order to look after the financial existence of the Children's Home. At the invitation of the committee of TOZ, the chairmen of a number of institutions were invited to offer their greetings. In this connection, no response was received from the City Elder, the district Sejm Deputy, the Merchants Society, and Jewish financial institutions.

At exactly the appointed hour, the tireless activist, and Chairwoman of TOZ, Dr. Rosenbush gave the opening remarks, which briefly summarized the aspects of the activities of TOZ, on our behalf in the city, and the initiation of the concept to create such an institution. She also remarked on the financial difficulties involved in founding such a Children's Home, etc. Afterwards, congratulatory telegrams are read from the central [sic: TOZ office] in Warsaw and from the regional committee in Lublin. Then we come to the array of minor greetings. In the name of the Magistrate, Vice-President Mr. Ostrovsky. He praises the people who initiated the effort, and promises that the Magistrate will provide an annual subsidy of 3000 zlotys a year, especially for the Children's Home.

In the name of ‘Linat Tzedek,’ Israel Rosen offers greetings; The director, Mr. Sh. Weiner in the name of ‘Kadima;’ Mr. Shpizeisen in the name of ‘Y. Sh. O.

’ Mr. Y. Brandwein (Representative); he says that the time has arrived for the communal institutions to take on the obligation, and assume the financial oversight for all institutions, as well Jewish education. That the community should not have to carry this burden as an item that is special. J. J. Peretz also offers greetings (a brother of the poet I. L. Peretz). Dr. Geliebter responds to these greetings, and the assembly is asked to contribute for the benefit of the Children's Home. The response was quite handsome. On the spot, nearly 700 zlotys were collected. The budget of the Children's Home runs 700 zlotys a month, towards which the Magistrate provides less than 300. The remainder will have to be generated from individual sources and a variety of fund-raisers.

– The publisher, A. Gitlin in Warsaw, has recently issued a book of our well-known native son Y. Firestein, under the name of ‘20 Year Retrospective.’ Criticism has been generally good about this original book of memoirs. Many of the heroes of this book are still alive, and this indeed elicits a great interest about the book.

– the Jewish merchants and hand workers this year have been assesses to pay a fully-loaded sales tax. The local Merchants Society send a delegation to Warsaw, in the persons of : K. Eidelsberg, M. Kezman, D. Zegen, Sh. Tishberg, M. Eidelsberg, and Sh. Wohl, so that they could intervene about the wrongs that have been encountered by the local Merchants in Zamość. The delegation delivered a memorandum a the ministry, and the local merchants sit and wait. Meanwhile, the date arrives at which time the tax needs to be paid to the municipality. A strong embitterment reigns in the circle of the merchants. Part of the storekeepers, even this year, will have to actually liquidate their stores, having no other choice. What is interesting, is that the local Polish merchants, at their meeting, adopted a decision to protest against the fact that…the local Jewish merchants have not been assessed enough.

Half colony of the Zamość TOZ of the year 1927

[Page 331]

– The ‘Kadima’ school this year, had its first graduating class, in the amount of 7 students, who have completed the 7 grades of the school. Now the school has a full seven grades.

– Together with announcing a campaign for Labor in the Land of Israel, the leader of the Israeli Labor organization, a member of the World Union of ‘Poalei Tzion,’ (United with Tz. S.), a member of the Central Committee of ‘Akhdut HaAvodah’ in Israel, and an advisory member from the General Jewish Labor Organization in Israel, Mr. Engineer Rice, will be coming to Zamość on the coming 28^th of the month.

– For the second season, it has been possible for the local TOZ to arrange the following for the sick and weak children: 34 children were sent out to Zazolkiew^[3]; 3 children to Druzgenik; 2 children to Otwock and 40 children in the local half colony.

– The Jewish Gymnasium, with good fortune, has a new Director from Lublin, Mr. Alterovich (A Christian). For the time being, we cannot predict what sort of an atmosphere will reign there. It made a great impression, on the local religious circles, that the Director and his wife accompanied the children into the school during the ceremony to honor of the beginning of the new school year. The school has finally opened up its eighth grade. The ‘Kadima’ School also opened a new grade – the 6^th; The Yiddish School named for I. L. Peretz this year opened its 3^rd grade.

– The Zamość city council also adopted a protest resolution against the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti.

– At the last meeting of the city council, a resolution was passed by a large majority, stating that ‘the city of Zamość demands an immediate amnesty for the people arrested for political reasons in Poland.’ This resolution is being sent to the Justice Minister. The entire Socialist Bloc voted for this resolution, which consists of 18 councilmen, Jewish and Christian.

– The local Magistrate began an examination of the treasury books of the Jewish community beginning on the 21^st of this month. This was undertaken because of the alarms about malfeasance in the community. As is being said, the audit will take a long time.

– he single Jewish institution that exists in the Neustadt (Zamość), is the People's Library named for Shlomo Ettinger. The library was founded 6 years ago, and takes up an important place. It obtains the means to support and enlarge the library from its membership and a variety of undertakings [sic: fund-raisers]. The library also receives a subsidy from the city council. The Jewish community does not assess itself, God-forbid, for the benefit of such institutions. To this day, the Library has 3000 Yiddish books, about 2000 Polish books, as well as a number of Hebrew and Russian books. There are 250 members. Together with the celebration in honor of the sixth anniversary, there also was a celebration for renovating the premises. More than 1000 zlotys were donated to make a fundamental renovation of the Library and reading room, and one can certify from a first-hand view, that the arrangement and order that reigns in the institution is simply a wonder. There is a great deal of committed work imbedded in this, from the loyal hands of workers. The current celebration came out in quite a festive way, with chairmen of just about every Jewish institution and party conveying their greetings.

– The School action [sic: fund-raising] was also announced here through the local Jewish School Organization. Lottery tickets were distributed and many friends of the Jewish School Movement were signed up. A mass meeting dedicated to the school movement was especially organized. The councilmen, Messrs. Herman, Fekher and Neimark appeared.

– Also, the ‘HeHalutz’ Organization is now conducting a campaign. In the meantime, a flower day has been organized for the benefit of ‘Keren HeHalutz,’ and the result is that a sum of somewhat under 150 zlotys were raised.

[Page 332]

– Two trials against 2 Jewish young people took place on Wednesday in the district court, who were accused [of being involved in] in communist activities. The first, David Levinson, who has been confined to jail for a half year already, because of a lack of evidence, was released. The second, Leibl Zeidl, was punished with a 4 year sentence. Both accused were defended by the P. P. S. activist, Lawyer Kh. Szwientkowsky.

Jewish Children in the Government School, 1938

– It is a number of years now, that we do not have an active Jewish sports society. There used to be an active ‘Maccabi’ organization, which even had gotten musical instruments together for an orchestra. The leadership personnel emigrated, and the organization fell apart. This past week, a member of ‘Maccabi’ in whose possession these musical instruments were left, turned them over to the Yiddish Gymnasium.

– On Sunday the 2^nd, a red flag was hung up in the Neustadt on the Zamoyski Gasse. It was immediately taken note of, and at twelve thirty at night, the flag was taken down by the police.

– The Jewish school, named for I. L. Peretz, adjacent to ‘Y. Sh. O.,’ this year, opened the fourth grade, in which Hebrew will be taught.

– The local trade unions bought a parcel from the Magistrate to build a house for the unions. The American workers, who are landsleit of Zamość sent in a larger sum of money for this purpose.

Notes:

As we said in the introduction, all these notices were extracted from the ‘Lubliner Tageblatt,’ from the years 1926-128. The Zamość correspondent was Yaakov Neimark. A part of the correspondence is signed with a full name, and apart with the initials, Y. N-k, or Yud Nun, and yet others with the pseudonym, Y. Nakdimon.

Translator's footnotes:

1. A second account of this event is also given in an excerpt from the Zamośćher Stimme. See Page 343. Return
2. Ludovic Lejzer Zamenhof (1859-1917) was born in Bialystok, Poland. The choice to honor him, is not because he was a native son of Zamość, but rather because he was a prominent Polish person. Return
3. Seemingly pronounced ‘Zaklikov’ by the Jews. Return

  Zamość, Poland     Yizkor Book Project     JewishGen Home Page

Copyright © 1999-2024 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 10 May 2023 by JH