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he Bialystoker Memorial Book, Part XIII: Bialystokers in the United States

The Bialystoker Memorial Book Der Bialystoker Yizkor Buch, t

Bialystoker Center, New York 1982(c) Copyright by the Bialystoker Center

Bialystokers All

Over the World

Bialystokers

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In the UnitedStates

Table of Contents Pag

David Sohn The First Bialystoker in America 16

Bialystok Relief Work 16

Founders and Leaders of the Bialystok Center

Louis Davis, Alter Kushes, Philip Rosenthal, Jacob Cohen

16

Izaak Rybal-Rybalowski Bialystoker Center and Home - 50 Years

The Bialystok Spirit; Beginning with Devotion; A Home with Heart

and Soul; From a Modest Beginning to Great Accomplishments; A

Fine Institution in Good Hands

16

60th Anniversary of Bialystoker Stimme 17

The Ladies Auxiliary 17

The Young Men's Benevolent Association 17

Club of Bialystoker Friends

Bialystoker Jews in America - A Record of Proud Achievement;

The David Sohn Picture Album

17

Pejsach Albert The Bialystoker Synagogue in New York 17

Szmuel Izchaki Max Ratner - A Bialystoker with a Heart

The Ratner Brothers: Max, Leonard, Harry, Charles

17

Irving I. Stone My Bialystoker Connection 17

Rabbi Lowell S. Kronick Izaak Rybal - A Profile 17

Louis Silver David Sohn, Leader of the Landsleit 17

Zalman Heller The Family of David Sohn 17

Noami Kavee and

Mildred Spiegel

David Sohn, Husband and Father 17

H

AVID SOHN

THE FIRST BIALYSTOKER IN AMERICA(Page 165-167)

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Who was the first Jew from Bialystok to arrive in America? I often discussed this matter with many olderndsleit, people who were in the United States for many years. When they reached these shores, they already f

ignificant Bialystoker community going back to the 1880's.

fact, Bialystoker Jews lived in America starting in the 1850's. We found a charter issued by the State of New

ork dated 1864, to a "Bialystoker Unterstitzungs Verein," an aid society for Bialystoker landsleitthat existed t

ars and then fell apart because of conflicts among the members. I uncovered this document quite by accident,

hen I was elected president of the "Bialystoker Somach Noflim" in 1925.

e realized that the "Somach Noflim", founded in 1886 and one of the oldest Bialystoker societies, operatedthout a charter. As president, I sought to modernize the society, which had been neglected.

rst I obtained a charter from the State of New York, legally recognizing the society. When we applied for the

arter, we found government records that revealed a "Bialystoker Unterstitzungs Verein" was incorporated in

e first Bialystoker Jew to arrive in America was Simcha Tzfas, who died in New York at the age of 103.

veral weeks after I came to the United States I met Simcha at a Bialystoker's house on Henry Street, where h

as a frequent guest. Someone pointed him out to me, indicating he was almost 100. I refused to believe it beca

mcha looked much younger and was full of life.

ter I heard many interesting tales about Simcha, including his frequent trips to distant lands and his numerou

ventures.

mcha Tzfasfirst arrived in America in 1842, on a sailboat that embarked from London and sailed on the highr several months. Once in New York, he did not find any other Jews from Bialystok. His first home was with

utch family on Water Street, near the East River.

mcha was twenty-eight years old then, a tall and brawny youth, a real he-man. His fearlessness amazed his ge

ighbors, who did not let his Jewish manners interfere with their close friendship.Simcha worked as a

ngshoreman for an export firm, loading cargo on ships and performing other strenuous labor. Apparently he

rned a satisfactory living at the time.

hen the famous California gold rush began in 1848,Simcha was among the first to leave on this mad quest fo

ld. For months he walked or traveled by horse and buggy along with some daring young people through the w

America, fighting Indians and robbers who attacked them on their journeys.Simcha was wounded twice. Fin

arrived in California, where he spent two years, failing to discover any gold.

He went back to Bialystok, stayed awhile and then sa

to Israel, where he had close relatives. Two years late

returned to the United States, joined the American A

and served under General McClellan for three years.

Subsequently he became a farmer in Minnesota.

In 1860, a year before the Civil War broke out, he

returned once again to Bialystok for a short time and

to Israel. Some claimed that during this trip Simchamarried, at the age of forty-six, in Israel.

In 1865 Simcha came back to the United States. Duri

this voyage he became friendly with Jacob Schiff, a

fellow passenger who later became a wealthy banker

Jewish philanthropist. Schiffliked this down-to-earth

hulking man with handsome black beard and steel-lik

hands. Talking to him, Schiffsaw, possibly for the fi

time, a simple and strong Russian Jew. Their friendsh

continued for many years, and even afterSchiffbeca



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SIMCHA TZFAS

The first Bialystoker Jew who came to the U.S. in 1842.

e had a long, interesting and adventurous life. He lived to

be 103 and died in New York in 1917.

millionaire he arranged that Simcha receive a month

check.

ome of our landsleitclaim that once, when Schiffwas on an extended trip to Europe, his office in New York

glected to send Simcha his regular check for several months. In a rage, he descended upon Schiff's office and

hen the staff attempted to eject him, Simcha bellowed at the top of his lungs: "Where is my Yankele? I deman

e my Yankele!" In his inner office, having already returned from his European trip,Schiffheard the tumult an

merged to find out what was happening.mcha was furious, ready to tear everyone apart. Schifftook him into his private office and ordered a check dr

once to compensate Simcha for the months he received nothing. At the same time Schiffscolded the bookke

ho had failed to exercise proper oversight over his charity affairs in his absence.

mcha visited Israel five times, never paying for his voyages. He had his methods of obtaining free passage. A

at time, traveling by ship was relatively inexpensive anyway. On several occasions,Simcha left Israel for Eu

ships carrying oxen, where he worked, earned his fare, and even a few dollars for his trouble.

ery five or six years he went to Israel to see his wife and daughter. Because she was strictly Orthodox,Mrs.

fas refused to leave Israel for America. But Simcha managed to bring his daughter here. Whatever became

r is unknown.

uring the many years he lived in America, Simcha Tzfas worked at various jobs: longshoreman, laborer,herman, coal miner, soldier, farmer, night watchman. His adventurous nature and brute strength drove him to

ost hazardous activities. He loved to take risks and enjoyed life. He was a connoisseur of good food and drink

matter of fact, his appetite was legendary.

hen Simcha grew older, he arranged to take his meals with different landsleiteach day. This was known in

ddish as "eating days." When Simcha Tzfas visited a well-known Bialystoker butcher, Philip Tashman of

onkers, he found on the table a two and a half pound loaf of bread, several rolls, and a whole herring with oni

aked in vinegar. Then he devoured a large plate of meat (a butcher always had meat particularly when a po

st seven to eight cents). Simcha was also treated to a large bowl of barley soup, after which he consumed an

tire salami weighing a pound and a half. Certainly no good meal could pass without "some spirits" and a pint

er.n another occasion a Bialystoker housewife prepared a dairy meal forSimcha consisting of several pounds of

odles and cheese, grits and milk, pancakes, coffee and a dozen rolls. Surely this great repast would be consid

cessive for the average person. Simcha left the table hungry, complaining to another neighbor that he was

mished. Perhaps she could offer him some food to "restore his strength." This second lady, who possessed gre

mpassion, prepared a lovely banquet fit for a king.Simcha finished everything in front of him as though he

t eaten for days.

e was a frequent visitor at meetings of various Bialystoker societies. Usually he asked for a new suit, rent for

om, or something else. Once he went to the Somach Noflim, requesting a "new shoe." Immediately he was a

hy only one shoe. He answered that he would get the second shoe from the Bialystoker Brotherly Love

sociation, another society. And that's the way it was: the Somach Noflim gave him a dollar and a half for oneoe and the Brotherly Love the same amount for the other shoe. Faithfully these two societies granted him a ne

oe every year until he died.

hen Bialystoker landsleitmultiplied in later years, people celebrated weddings, circumcisions, bar mitzvahs,

forth. Simcha was not embarrassed to show up at these parties uninvited. Invariably he jumped up onto a ch

e middle of the hall, with a large glass filled with liquor in his hand, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Withou

mcha there can be no Simcha! Mazel Tov, L'Chaim," and drank the entire glass of whiskey.

mcha was never sick. At no time did he wear eyeglasses. He possessed all of his faculties until the last day o

e.

mcha Tzfas died peacefully in his lonely room on Division Street in 1917.



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* * *

soon as Bialystoker Jews began arriving in the United States, they formed their own organizations and socie

hich united and strengthened the Bialystoker community, absorbing the larger Jewish population. These grou

orking separately and together, extended the Bialystoker landsmanschaftinfluence throughout America. As

entioned earlier, the first organized society was the "Bialystoker Unterstitzungs Verein" established in 1864.

lows is a list of almost fifty societies founded between 1868 and 1949. Although most of them no longer exi

ey made a major contribution to the development of the landsmanschaft, its relief work and other communaltivities that served Jews from Bialystok for almost a century:

Mesillat Yesharim - 1868

Anshei Chesed - 1878

Ahavat Achim - 1884

Somach Noflim - 1886

Brotherly Love Association - 1890

Bikur Cholim, New York - 1897

Bikur Cholim, Brooklyn - 1898

Ladies Aid Society, Tomchei Aniyim - 1899Brit Avraham Lodge, Philadelphia - 1901

Unterstitzungs-Verein, Brooklyn - 1902

Bricklayers Benevolent Association - 1905

Branch 88, Workmen's Circle - 1905

Young Mens Association - 1906

Branch 127, Workmen's Circle, Chicago - 1906

Branch 137, Workmen's Circle, Philadelphia - 1906

Branch 121, Workmen's Circle, Paterson, N.J. -1908

Branch 256, Workmen's Circle, Newark -1908

Ladies Aid Society, Harlem and the Bronx - 1909Kranken Unterstitzungs-Verein, Newark -1912

Relief Committee, Chicago - 1919

Relief Committee, Paterson, N.J. - 1919

Bialystoker Culture Society - 1921

Bialystoker Social Club, Chicago - 1922

Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary, New York - 1923

Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary, Chicago - 1925

Rabbi Brodsky Ladies Auxiliary, Newark -1927

Bialystoker Home for the Aged, New York - 1927

Social Center, Los Angeles - 1928Bialystoker Credit Union, New York - 1933

Bialystoker Painters Club, New York - 1934

Bialystoker Operators Club, New York - 1934

Bialystoker Cutters Club, New York - 1935

Bialystoker Aid Society, Detroit - 1936

Bronx League of the Bialystoker Home - 1936

Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary of Borough Park - 1937

Bialystoker Branch 142, Workmen's Circle, Paterson, N.J. - 1939

Bialystoker Benevolent Society, Milwaukee, - 1940



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Bialystoker Branch 202, Workmen's Circle, Newark -1940

Bialystoker Social Club, New York - 1942

Bialystoker Victory Club, New York - 1942

Bialystoker Center, Montreal, Canada - 1943

Bialystoker and Vicinity Aid Society, Toronto, Canada - 1944

Bialystoker Young Womens League, New York - 1944

Club of Bialystoker Friends - 1946

Bialystoker Historical Society - 1947

Kiryat Bialystok Foundation - 1949(established by the Bialystoker Center in New York)

H

BIALYSTOK RELIEF WORK(Page 167)

One of the vital organizations established by Bialystoker Jews in the United States in 1919 to assist needylandBialystok was the Bialystoker Relief Committee in America. David Sohn and others founded it to alleviate

nger and poverty among Bialystoker Jews. Soon after World War I, when news of their difficult circumstanc

ached the United States, landsleitin America raised $5 million, which they sent to their kinsmen in Bialystok

oreover, Jews in more than sixty towns around Bialystok also were granted financial support. Finally the

alystoker Relief Committee in New York sent half a million dollars to strengthen various institutions in Bialy

is relief committee grew out of the old Bikur Cholim that helped landsleitin need. The committee was house

er World War I in a cellar at 246 East Broadway. In addition to relief work, it conducted various activities fo

ndsleitand other Jews in New York. Indeed, the Bialystoker Center, which grew into a major Jewish organiza

the United States, evolved from the Bialystoker Relief Committee.

avid Sohn expressed the committee's humanitarian ideals in the following way: "From the depths of the

alystoker Cellar,' the noble ideal of an organized landsmanschaftthat would serve as a model for Jews from o

gins who came to America emerged, uniting our diverse constituency from the strictly Orthodox to the radic

similated, from conservative to progressive, from first-generation immigrants to second-generation American

rn Jews. We seek to blend all of them within the melting pot of fraternal solidarity, mutual assistance and

ilanthropy."

H

Founders and Leaders of the Bialystoker Cente(Page 167)



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LOUIS DAVIS ALTER KUSHES PHILIP ROSENTHAL

President of the HomeJACOB COHEN

President of the Ho

H

AAK RYBAL-RYBALOWSKI, General Secretary

BIALYSTOKER CENTER

AND HOME 50 YEARS(Page 168-172)

ast year, 1981, Bialystoker landsleitin New York, all over America and throughout the world celebrated a m

portant event: the fiftieth anniversary of the Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged. During this half cen

r Home has developed into one of the finest geriatric facilities in the country, a model of modern, compassionre for the elderly. Moreover, our Center is the international headquarters of Bialystokers in many lands, amon

em survivors of the Nazi Holocaust that annihilated one of the great centers of Eastern European Jewry.

is institution gives renewed life to the humanitarian tradition that Bialystok taught. Indeed, its founders

nslated into reality their desire to assist people in need generally and, in particular, the elderly. A small group

dicated Jews, determined to construct a home for the aged under Bialystoker auspices, launched a frenetic se

meetings and festivities to draw support for their ambitious project. Their leader was the lateDavid Sohn,

fectionately called "Mr. Bialystok." Despite the formidable obstacles facing them, these men and women pus

to achieve their goal.

The Bialystoker Spirit

hese activists planned the nursing home and thelandsmanschaftheadquarters in June 1926. They confronted

gedy of elderly Bialystokers without proper care, all alone and in desperate straits, a problem affecting many

migrants at that time. Imbued with a passion for assisting the elderly and the needy who would follow, the

mmittee assured that their desperate charges would be well treated.

Beginning with Devotion



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he plenary meeting of Bialystoker landsleitheld in June 1926 investigated the feasibility of building a nursi

me. It appointed a special committee to formulate an appropriate plan. The committee worked for almost a y

fore it delivered its final report in May 1927 at a general meeting of the Bialystoker Center and Bikur Cholim

viewed the possibilities of going ahead with the project and the numerous anticipated difficulties. Nonetheles

eryone was optimistic. Mr. Sohn wrote, "One thing is clear: we will build a home for our elderly people soon

er."

Cast Us Not Away in Our Old Age

eafing through the pages of theBialystoker Stimme, one notices the love and devotion with which the landsle

ilt the Bialystoker Home, one of the finest in the country. In a moving article in the September 1927 issue, th

thor linked the new Home with prayers chanted on the High Holidays. "We recite the prayer, 'Cast us not awa

r old age.' To lessen the isolation and loneliness of old age, the directors of the Bialystoker Center and Bikur

holim decided to establish their own nursing home for elderly people, where they can spend their remaining y

comfortable rooms among their own friends."

uch effort went into erecting the Home. Fund-raising activities proceeded; donations poured in, swelling theome's coffers. In July 1928, more than $40,000 was raised, a substantial sum at that time. As theStimme

oclaimed, "The plans for the old age home are complete and we contemplate more than an institution for the

derly. Our Home will combine modernity with compassion 'A Home with a Heart' that will stand as a

onument for succeeding generations of our landsmanschaft."

A Home with a Heart and Soul

On Monday, September 16, 1929, the contract to build the Home was signed. One week later, the cornerstoned. Bialystoker landsleitall over America contributed in many ways. Several condemned buildings were

molished along East Broadway to make room for the new structure. Festivities to launch the building campai

ere held on September 22, 1929. Thousands of Bialystoker Jews, friends, and official representatives of nume

ganizations joined in laying the cornerstone. The building committee estimated the cost of erecting the Home

ound $400,000. The Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary undertook to raise $20,000, donating $5,000 right away.

e Home was completed in 22 months. Finally, the day arrived for moving into the handsome new building. I

lmy days of May 1931, the Bialystoker Home officially opened and regular meetings of thelandsmanschaftw

ld in the new quarters amid much celebration.



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The ten-story building of the Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged at 228-230 East Broadway, New Yor

which serves as the world headquarters for Bialystoker landsleit.

e dedication festivities extended from Saturday night, June 20, to Sunday, June 28, 1931. A committee of on

ndred Bialystoker Jews planned the proceedings. Each landsmanschaftorganization selected a particular evering that week to mark the joyous occasion. The public at large was invited to participate in each party.

ousands of people came to visit the Home to admire the tireless efforts of Bialystokers.

parade swelled the Lower East Side on Sunday, June 21, 1931, the Home's grand opening. Almost everyone

nnected with Bialystok participated, as well as Jews from other places of origin. The closing banquet was hel

ethoven Hall, 210 East 5th Street in New York. More than five hundred people attended, including all the

ectors of the Bialystoker Center, representatives of Bialystoker organizations and leading Jewish figures.

any political and Jewish community leaders sent congratulatory telegrams to the Bialystoker Home, includin

overnor Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lieutenant Governor Herbert Lehman, New York Mayor James Walker,

anhattan Borough President Samuel Levy, and B. Vladek, Manager of theJewish Daily Forward.

r. Sohn, in honor of the grand opening, wrote in theStimme that the new facility would care not only for thederly population at the time of its construction but would serve future generations of old and infirm people. H

ords were prophetic. Toward the end of his life, he was admitted as a resident of the Home, where he died on

bruary 10, 1968. Many years earlier, he exhorted his followers to support the Home, for no one could know

or she might need its services.

From a Modest Beginning to Great Accomplishments

he first fifty residents of the Home were admitted shortly after it opened in September 1931. The Rosh Hasha



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ue of theBialystokerStimme of that year stated, "Several hundred men and women came to worship in our n

nagogue on both days of Rosh Hashanah. Our cantors uplifted them with their inspiring services. On Yom

ppur, a memorial service was held in our shul for deceased members and landsleit.

e Home's operating costs increased, because the directors were determined to provide excellent care for the

idents and admit additional people. At first there was a waiting list of twenty; several months later it grew to

venty-five. More people, hearing how wonderful the Bialystoker Home was, applied for admission. Many

ousands of visitors passed through the corridors of the Home and went away greatly impressed.

A Fine institution in Good Hands

evoted people who invested their energies and concern have ensured the Home's continued excellence. Our

ganization will exist for many more years because we enjoy the support of new members prepared to carry on

ork of their predecessors.

e Bialystoker Home is a traditional kosher institution dedicated to bringing comfort and dignity to the lives

wish senior citizens. It has a fully staffed medical and nursing department, as well as modern food services,

aplaincy, recreation, rehabilitation and maintenance departments. Our Health Related Facility serves people

quiring some medical supervision but able to carry out their activities of daily living with minimal assistance

ose needing complete care around the clock, there is a dedicated staff of professionals in all relevant disciplinur Bialystoker landsleitcan be proud of what they and their forefathers accomplished a geriatric facility th

n compete most favorably with similar institutions. The Bialystoker Center, the governing body of the Home

ntinue shepherding it to even greater accomplishments after we round out our first half century.

60th ANNIVERSARY OF BIALYSTOKER STIMME

he year 1981 also marked the 60th year of publication of our highly regarded magazine,Bialystoker Stimme.

blished by our landsmanschafttwice a year, before Passover and Rosh Hashanah, the Stimme is one of the mo

portant publications founded by immigrant Jews and remains one of the few significant magazines publishedgularly for sixty years.

ith great pride we salute theBialystoker Stimme, which celebrates our Center and Home for the Aged in New

ork among landsleiteverywhere. If solidarity exists among Bialystokers all over the world, most of the credit

longs to the Stimme.

original editor for many years was David Sohn. After his death on February 10, 1968, no effort was spared t

sure the Stimme would continue publication.

r. Sohn's successor as the Stimme's editor is Izaak Rybal, General Secretary of the Bialystoker Center. The c

itor of the English section is Rabbi Lowell, S. Kronick, Chaplain. The Stimme, which in recent years expand

content and format, is read by Bialystoker landsleitand friends everywhere.

oncerning theBialystoker Stimme's founding sixty years ago, Mr. Sohn often told the following story:n 1921, I and other people active in the Bialystoker Center were inspired to issue a periodical that described o

tivities, recorded the accomplishments of our societies, recognized landsleitwho worked for the institution, b

gether Bialystokers in America with our brothers and sisters in the old country, and collated the historical eve

the Jewish community in Bialystok.

e also wanted to let other landsmanschaften know about the achievements of the Bialystoker landsleit.

rthermore, approximately 40,000 Bialystoker Jews in America needed their own publication, devoted to thei

erests, which the Yiddish press at large could not always satisfy."

* * *



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e first issue appeared on a trial basis in November 1921. Whether succeeding issues were published depende

e response oflandsleitin America, which was positive. Afterward, the magazine appeared every three month

e thirties, it became a monthly. Some of those early issues varied in size and content. Some were scanty, from

ght to sixteen pages, and others contained about one hundred pages. The Passover and Rosh Hashanah issues

nsistently large and rich in content. Several special issues, containing about one hundred pages, honored

lestones of the Bialystoker Young Men's Association, Bialystoker Somach Noflim, Bialystoker Ladies Aux

lief Society of Paterson, and Club of Bialystoker Friends, among others.

mong the early writers for the Stimme were:kow Krepliak, Herman Frank, Sam Kosel, Jechiel Wajntrojb, Louis Grynhojz, Pejsach Kaplan, Nojach

abludowski, Awrom Kotik, Isroel Lipski, L. Fejgin, M. Goldman, J.J. Indicki and Litman Rozental.

hen one leafs through more than three hundred editions of theStimme, comprising many thousands of pages,

covers a treasury of materials.

ery subject of consequence to Bialystokers found recognition in theStimme. The magazine reaches all

ographical locations where landsleitlive - Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Israel, Paris and Bialystok.

mme served as a monument to the 60,000 martyrs of Bialystok, as well as a beacon of hope that its ideals and

ditions will live on long after the city's destruction. This publication contains thousands of documents, article

d pictures that cannot be found anywhere else. TheStimme must be regarded as a worthy archive and everlast

bute to everything Bialystokers loved and lost.

* * *

hile the Stimme has done much to enshrine the past, it also helps the Bialystoker landsmanschaftin America

pand. Who can adequately assess the work of the Bialystoker Relief Committee, after World War I, which se

llions of dollars to save Bialystok's institutions? Moreover, the Stimme popularized the Bialystoker Center an

ome for the Aged in New York, the international headquarters of the landsmanschaft. It encouraged Bialystok

ws in America and elsewhere to send assistance to our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Bialystok during W

ar II. The magazine has also helped reunite relatives who had been out of touch for many years.

e Stimme encouraged Bialystokers to appreciate culture. It also faithfully recorded births, bar mitzvahs, bastzvahs, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and deaths oflandsleit. The Stimme has enabled all Bialystok

feel like one extended family, sharing good times and bad.

* * *

t us hope theBialystoker Stimme will continue to fulfill its mission: uniting our beloved landsleitthroughout

orld despite great distances separating them.

THE LADIES AUXILIARY

he Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary helped develop the Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged. Founded in

bruary 1923, the auxiliary invigorated people active in the Center and launched many social and fund-raising

ents.

om a small group, the Ladies Auxiliary grew into a strong affiliate of the Center. Its members served with

preme devotion, raising large sums of money to help needylandsleitand, especially, the elderly residents of t



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alystoker Home.

ese women always brought beauty and festivity to the Center's activities. The auxiliary involved itself in thre

eas: visiting and arranging medical treatment for the sick, implementing social and cultural activities for its

embers and friends, and fund-raising for the Home. Whenever the Home was financially strapped, the Ladies

uxiliary was the first to secure loans to rescue it. In fact, in 1930-31, when the Home was built, during the Gre

epression, members of the auxiliary borrowed $50,000 to promote the building project. Later these loans wer

paid with gratitude to each woman.

e founders and top officers of the Ladies Auxiliary were: Ida Aidak, President; Rose Lipman, Treasurer; an

phie Cohen, Financial Secretary. They served for more than ten years. The auxiliary organized sub-groups thas active in New York and other cities in America and Canada. It exemplified humanitarian work. Fortunate

e present officers and active members of the Ladies Auxiliary continue its hallowed traditions.

THE YOUNG MEN'S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

One of the few Bialystoker societies founded at the start of the twentieth century still in existence is the Biatoker Young Men's Benevolent Association. Its longevity may be credited to a handful of active officers and

embers who are elderly, but insist on carrying on the important work of the organization, despite changingcumstances and the passage of time. The "Young Men's" significantly assisted the Bialystoker Center in New

ork, as well as the State of Israel and other causes dear to the hearts of American Jews.

e society was founded October 21, 1906. Its present officers are Charles Koss, Manuel Grodnick, Emily

rodnick, Herman Schwartz, David Fine and others. Mr. Fine is the current president. Charles Koss, the dr

rce behind the society, was honored several years ago at a banquet given by the group in recognition of his

ars of devoted service.

hen the Bialystoker Home was built, the members of the "Young Men's" made generous donations and raise

nds from other sources. The society also aided in establishing Kiryat Bialystok, a village near Tel Aviv (see p

7) in Israel. The year 1981 marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of this worthy organization.

CLUB OF BIALYSTOKER FRIENDS

n important affiliate of the Bialystoker Center in New York is the Club of Bialystoker Friends, organized in

hen I came to the United States in June 1947, I found the club quite active and joined its energetic members a

tive participant. Among them were: Sam Mines, Bernard Kaganowski, Barney Sacks, Harry Feinberg,

athan Mines, Sam Saide, Saul Saide, Sol Mines, Marvin Fine, Sol Krim, Louis Krim, Julius Zabludowsk

arry Lazar, Nachum Gross, William Perl, Harry Silver, George Lozoffand Dave Miller.

hen the Holocaust survivors and Bialystoker Jews who had returned from exile in Siberia came to America, t

und a welcome at the Bialystoker Center, which helped put them on their feet. The club's members became onge, happy family. This camaraderie had, in fact, inspired the formation of the Club of Bialystoker Friends, w

onsored social and cultural events and raised funds for the Center.

e Club sent food, clothing, books, newspapers, medicine and other important items to Jews remaining in

alystok as well as to those interned in the displaced-persons camps in Germany, Austria and Italy. We also

sisted our landsleitwho were interned in Cyprus and those who went to Switzerland to cure their ailments. W

anced the vital restoration of the Bialystok ghetto cemetery on Zabia Street and installed a protective fence

ound it.

1947, we formed a group within the club to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of Bialystok. These

tivities generated much enthusiasm among our landsleitand friends. For example, we published an album, wh



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ought from Paris, containing songs and pictures from the Bialystok ghetto. The club also established annual

emorial assemblies in tribute to the 60,000 martyrs of Bialystok and immediate vicinity who perished during

olocaust. This custom has continued. Furthermore, when the State of Israel was proclaimed in May 1948, our

embers were among its first enthusiastic supporters, purchasing Israel bonds and contributing to the United

wish Appeal. In 1949, at the world conference of Bialystokerlandsleitheld in New York, the club made a

nerous contribution to establishing Kiryat Bialystok.

Bialystoker Jews in America A Record of Proud Achievement

s we review the one-hundred-year experience of Bialystoker Jews in the United States, we can be proud of th

hievements and the prestige they brought to Bialystok, their birthplace and spiritual cradle.

espite the difficult economic and social circumstances the early immigrants from Bialystok found in Americ

eir drive, courage and boundless optimism permitted them to overcome all obstacles.

borers, craftsmen, manufacturers, builders, industrialists the Jews of Bialystok helped to enrich life in Am

th their energy, enthusiasm and talent. Many assisted in building homes and hotels. Others developed large

othing, furniture, cigar and cigarette, gold and diamond, leather, publishing, bookbinding and upholstery

sinesses. Bialystoker Jews expanded American commerce, on both a large and small scale. Bialystokers exce

medicine, science, research, literature, music, entertainment, the press and many other areas. These men andomen often proudly disclose their Bialystoker origins.

enerations of Bialystoker Jews have also played an important role within the Jewish community in the United

ates. We can find Bialystokers in Jewish organizations, institutions, clubs and religious life. They occupy

portant places in the Yiddish press, literature, theater, music, art, and liturgical music. They have brought hon

e Bialystoker community in America.

e great losses we sustained during World War II can never be replaced. But I believe we can draw some com

at Bialystoker survivors and immigrants in America insisted on continuing the wonderful traditions of our

metown. The Bialystoker Center in New York is promoting solidarity betweenlandsleitand their children.

t us never ignore our Bialystoker legacy. We are obliged to imbue our successors with determination to reme

eir past and do their heritage proud by carrying on in our footsteps. This memorial volume will help in this ef

The David Sohn Picture Album

1951, the Bialystoker Center in New York published a large album containing 1,200 pictures, with a Yiddis

glish text, compiled by the late David Sohn. This album, which reviews three hundred years of Jewish life in

alystok and activities oflandsleitthroughout the world, has 386 pages and is titled:Bialystok Picture Album

mous City and Its Jews Throughout the World. The Bialystoker Center in New York is proud of this importan

ctorial record.

H

THE BIALYSTOKER SYNAGOGUE IN NEW

YORK(Page 172)



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One of the oldest synagogues on New York's Lower East Side, Bet Haknesset Anshei Bialystok, located at 7 Wreet, was founded more than one hundred years ago by Jews from Bialystok. In 1868, two Bialystoker societi

e Anshei Chesed and the Adath Jeshurun, whose members included carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, painters

her tradesmen, formed small prayer groups. Later on, they merged and, pooling their resources and making

nerous donations, built the impressive edifice in 1868 known today as the Bialystoker Synagogue.

prominent Orthodox house of worship, the BialystokerShul is one of the few remaining synagogues on the L

st Side. Its interior the Holy Ark, paintings and massive wooden pews was designed to resemble the Gnagogue in Bialystok, burned by the Nazis in 1941. In 1978, the Bialystoker Synagogue in New York celebr

one hundredth anniversary and, at the same time, was designated an historic landmark by the City and State

ew York. For many years, its spiritual leader was Rabbi Jacob Eskolsky, who died in 1931. His son, Rabbi

ichael Eskolsky, succeeded him until his death in 1951.

any founders and leaders of the BialystokerShul in its early years subsequently helped build the Bialystoker

nter and Home for the Aged.

RABBI JACOB ESKOLSKY

Spiritual leader of the Bialystoker Synagogue for many years; died in 1931.

H

ZMUEL IZCHAKI

MAX RATNER A BIALYSTOKER WITH A

HEART(Page 173-174)



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One's background inevitably influences the course one's life will take, regardless of changing circumstances. Tlds true for those who rarely give any thought to their origins. But how much more does one's past guide his

havior when he often reminisces about it?

ne such man is Max Ratner of Cleveland, a most distinguished Bialystoker, a prosperous industrialist and lea

ilanthropist on the American Jewish scene. Living in America for six decades has not weakenedMr. Ratner

wish spirit, which was nurtured in his youth in that magnificent Bialystok that exists no more.

atner's humanitarianism is not mere inclination; he translates it into concrete action. His contact with thealystoker Center in New York is frequent and regular. Routinely he inquires how he can help, always availab

nder guidance, generate ideas, and encourage the completion of goals the institution has set for itself all th

spite numerous demands upon his time and the fact that he lives in Cleveland. On several occasions in the rec

st, Ratner has visited the Center while on business in New York, finding a small slot in his frenetic schedule

vote to Bialystoker interests.

ax Ratner has won, over his long and fruitful career, the respect of colleagues in business, as well as the grat

those who have benefited from his largesse. Bialystokerlandsleit, however, developed a special love and wa

r this man who is one of their own and profoundly committed to their well-being. Notwithstanding his import

atner impresses one as humble. No airs or pretense exist in this man who holds the position of President of th

merican-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a major catalyst for enhanced trade between the twountries. Mention Bialystok to him andMr. Ratner will share at length memories and anecdotes of his childh

ere. He also enjoys talking about how his star rose in the face of difficult times once he came to the United St

s family lived at the corner of Polna and Czysta streets in Bialystok. His parents,Mojsze and Pesze Ratowce

wned weaving looms and were textile manufacturers. In 1921, the entire family left Bialystok and came to

merica. There were eight children, four brothers and four sisters.

s oldest brother, Charles (Kalman), had come to America in 1905. In Bialystok, his brother, as a young lad,

tive in the local revolutionary movement. The Czarist police tracked him down and almost exiled him to Sibe

ut when Charles was only thirteen years old, he fled Bialystok and came to the United States. In those days li

migrants in America was very hard. Charles was forced, because he could find no lodging, to sleep for three

eeks in Hester Park on the Lower East Side in New York. In the street he would sing Yiddish songs, such asAievele der Mamen, to earn a little money.

hen the other members of the Ratner family came to the United States in 1921, they immediately settled in

eveland. One of their cousins, George Sogg, had a lumber business. Max Ratner's two brothers, Charles and

onard (Lazar), went to work for their cousin. Later on, Leonard opened a grocery store and Charles a lumb

rd. Meir, later known as MaxRatner, assisted Charles and at the same time went to school, graduating as an

orney in 1929. After finishing his studies,Max became Charles' partner in the wood business. Leonard sold

ocery and founded his own lumber company. In 1929, the fourRatner brothers merged their businesses and

ablished "Forest City Enterprises." This firm became very successful.Max Ratner was selected president of

rest City Enterprises in 1929, and more recently has served as chairman of the Board of Directors. His nephe

bert, Leonard's son, is currently president.

e Ratner family did not spare themselves work, and thanks to their industriousness their firm grew very larg

rest City Enterprises in Cleveland now employs 3,000 workers. It has branches in Chicago, Detroit, Portland

ewhere. Not only does this firm produce all kinds of wooden articles, but also builds shopping centers, hotel

otels and similar developments in many different places. Furthermore, it features a patented high-rise-buildin

stem sold in many foreign countries.

ax Ratner's wife, Betty, was born in Cleveland. They have four sons, all married. The family is greatly invol

the business. Three ofMax and Betty's sons Charles, a lawyer; James, a Harvard University business sch

aduate; and Ronnie, an architect - work for the company. The fourth son, Mark, is a physics professor at

orthwestern University.



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ax Ratner is celebrated in the Cleveland Jewish community as an activist in numerous philanthropic and soc

ganizations. He occupies important positions in many Jewish institutions. He was the president of the Park

nagogue in Cleveland, one of the largest Conservative synagogues in America.

HE RATNER BROTHERS (r. to 1:) The distinguished industrialist and philanthropist, Jewish community lea

d our devoted landsman, Max Ratner; Leonard, who passed away in 1975; Harry (passed away in 1961), fath

BruceRatner, former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs; and Charles, w

passed away in 1939.

eedless to say, this warm, loving human being firmly supports the State of Israel. Not only has he helped raise

ge sums of money for the Jewish state, giving generous, personal donations, but he also has had close conne

th Israeli businesses since 1951, three years after the State's establishment. Mr. Ratner has been to Israel mo

an a hundred times, visiting his various enterprises there, one of them an electrochemical production compan

aifa and Acco.

the president of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ratner tries to strengthen trade and indus

operation between the United States and Israel. He has successfully urged many Americans to invest in vario

aeli projects. "This helps Israel in its development," Mr. Ratner said a few years ago. "This also opens up ne

bs for its population. We have to assist one another, not only philanthropically, but also with timely, practical

e, the Jews of this generation, must do everything possible to bolster Israeli industry so the Jewish state will ime be able to sustain itself and not depend upon outside help. We must do this now, because for coming Jewis

nerations, this self-sufficiency will be more difficult to achieve."

1917, when Ratner was eight years old, Britain issued its Balfour Declaration and Bialystok's response was

thusiastic. He still remembers how his beloved mother gave away her golden earrings to a fund for those wish

become pioneers in Palestine. Mr. Ratner studied in the Hebrew Gymnasium in Bialystok, where Hebrew w

e language of instruction.

the beginning of 1976, Max Ratner visited contemporary Bialystok. He took with him his son, Charles, 16

embers of his family; Leonard's son Albert and wife, Harry's son Bruce and wife, Harry's daughter Ellen,

mbassador Milt Woofand wife (children of his sister Irene and grandchildren), several cousins and a few oth

atives from America. He wanted to show them his old home, so they would appreciate his origins, what Jewialystok meant many years ago.

rriving in Bialystok fifty-five years after I left as a young boy,"Mr. Ratner recounted, "I met a handful of Je

old and sick, all requiring help. I was reminded of my youth. When I walked through streets where Jews live

here there had been a sophisticated, vibrant, Jewish life, I could not comprehend how today everything has

nished. How is this possible? Every street has been rebuilt, with a new appearance and name. Nothing Jewish

mains"

r. Ratner showed his relatives the house where he spent his childhood, on 4 Czysta, corner Polna Street. Wh

alystok, he still remembered all his childhood experiences, as if seeing everything once again. Here his moth

casionally bought fish; not far from his house was a synagogue. There he used to play with other children. "I



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oked at these places," Mr. Ratner said. "I used to think about them once in a while, but all that is left of Bialy

memories..."

hile in Poland, Mr. Ratner also visited Warsaw. There it is the same as regards Jewish life. Everything vanis

r. Ratner went to the Nozyk Shul on Twarda Street, where he found a few elderly Jews. The tables in the

nagogue, the chairs, prayer books and religious tomes were covered with dust from disuse.

ax Ratner brought his relatives to Auschwitz. "A visit to Auschwitz," Mr. Ratner said, "leaves a horrendou

pression. It is as though you were surrounded by the ghosts of the millions liquidated. No matter how much y

ad and hear about the Nazi atrocities, it is impossible to grasp fully their import, unless you see Auschwitz wi

ur own eyes. Only then can you comprehend how Hitler and his henchmen planned and executed with greatemeditation the terrible crimes against our people. This we must never forget."

us it is with tremendous loyalty that Mr. Ratner relates to his Bialystoker origins, even after so many years.

ample cannot fail but inspire other landsleitwho feel the same way toward their beloved hometown.

H

VING I. STONE

MY BIALYSTOK CONNECTION(Page 175)

My father, Jacob Sapirstein, was born in Bialystok and later lived in Grajewo, a nearby village. In 1905, theossacks came and burned it down. At that time the Russo-Japanese War was being fought, and my father deci

leave rather than go into the army, because he had seen his friends coming back as cripples. He watched

spairingly as straw-filled wagons pulled up, disgorging maimed soldiers with no concern for their welfare.

milies and friends had to take care of them as best they could. My father vowed to leave home to escape the

arist oppression.e went to Szczecin, then crossed the border into Germany. The Jewish community there put him in a hospital

x weeks to build him up because of malnutrition.

e Joint Distribution Committee brought him to America. He arrived in Boston in 1905 and then went to Chic

here HIAS secured a job for him as an apprentice tailor at Hart, Schaffner & Marx. He did not like this work a

ntacted an uncle in Cleveland who owned a postcard store in the old Hollenden Hotel.

oming to Cleveland in 1906, he became a clerk in his uncle's store. At that time stores sold a lot of postcards

ithin a year his relatives announced they were closing the card shop because they could barely make a living

age, and advised him to seek other employment.

ot knowing any other work, Jacob Sapirstein set up business for himself in his boardinghouse room. He bou

stcards and sold them out of a suitcase to drug stores, candy stores and novelty shops. Operating from a horseawn wagon, he was buyer, salesman, order filler, delivery boy and bookkeeper.

ior to World War I, most postcards were imported from Germany. When imports stopped,Jacob Sapirstein

ught the new "folder" cards made in America. As his sons Irving, Morris and Harry grew up, they joined th

siness.

the late 1920's the family published and manufactured their own greeting cards, recognizing this was more

ofitable. The Depression saw great growth in greeting cards, because people could not afford gifts and sent ca

tead. World War II brought further growth as families moved about the country and sent more cards to keep

uch.

day the company started by Jacob Sapirstein American Greeting Corporation has 19,000 employee



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d does over $500 million worth of business a year. There are 24 plants in the United States, Mexico and Cana

d four plants in Europe.

roughout his life, Jacob Sapirstein has observed the Sabbath and remained active in Jewish organizations. H

as one of the founders of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, a day school with over 800 students. He purcha

0 dunams of land in Israel and helped establish Kiryat Telshe -Stone, a growing city.

e married the former Jennie Kantor, a native of his hometown, in

eveland on June 7, 1908. She worked at his side during the early days ofe business; both filled postcard orders at night. Mrs. Sapirstein died on

ovember 29, 1969. They had four children:Irving I. Stone, Chairman of

e Board and Chief Executive Officer of American Greetings Corporation;

orris S. Stone, Vice Chairman of the Company; Harry R. Stone,

esident of Courtland Management, Inc.; and Mrs. David E. Davis

ernice M.). The family also includes twelve grandchildren, twenty-one

eat-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Irving I. Stone

merican Greetings Corporation, founded byJacob Sapirstein in 1906, celebrated its seventy-fifth year in 198

e company blossomed from a small one-man enterprise into a multinational, publicly owned corporation, the

gest of its kind in the world.

espite the difficult economic climate it faced, American Greetings reported record achievement in both sales a

rnings. It is encouraged by a clear upward trend in greeting card sales, reflecting people's need to express thei

ntiments on both joyous and sad occasions.

e company employs 19,000 staff, whose creative talents are demonstrated in American Greetings' product

versity and design. Once again, Bialystoker enterprise and ambition have been well demonstrated.

H

ABBI LOWELL S. KRONICK

IZAAK RYBAL A PROFILE(Page 176-177)

have known Izaak Rybal and worked closely with him on a daily basis for the past nine years. In that length

me, you get to recognize another's total personality, his ideals, joys, sorrows and hopes. I would like to share u some of my perceptions ofMr. Rybal.

e is totally devoted to the memory of Bialystok and anyone having any connection with Bialystok and its

ovinces, including landsleit, friends, members of our Center and Home, the well-to-do and the needful. Whoe

ers the word Bialystok possesses the passkey to Mr. Rybal's heart.

pursuing his many humanitarian activities on behalf of these people,Mr. Rybal demonstrates remarkable

ergy. Never running out of steam, he is constantly working, planning, arranging and relating to others. In the

fice he is indefatigable; I have never seen him relax for a moment, whether physically or intellectually.

e values precision. He is a stickler for detail; everything must be just right, whether a letter, punctuality for a

pointment, or detailed planning of the many functions the Bialystoker Center and Home conducts throughou



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ar. While he delegates responsibility, he always makes sure that those working with him give the same

instaking attention to detail he does.

e will not tolerate any error that he perceives as diminishing the Center's prestige or threatening its harmonio

erations. Izaak Rybal is a fierce, skilled infighter for his principles, unaccustomed to defeat or to serious

allenge. He can also be, as many know, a warm, thoughtful and sentimental human being whose friendship c

ove valuable.

hat I have described is a man whose total dedication to his role as "Mr. Bialystok" was shaped by long devo

family and friends, reinforced by his experiences during the horrible years of World War II in which he lost

tire family and beloved hometown events that would have destroyed a lesser person.orn in Bialystok to Dwejre and Meir Rybalowski, one of eight children, he grew up in an environment where

lped other people in need, whether related or not, and where you valued friendship.

e Rybalowski family owned a kosher restaurant-catering hall in Bialystok, near the railroad station (Rybalow

bn Bahn), where many Jewish weddings took place. Open twenty-four hours a day except on the Sabbath, the

taurant was founded about a hundred years ago byMr. Rybal's grandmother, known as "Sarah of the

ilroad" (Sore fun Bahn). It was a place where travelers waited for the next train and ate a good meal before

ntinuing on to the next destination.

1941, when the Germans invaded Russian-administered Bialystok,Mr. Rybal was swiftly drafted into the

ussian Army because of his skills as a printer. He was taken away from his family, his friends and his beloved

metown, never to be reunited with them. In fierce battle he was severely wounded and discharged from the arood medical care restored him to sound health, however, and he spent the remainder of the war years first

veling, then settling in Tashkent to rejoin landsleitthere and, finally, along with other Polish citizens, was ex

Siberia.

roughout these years, he constantly sought out other people from Bialystok. Feeling lonely, he wished to con

ends from his birthplace, whom he considered part of his extended family.

Tashkent, placed in charge of a large restaurant for travelers who could obtain their meals only by presentin

ecial card, Mr. Rybal arranged that Bialystoker landsleitand friends without this card receive wholesome me

oreover, he assisted eight couples in leaving Tashkent for Lemberg (Lwow, Lviv) after the war ended. From

ey went to Poland and other countries.

turning to Bialystok in 1945, at the end of the war, he was devastated on learning that none of his family sure Bialystok ghetto and the concentration camps. He was also deeply saddened that his beloved city was so utt

stroyed by the war, including its once large and proud Jewish community. The joys of his youth were now ju

emories, never to be recaptured. It was time to move on and make a new life for himself.

is was not easy. Six months in Prague and eleven months in Paris were agonizing steps toward that goal. Wh

ris, Mr. Rybal contacted the local Bialystoker community, made wonderful friends and joined a Bialystoke

ief committee, where he was able to assist other landsleitpassing through Paris.

1947, he arrived in the United States and was introduced by his late brother,Leon Rubin, to David Sohn, th

under of the Bialystoker landsmanschaftin New York. Mr. Rybal had earlier corresponded with Mr. Sohn fr

ris. The latter received him in New York with open arms, and from that time on, a strong bond existed betwe

e two. Sohn devoted his entire life to the Jews living in Bialystok before the war and to Bialystokers in otheruntries. He imparted this profound sense of commitment toMr. Rybal, often repeating the desire that the

alystoker Center and Home remain a living monument to the war-torn Jewish community of Bialystok.

r. Rybal met Molly Goldberg, whom he married a short time later. Molly, the daughter of the late Hyman a

an Goldberg, was also born in Bialystok. Her mother was fluent in several languages; her father was a mana

d accountant of a textile factory in Bialystok and later worked as an accountant in America.Molly received h

ucation at the Spoleczna Gymnasium, a private school for Jewish children, and in the Bialystok public schoo

e came to the United States in 1930, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn and attende

ty College of New York. She became a full-fledged bookkeeper in 1941, working until she retired in 1977. S

ld the position of bookkeeper at the Atalanta Trading Corporation from 1947 until 1968.



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ings began looking up forMr. Rybal. He got a job in the printing trade and within two years went to work fo

wish Daily Forward, where he remained for 24 years, the last fifteen as foreman.

r. Sohn asked him to take over the responsibility of preparing theBialystoker Stimme and putting together the

toricBialystok Photo Album issued in 1951. These two publications served to keep Bialystokerlandsleit, in

hatever country they lived, informed about one another and united.

nce 1947, Mr. Rybal served on the Home's Board of Directors, later as its Vice-Chairman and, in 1967, short

fore Mr. Sohn's death, succeeded him as General Secretary. In 1973, Izaak Rybal became the full-time Gene

cretary of the Bialystoker Center, Home and Infirmary for the Aged.

this position, which he assumed upon his retirement from the Forward, he has almost single-handedly kept t

orldwide Bialystoker landsmanschaftunited in deed and spirit. Traveling to Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Venezue

exico, Uruguay, European countries and various parts of the United States at his own expense, he has

engthened the close ties between our Center and these landsleit, always bringing contributions back with him

e editor of theBialystoker Stimme, he has prepared interesting and literary issues, inviting landsleitin distant

the world to contribute articles about their communities' activities.

r. Rybal's many experiences and memories could fill a volume. The purpose of this article was to share with

mpses of the life and colorful character of an unusual man.

H

OUIS SILVER

DAVID SOHN, LEADER OF THE LANDSLEIT(Page 177-178)

DAVID SOHN

Writer and Jewish community leader, founder and Executive Director of the Bialystoker Center and Home for t

Aged in New York. Died February 10,1968.

avid Sohn was a leader, a distinguished personality that Bialystok produced. He dedicated his life to his land



21/24


d to the American Jewish community. As a young man in Bialystok, and later in the United States, he devote

mself to public service. He cared for Bialystokers wherever they lived. Despite the fact that he spent most of h

e in America, he never lost touch with Bialystok and its Jews all over the world.

r almost fifty years, David Sohn led the Bialystoker Center and Home in New York. He was the focal point

ndsleiteverywhere, a charismatic and compassionate man. He struggled to alleviate the isolation of the elder

d calm their fears with a friendly residence where they could feel at home. He personified Bialystoker creativ

d initiative to expand and enrich Jewish life everywhere.

s death in 1968 came as a blow to all who knew and loved him. Wherever Bialystokers lived, worked and

hieved, David Sohn was revered. Respected as a founder of a great institution, he was also loved as a warm fth roots among the people, who introduced a populist spirit to the Bialystokerlandsmanschaft. His relations w

dividuals were close and informal, his approach to the public sophisticated and forward looking. He loved

erature and was highly cultured; a man of the people, he was nevertheless an uncommon man.

1919, World War I came to an end. But Bialystok's troubles began, for it was caught in a conflict between R

d a resurgent Poland. At that time Mr. Sohn founded the Bialystoker Relief Committee in America and, desp

e carnage, he went to Bialystok as its delegate, ignoring his personal safety. From then on he was perceived b

alystokers and non-Bialystokers, Jews and gentiles, as a dedicated and profoundly humane man. He was the

ving force, the inspiration, behind the Bialystokerlandsmanschaft's far-flung philanthropic efforts.

alystok disappeared in fire and smoke together with six million Jewish martyrs and thousands of other once-

mmunities. Such widespread devastation tends to leave many cynical, without faith in God or man. Under sucumstances, we must have leaders who possess spirit, courage and vision. Ourlandsmanschaftwas fortunate

ving such a leader in David Sohn.

nder his guidance, countless Bialystokers in desperate need received food and clothing packages, as well as m

ousands of dollars in financial aid. Furthermore, he maintained a large personal correspondence with these

fortunates, encouraging and uplifting them.

ten leaders lose some of their humanity as they gain power. Not so withDavid Sohn. The more influential h

came, the more his feelings for his fellow man deepened. He was blessed with personal magnetism, numerou

ents and leadership qualities. He endeared himself to the landsleitwith his beautiful Yiddish articles publishe

e magazine he founded, theBialystoker Stimme. Many of his contemporaries became deeply involved in thefairs of the Bialystoker Center and Home because of his example.

avid Sohn will be remembered as long as people understand what Bialystok and its heritage mean.

H

ALMAN HELLER

THE FAMILY OF DAVID SOHN(Page 178-179)

any Bialystokers are familiar with David Sohn the public man, but few know about his private life.

hn's maternal grandfather, Mojsze Dowid Bialostocki, and his grandmother, Szejne, the well-known Zalma

alisker's daughter, were respected in Bialystok for their charity and good nature. They raised four daughters a

e son in a traditional Jewish home. Their daughter, Nechome, David Sohn's mother, was unusually bright an

autiful; all who knew her marveled at her intelligence. When she reached marriageable age, her father insiste



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23/24


hen we complained about his absences, he handled us cleverly. Describing in detail the wonderful time he wa

ing to give us at the ballet or Radio City Music Hall on our annual outing, he succeeded in quieting us for we

a time. These treats usually took place during Passover. Anticipating a whole day with father made it easier t

erate not having him around on Sundays and holidays.

iday nights were special in our house because Papa ate with us. Mama was a wonderful cook, but everything

melled and tasted better than usual on Friday nights.

ter the Sabbath meal, he took us into the living room and told us Bible stories that always had a moral, or tale

alystok when he was a boy. Nostalgia crept into his voice as he reminisced about his house on Jurowcer Stree

e walks he and Mama took in the forest with their friends. Nobody told a story like Papa.hen we grew up and had our own children, we realized what a great man our father was in placing thelandsle

erests above his and his family's. This could not have been easy for him, but he felt a duty to personify Bialy

mpassionate traditions.

The Presidium of the First National Bialystoker Convention convoked by the Bialystoker Center in August, 19

Seated right to left: Louis Davis, Treasurer of the Bialystoker Home for the Aged; Philip Schneider, ComptrolSam Babier, Director; Louis Cohn, Vice-Chairman of the Center; Benjamin Tabachinsky, Representative of

Yiddish Schools in Poland; Jacob Krepliak, Chairman of the Center Board of Directors; William Abramson, V

hairman of the Convention; Alexander Kahn, General Manager of the Jewish Daily Forward; Chaim Weintra

"Ort"; Rabbi Mordechai Kirshblum, Mizrachi Organization of America.

Standing: Philip Rosenthal, President of the Home for the Aged; Sam Kassel, Auditor; David Sohn, Genera

Secretary of the Center; and Joseph Lipnik, Chairman of the Home for the Aged.

H

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