For the first time in its thirteen-year history, the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies has entered the final week of its calendar and fiscal year with the budgetary requirements of its ninety-one constituent agencies still unmet, according to a joint statement by Dudley D. Sicher, president of the Federation, and Sam A. Lewisohn, chairman of the campaign, who announced that new gifts of $228,000during the last ten days have brought the deficit down to $483,000.
Available statistics showed that the 1925 campaign was subscribed by November 24 of that year. In 1926 the goal was reached on December 15; in 1927 by December 22 and last year the campaign came to a successful conclusion on December 14.
Of the new contributions reported yesterday, in a large majority of instances the sums announced were from regular annual subscribers who are giving additional special donations to help meet the current deficit.
“The Jewish community of New York has consistently responded to the appeal of the organized Jewish charities,” the statement said. “It is inconceivable that this year, when the needs are certainly undiminished and in many directions actually greater, that the same generosity which carried us through to success will not be shown again. And yet, comparative statistics show that the proportion of achievement is lower than at any time before in Federation history. We therefore call on every member of the community, regardless of the extent of his support to date, to ask himself whether he can, in view of the present situation, make an added contribution toward the needs of the sick, the orphan and the underprivileged.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
