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Commits Suicide Rather Than Return to Soviet Russia

January 28, 1930
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Pinchas Sarandu, a Jewish emigrant from Russia, committed suicide here today when the American consul refused to give him a visa. Sarandu preferred suicide to returning to Russia.

A drive for $250,000, which is needed to help carry through the Yeshiva College in its present financial crisis, will be begun this week and will continue until the amount is raised. At a conference of about 150 representatives of orthodox Jewish congregations held Sunday afternoon in the Yeshiva College synagogue at 186th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, it was decided to aid in every way possible the success of this drive.

Leading orthodox rabbis spoke at the conference and told of the present critical situation of the Yeshiva, emphasizing its great value for the preservation of Orthodox Judaism in this country and the great blow that traditional Judaism in this country would receive if the Yeshiva should have to close its doors. Peter Wiernik, editor of the “Jewish Morning Journal,” presided, and Harris L. Selig, executive director of Yeshiva College, made the opening address. A letter from Mayor Walker to Samuel Levy, chairman of the emergency fund committee, in which the Mayor gives his full endorsement to the campaign for funds, was read at the conference.

The conference decided to issue a solemn call to orthodox congregations in New York City and vicinity to rally to the support of the Yeshiva College. A resolution was also adopted declaring that contributions may be made in three forms$#8212;annual membership, patron dues and establishment of scholarships of $250 a year. Among the contributions that were announced at the conference was one by Lieutenant-Governor Lehman.

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