The possibility that the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) of New York may discontinue its activities on behalf of Jewish emigrants in Europe because of a lack of funds, has thrown Polish-Jewish leaders of every shade of opinion into a panic over the fate of thousands of Jewish emigrants who have until now found relief in the HIAS’ institutions.
The Warsaw Jewish Emigrant Aid Society has issued through the Jewish Telegraphic Agency the following appeal to New York Jews:
“The discontinuance of the activities of HIAS in Eastern Europe would leave the Jewish wanderer in a dangerous and helpless state, and under prevailing economic conditions would result in great hardship and misfortune. We appeal to the friends and supporters of HIAS to overcome all obstacles and continue the present useful relief, protection and guidance of emigrants. Don’t abandon the Jewish wanderer!”
The Warsaw rabbinate has cabled to the HIAS in New York the following appeal:
“To our brothers in America the undersigned are powerless to express their sorrow and pain caused by the report of the discontinuance of the work of the HIAS in Europe. At a time when we Jews are so poor in real Jewish democratic institutions it would be unthinkable for the only connecting link between brothers in the East and West to cease functioning. The HIAS has rendered great services in the past. It helped widows and orphans, aged and young and reunited families. There is no one to take its place.
“Let every Jew at this time of the year when his heart is more responsive to charity than usual think of his unfortunate brothers and sisters who are compelled to abandon their land to seek new homes. Our prayer to you is do not fail your institution, the HIAS. May the Almighty bestow upon you Kesiva Wachsima Tovo. Amen.”
The appeal is signed by Rabbis Aron Shengram, Chaim Joshua Gutshechter, Chaim Posner, Chaim Leib Judkowski, Isaac Meir Kanal, Jehezkiel Michelson, Jacob Silberstein, Shlome David Kahane and Jacob Gesundheid.
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.
