The sum of $27,000 was raised by the local Jewish community to launch the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Wyoming Valley, exceeding its goal of $25,000.
The Society has been organized to provide loans to small business men and traders. The campaign was conducted under the chairmanship of Charles Weismann.
President Hoover in a letter to Mr. Weismann commended the society, declaring: “I am deeply impressed by the organized effort of the Jews of Wilkes-Barre and adjoining communities to meet the emergency needs of their people who require temporary assistance. This is a noteworthy example of the right community spirit of neighborly aid which preserves the self-respect of all concerned and which meets the problem as it arises on its own ground.”
Jacob Silverblatt is president of the society.
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.