American Indians who have occupied Alcatraz Island, site of a former Federal penitentiary, participated in the celebration of Chanukah in traditional style. A boatload of Jewish food was brought to them by members of the local chapter of the American Jewish Congress who kindled a menorah on the island in San Francisco Bay and recited the Chanukah blessings.
The Indians are demanding that the Federal Government turn the abandoned island over to them under a century-old treaty. They occupied it 18 days ago but have been short of food. Dr. Steven Raffin of the AJ Congress said that the organization decided to extend the hospitality of the Jewish holiday season to the Indians.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.