An appeal for aid for the Jewish population in Hollywood, Fla., was made by Rabbi I. S. Ravetch of Daytona Beach, Fla., in a telegram addressed to the “Jewish Daily Bulletin.” Rabbi Ravetch’s telegram read:
“I have just received the following telegram from Hollywood, Florida: ‘As yet there has not been any relief for Hollywood Jews. Some are in dire distress, one having been taken to the hospital, suffering a nervous breakdown due to the financial depression. Miami ignores us. What can we expect?’ The telegram was signed for the Hollywood Jewish Center by I. Louis Seligman, chairman.
“The indifference of American Jewry to the cause of their own flesh and blood is lamentable. American Jews gave millions to suffering European Jewry. Will they not give thousands to their American brethren who are in despair? Must we wait for suicide, insanity and nervous breakdown before offering aid. It is surprising that the United Jewish Appeal has not taken control of this matter. If that institution is indifferent the Jewish newspapers and organizations should ask for funds and this must be done immediately. Has American Jewry forgotten the maxim ‘Kol Ha’mkayem Nefesh achath?”
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.