Jewish immigrants and deportees–from Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia. Canada and Cuba–who are now being detained on Ellis Island, on Friday night had a Seder of their own, celebrated in the true orthodox fashion of the “old country,” with Rabbi A. M. Holtzman officiating.
All day long William Neubau, Ellis Island representative of the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society of America, was busy with arrangements for the evening. Through the courtesy of Commissioner of Immigration Byron C. Uhl Jewish immigrants coming into port Friday were put through the regular examination immediately so that they might join their American relatives in time for the festivities.
The result of this promptness was that only fifteen persons, including two women, were required to remain on the island. When they gathered on “Island One,” the immigrant station, for the traditional meal, they were joined by seven Jewish American seamen from the hospital section.
A twenty-eight year old Canadian Jew, who had been caught entering the United States illegally and has already served the prescribed thirty-day sentence sat at the festive board. Next to him was a youth who five months ago stowed away from Cuba for this country. He too will be deported.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
