The Jewish Welfare Board, the Jewish communal organization in closest contact with our armed forces, will mark its twenty-fifth anniversary here on April 18-20, at a three-day conference, which will be climaxed by a dinner honoring the men who founded the J.W.B. three days after the United States entered World War I, it was announced here today.
Various sessions at the conference will review the Board’s quarter-century of service in war and peace and will discuss the organization’s role in furnishing morale and religious guidance to the thousands of Jewish men now serving in all branches of America’s military machine.
The J.W.B., which now has 34 of the leading Jewish national bodies in its membership, was created in April of 1917 to meet the need for on unified Jewish body to serve the interests of the soldiers and sailors fighting for the United States. At its formation it had fifteen national affiliated bodies. Today, into having mobilized more than 200 Jewish communities for its welfare work, the board is the directing force of 352 Jewish centers scattered throughout the country.
The J.W.B.’s Army and Navy Committee has initiated extensive programs for servicemen in the fields of religion, recreation and culture. Its workers can be found in far-flung posts from Newfoundland to the Philippines. In addition to its own specialized activities, the J.W.B. functions as part of the U.S.O. and participates in the wide morale-building program of that organization.
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.
