Morale and recreational services rendered by the National Jewish Welfare Board to Jews in the armed forces were greater in 1953 than in any year since World War II, it was reported here today at the opening session of the organization’s national convention. This is because men in uniform had more free time after the cease-fire order in Korea, the report explained.
Delegates at the convention also heard a report that the 350 Jewish Community Centers and YM-YWHA’s throughout the country affiliated with and served by the Jewish Welfare Board “reached goals never before attained in 1953 in promoting the well-being of more than 500, 000 civilians of all ages through effective leisure-time programs. “
Jewish Community Centers, which began to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jewish Center movement this year, had in 1953 combined operating expenditures approaching $14, 000, 000, it was reported here. The centers last year had aggregate attendance totalling 12, 000, 000. The $57, 000, 000 invested in center buildings was augmented in 1953 by new construction projects in 22 communities at a cost of $13, 300, 000 while country and day camps sponsored by centers and other agencies served by JWB totalled 326.
In 1953 there were 106 full-time Jewish chaplains on active duty, including 35 overseas, and 235 part-time chaplains, JWB reported. Full and part-time Jewish chaplains covered 630 domestic military installations and Veterans Administration hospitals.
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.
