The branch of the ORT organization in Sosnowiec was organized in 1935. The first management committee consisted of Attorney Z. Glanc (chairman), Dr. B. Branicki (vice-chairman), S. N. Langer (vice-chairman), Dr. K. Tropauer (treasurer), eng. S. Zysman (secretary).

During the first years of its existence, the local ORT organization concentrated its activities in the following areas:

1. Propaganda
2. Preparing apprentices for trade examinations
3. Popularizing agricultural work

At the beginning of 1938, A. Ostaszynski, a representative from the central ORT office arrived in Sosnowiec. He galvanized the branch into activity and organized a drive to raise money for the branch in Sosnowiec. The drive was very successful and received the support of many people in the city. A sum of 6,000 guilders was collected.

Following the successful drive, the local ORT branch called a general assembly where a permanent management committee was elected.The committee consisted of eng. S. Sztarke-Nachner (chairman), Dr. H. Liberman, and eng. L. Birman (vice-chairmen), Dr. K. Tropauer (treasurer), eng. B. Firstenberg (secretary), attorney Z. Glanc, P. Klepfisz, Z. Majerczyk, eng. B. Gincberg, eng. S. Zysman, J. Kuczynski, and A. Marianka.

The poor economic situation slowed the development of the branch activities. Still the branch moved to a larger place where preparations were made to install modern equipment and machinery for training purposes. Many new courses were initiated such as radio-technician, leather, chauffeurs, and masters courses for carpenters. Presently, the branch in Sosnowiec is planning to open a three-year furniture course.




[Page 250]

The initiator and founder of the Jewish hospital in Sosnowiec was Dr. Abram Perelman. With sizable contributions from the Kabak, Rajcher and Openhajm families, the hospital became a reality. Of course, the Jewish society also contributed money to the hospital fund. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 26^th, 1910 and on May 30^th, 1912 the hospital opened its doors. The hospital was primarily built with money given by the rich Jewish families to provide medical services to the Jewish masses. Paradoxically, during the first ten years of its existence, the majority of patients at the hospital were gentiles. Their numbers decreased with the development of the general hospital service in the city. Only then, did the objective become a reality. Still, people were admitted regardless of religion.

Financial difficulties plagued the hospital from the inception, except during the war when it was under military control. The difficulties proved beyond control when the hospital closed its doors on March 3^rd 1925. It remained closed until August 15^th 1926; thus it was closed for 18 months.


[Page 251]

Dr. Abram Perelman (1870 - 1928)

Initiator and founder of the Jewish hospital in Sosnowiec. Chairman of the Jewish community, member of the municipal council, chairman of the Zionist organization, founder and chairman of the Jewish high school, founder and chairman of the Jewish doctors association in Zaglembia, member of the executive Zionist council in Poland, and Zionist delegate to the Zionist Congress of Minsk.

The number of patients at the hospital did not increase until 1932. Then the development began. The number jumped from about 400 patients to 633 in 1932, 867 in 1936, 990 in 1937, and 1224 in 1938. The hospital continued to develop in spite of the financial difficulties, and there is hope for further expansion with the return of the orphan building to the hospital. The hospital had 46 beds in 1932. With the help of Dr. H. Liberman, a children's wing with 14 beds was added to the hospital and another 20 beds were added in 1939. Thus the hospital has now 90 beds at its disposal.

The hospital has the following sections: internal, surgical, gynecology and delivery and pediatrics. The hospital provides medical services not only to the residents of Sosnowiec, but to all the cities and villages in the area. The hospital has a kosher kitchen.

The need for such institution to the Jewish population is beyond words. Of course, the financial expenses involved are enormous. The maintenance of the building, medical facilities, equipment, machines, tools, etc. …requires large sums of money that the hospital meets only partially.

The Jewish Hospital in Sosnowiec

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