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The author, who has lived for years in Montevideo, was among the heads of the Jewish community in Zborow between the two World Wars. During a certain period, he served as the chairman of the Jewish Community Council on behalf of the national and Zionist circles, and all his time was dedicated to public service activity. He was involved in all the major institutions in the city. These facts add weight to his valuable review.

From its establishment in 1918 until its fall in 1939, Poland was a country marked by hatred of Jews.

Zborow's Jews had also been exposed to the bitter taste of that hatred, which was expressed as unceasing economic persecution. During the first years after the First World War, Jews had to bear these persecutions in addition to the hardships of the rehabilitation of the city destroyed in the battles. All these constituted a heavy burden and considerable responsibility on the Jewish city leaders and activists who operated in that era. The names of these figures are highlighted here with a short description of their activities.

I limited myself to the period of 1918-1939, which I witnessed. I avoided talking about the Nazi conquest period, despite the many rumors and the sharp criticism going around about the behavior of some of the leaders in our town during that period. I was not there then, and I should not talk about it. In general, it is my opinion that without unequivocal evidence, it is better to leave these rumors unspoken.

Members of the Community CouncilSeated, from right to left: Moshe Schechter, Moshe Chaim Silberman, Aron Czapnik, Dr. R. Bund. Standing, from left to right: Dr. Herman, Binyamin Reiss, Adolf Morgenstern, Mendel Sigal

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The list of names given below is incomplete, as I could not be helped by documents or written articles but had to rely only on my memory. Therefore, it is conceivable that I might, unintentionally, have done an injustice to somebody, even though I tried to provide accurate details. I wrote the names as they appeared in my memory without paying attention to the order.

I begin with the heads of the community starting in 1918. In that year, the First World War ended, and the refugees of our city scattered in Vienna, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary during the years of the war began returning and rebuilding its ruins. Total destruction prevailed in the city after the battles between the Austrian and the Russian armies and later between the Polish Army and the Ukrainians. The distress among the Jewish population was substantial. Therefore, the public activists' first priority was to assist the suffering population and find the resources to do so.

At that time, Mr. Chaim Silberman fulfilled the role of the community leader. He was still relatively young and excelled in his vigor and dedication. I remember clearly that his assistants were Moshe Schechter and Herman Fuchs, who were members of the community council. As mentioned, it was a particularly harsh period in Zborow, and those three people did their best to ease the distress.

Over time, the city recovered, more or less, and life returned to its regular course, but nothing changed in the Community Council. Obviously, it was impossible to hold elections during the war, but the council regime continued years after the war ended. Only in 1925, the town prepared to hold an election. Until then, the community leaders were selected by the authorities. These were Silberman and Morgenstern, who fulfilled the role alternately on behalf of the regime. I do not know how long it lasted and the order of the alternates. An additional person may have served as the community leader; however, I do not know his name or the “weight” of his activity.

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and other welfare organizations, and made an unforgettable contribution to the distribution of food and other assistance to the Jewish poor in town, and to all who needed assistance.

Another person may have ascended to the throne of community leadership, whose name I do not remember. If I am not mistaken, Aron Czapnik served as the head of the community sometime after Morgenstern.

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Binyamin (Binyu) Reiss [the author]

A few years later, in 1925-1926, when we reached the age of the right to vote for the Municipal and Community Councils (and be elected), we began to be active in that direction. The municipality served as a stage for us, from where we announced our demands to the authorities on behalf of the Jewish population. We succeeded for the first time in securing the allocation of funds by the municipality for Jewish public institutes. Our activity of enabling the Zionist activists to capture the community council was also successful. This was a unique achievement. Usually, the heads of the communities in Galicia's cities and towns were older people from the religious parties or various Chassidic sects. They only concentrated on the public's religious needs. From that point of view, Zborow served as a revolutionary example– I was the youngest community leader in Poland and our community activity went beyond the framework of satisfying religious needs and particularly took care of social and national needs (charity fund, a soup kitchen for the children, etc.). In addition, I served in other public service roles in different periods: President of the KKL-JNF and HaYesod funds, the Hebrew school committee, and manager of the charity fund (throughout my days in Zborow). I also served as the head of the children's soup kitchen from its establishment until I departed the city. It seems that my activity earned me the full trust of the Jewish population in Zborow. A testimony to that trust is the fact that Zborow's Zionists wrote me, as early as 1926, into the KKL-JNF's Golden Book. I was the first to receive such a privilege in our town. Years later, another person in Zborow received that honor, Aron Horowitz. Zborow's Zionists wrote him also into the Golden Book as a sign of appreciation for his dedicated Zionist activity.

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My name closes the list of Zborow community leaders. I was the last leader elected by the Jewish population. When I left before my term ended, I turned to the district governor out of concern for properly continuing the community operation. In a friendly discussion, we determined that Mr. Morgenstern would take my place as the nominee of the authorities until the next election. In June 1938, I submitted my resignation in writing. A few days later, at a special meeting of the Community Council, I transferred my role to Mr. Morgenstern, who was tasked with preparing for a new election. That goal was never achieved. When the time came, the temporary Community Council transferred its responsibilities to the sadly remembered Judenrat. The latter served until the uprooting of the Jewish community in Zborow.

After mentioning the four community leaders in Zborow between the two World Wars, I will say a few words about the city's last two rabbis–Rabbi Shlomo Kleinhandler and Rabbi Benzion Schalita [the meaning of the name's acronyms—“may he live pleasant and long life”].

The tenure of the two rabbis in a relatively small community like ours is connected to an affair that requires a short review here. Rabbi Kleinhandler was the son of the city rabbi, Rabbi David, who passed away during the First World War. With the revival of the Jewish settlement in Zborow after the war, Rabbi Shlomo claimed the position according to the customary tradition and the Inheritance Law. Against that, the rabbinical judge, Rabbi Schalita, also claimed the position after serving Zborow as a judge for many years. The Community Council at that time preferred Rabbi Schalita and nominated him to be the city rabbi. Shlomo Kleinhandler did not accept that and started a fight to secure the inheritance of his father's position. The dispute was brought before the rabbinical court, which ruled in favor of Rabbi Kleinhandler. That was how Zborow had two spiritual leaders, each having his own followers. That dispute divided the city into two camps and caused unpleasantness and inconvenience for the city's Jewish activists.

That dispute lasted until the two rabbis became in-laws–Moshe, Rabbi Kleinhandler's son, married Rachel, the daughter of Rabbi Schalita. I wanted to use that marriage as a means to end the long dispute and prepare the ground for the return of a single spiritual leader. I began to work in that direction by preparing the young Kleinhandler for the matriculation examinations so that he could be admitted to the Rabbinical Beit HaMidrash and the university. Unfortunately, all these plans were thwarted by the Nazi oppressor. The heroic deaths of Rabbis Schalita and Kleinhandler are described elsewhere in the book.

There were two ritual slaughterers in Zborow. They were known by their nicknames–“The Red” and “The Black.”

The first was Chaim Hersch Shapira–an exceptional scholar and G-d-fearing man. He had many supporters in town, especially from the Chassidic circles. He was an expert in kosher slaughtering. The second was Israel Josef Winter. He was a cantor in addition to being a ritual slaughterer. He had a pleasant voice, and his prayer satisfied the taste of most of the town residents. His artistic and esthetic praying style attracted some non-Jews to the synagogue on holidays. It is interesting to note that my relations with these two Jews were tight, even though seemingly there was nothing in common between us. My duty as the community leader was to handle religious needs. I invested a lot of my time willingly in that duty. My positive attitude toward them probably boosted my image with them, which contributed greatly to our cooperation.

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Before I list the rest of the Community Council members, activists, and personalities, I would like to mention Mordechai (I do not know his last name), the messenger boy of the community, who served it for many years. He began his work as a boy and continued to work as an adult. He appeared in town as a refugee from Russia after the end of the First World War. He was lonely, without a family, whom he lost to the war. He fulfilled his role as a messenger and other simple works with exceptional dedication. I mention him here as one of the “lost souls” in the victims' camp of H…r.

Dr. Moshe Brumer settled in Zborow during the first years after the First World War, where he opened a law office. He served in the municipal and community councils for several years, particularly during the first years after settling in Zborow. He died as a hero and one of the first victims of the Nazi and Ukrainian terror in town.

Yakov Fuchs–was very active, particularly during the first years of the city's reconstruction after the First World War. He dedicated most of his time to the mutual aid fund. He was a member of the “General Zionists” party. We were good friends.

Shmuel Schwab–deserves special commendation for his exceptional dedication to the Zionist cause. He was also a member of the “General Zionists” party and was one of its fighters for its views. We often reached a loud and hot argument but never crossed the line to personal grudges. I greatly respected him for his sincerity and serious attitude toward public work. He was a man of modest means and was busy securing his livelihood, but he never neglected his public work. When needed, he stood on guard day and night. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to mention him in this book and praise him a little.

Avraham Horowitz–was relatively young. He was a member of the HaMizrachi party and represented it in various Zionist institutions. After I left to study at the university, he took my place as the KKL-JNF's chairman and fulfilled his role successfully.

Farewell Party for Our Member Horowitz at the KKL-JNF Committee in Zborow, Nisan 5,694 [March 1934]

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In recognition of his activity, he was written into the Golden Book of the KKL-JNF. He was the second resident of Zborow to have secured that honor.

Naftali Katz–A lengthy description about him appears somewhere else in the book.

Mendel Sigal-Halpern–was the manager of the mutual aid fund. A description of him appears elsewhere in the book.

Bernard and Fantsche (nee Silberman) Altscher were a unique and respectable couple in Zborow. He was a notary by profession, but as a Jew, his appointment to that position was denied. He had to work as the acting notary in Zborow, and Fantsche served as his office manager. They were both active in various public service areas, and their skills and dedication brought them the respect of the public. Among other roles, Fantsche served as the women's committee chairwoman of the “[Soup] Kitchen's” committee. As such, she is also mentioned elsewhere in the book.

Bernard and Fantsche Altscher

Shaya and Adela (nee Shapira) Reiss–were among the permanent activists of Keren HaYesod [United Israel Appeal] in our town. They were a pleasant and likable couple who contributed immensely to various public needs. His native town was Zolochev.

Mendel and Moshe Jung– covered elsewhere in this book.

Dr. Juliusz Ardel–was a physician and the son-in-law of Chaim Linder from Malinovitz. He was loved by all segments of the population in the city and was dedicated and active in various public areas.

Zalman Auerbach–was the founder and manager of the mutual help fund for trade and crafts. He dedicated all his time to that fund.

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Dr. Robert Bund–was a vigorous and diligent lawyer. He was a Zionist but was not a member of any party and obviously was not nominated as a candidate to any of the town's institutions. He did it on his own successfully. During recent years, he continuously served as a member of the municipal and the Jewish community councils. In addition, he was active in operations benefiting various social and Zionist goals, such as the Children's Kitchen, charity fund, and more.

Scheincia Reiss–She is my wife. She served in various public roles, such as the Children's Kitchen, and others. She urged me to participate in public activities and was my trusted assistant and advisor in everything I did.

Leibish Heiman–He served as the secretary of the Hit'achdut party branch ever since I remember him. He served in that challenging role because it was not easy to find somebody else to replace him in that tedious work he did responsibly and with dedication.

Yoel Auerbach–was one of the young activists who demonstrated wisdom and courage in his public activity. He was a member of the Hit'achdut party and represented it in various Zionist institutions.

Suniev Jaeger–was agile and diligent in various Zionist activities. He was always willing to help and was loved by all.

Dr. Shalom Reiss–was one of the oldest lawyers in Zborow. He served as a member of the Municipal Council for many years, and was always willing to help when asked.

Fiszel Zimmer–was active in many areas of public affairs. He was a kind person and was loved by the people. His family is in Jerusalem.

Ire Gerber–was a member of the charity fund managing team, and dedicated much of his time to it.

Leib Kronisch–is covered in detail elsewhere in the book.

Mark and Losha Reiss–Both could serve as examples of kindness, love of humanity, and social and national activism. Mark's principle was “to talk little and do much.” That was how he was an activist of the KKL-JNF and the United Israel Appeal. Her version of the principle was that “for these purposes, one must talk much, but do much more.” Both were sensitive people and understood human nature.

The Pharmacy of Marek and Losha Reiss

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Binyamin Plisner–the husband of Dora Silberman. He was one of the leaders of the Hit'achdut in Zborow. Despite his kind and quiet character, he fulfilled his public roles faithfully and perfectly. The fact that he owned a delicatessen helped him in that. The store was a meeting place for many and in actuality served as the location of the local Community Council. Important matters were decided on there, and where one could meet any of the “who's who” in town.

Binyamin and Dora Plisner (nee Silberman)

Halina Lechowicz and Yetti Kronisch. I mentioned just a few names of the women because of my own forgetfulness. But it is hard to forget these two women. Both were active in various women's committees especially the Children's Kitchen committee.

Moshe Schechter. He was a member of the HaMizrachi party and a public activist from the first days after the First World War until the last days of the Jewish Zborow. He was also a member of the City Council and, for a time, the Community Council.

R' Moshe Schechter

He and his branch of the family perished in the Holocaust. Rabbi Herschel Schechter in the United States, is his nephew.

The leaders of the Yad Charutzim Association [literally “the hand of the diligent,” a craftsmen organization]. From among the association's leaders, I remember the names of Avraham Miller, Manes Schwab, Avraham Akselrad, Moshe Krell, Avraham Fuchs, and Leizer Lusthaus. They and others

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were active in various institutions.

I also remember people we could count on when needed: Shmuel Roth, David Schechter, David Schortz, M. H. Lwow, Aron Kleiner, Leib Wolftzahn, and Gedalyu Rotenberg.

Concerning religious organizations such as Agudat Israel and Belz Chassidim, my connection with them was loose; so unfortunately, I do not remember the names of their people. I only remember one of them, R' Mecheli Wohl, the chairman of Agudat Israel in Zborow. He was a member of the Community Council for many years, and we met there in our mutual work. Despite our different views, which often resulted in sharp disputes, our personal relations were fair.

The names I raised were only some of the many who produced fruitful and dedicated actions for their brothers. To my regret, I forgot many of the names, and I am asking them for forgiveness. I am sorry that I mentioned too few names among the young circles. Even though I had contact with the youth, and I knew about their blessed actions, I could not maintain a tighter connection because of the heavy load imposed on me. I know that we had excellent youth in Gordonia, HaShomer HaTzair, Achva, and other movements. They turned to me often, and I tried to help them as best I could. I also participated several times in farewell parties for those who made Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. I can say that I was always with them, but not among them. The time that has passed left only a few names in my memory. I hope that some people from the young generation would describe in this book the glorified part that our youth played in our city's history before the Holocaust.

On my visit to Israel, I met with some of them, who did a first-class job among the youth. They are Leib Roth (Aryeh Rotem), Azriel Falk, Aydik and Solo Silberman, Gershon Schneider, Zelig Yaron (Jaeger), Berl (Dov) Mehlzak, Yehudit Katz, Efraim Katz, and others whose names I unfortunately forgot.

A Going Away Party for Binyamin Reiss, the President of the Community Council, in August 1938

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Our town, Zborow, was located in the Tarnopol Province on the main road between Tarnopol, Zolochov, and Lvov. Zborow, which excelled in its paved streets and the spacious market square, served as the capital of the district that also included three other typical Jewish towns (Pomorzany, Jezierna, and Zalosce.)

The Jews constituted a majority of the city residents. They concentrated in its main streets and around the market square. The main synagogue (Shul), the community house, Beit HaMidrash HaGadol, and the small prayer houses (Kloizen) were located in that area. The school building named after Baron Hirsch (only ruins remained after the First World War) was also situated in that zone on a nice side street. The rest of the public institutions were in the area's rented apartments. The main street crossed the entire district. The section of that street from the "Sokol" building to the Russian Church was called the "Korso," the city's main strolling strip, where the city's population—old and young, passed through an infinite number of times.

Today, the only thing left from Jewish Zborow is a plaque on Mount Zion in Jerusalem and a grove of trees near Jerusalem memorializing Zborow's martyrs.

Before I describe the public institutions, I would like to present, in general terms, the Jewish population in our town.

The professional intelligentsia constituted quite a small group. The wealthy merchant class, some excessively rich, was not larger. About half of the people who worked in trade earned decent livelihoods. The rest lived in poverty and survived thanks to various loans (see below). The group of craftsmen hardly made enough money to survive, except for a few experts in their professions. The rest of the population belonged to the lower classes. These people who worked as peddlers did not own stores, and many did not even own stalls. They conducted business in the street, particularly during the market days. Most of the population required assistance from charity institutions (such as the Gmilut Chassadim—the Charity Association). In addition, many in the lower classes did not have any income. They were totally dependent on the community's charitable organizations.

A large group of Haredi Jews (Belz Chassidim and members of Agudat Israel) existed in town; however, their influence on the overall Jewish population was minimal since most of the population was organized in the Zionist Movement or showed national tendencies. Despite that, most of the population largely preserved the Jewish tradition. That was apparent on Friday evenings, Shabbat, and holidays when trade almost ceased, shops were closed and locked, and complete calm prevailed in the city.

Most or all youths were Zionist and belonged to the various youth movements associated with different parties within the Zionist Movement. The influence of the youth on their parents was substantial, expressed by general views held by the Jewish population, particularly during the election to the various institutions, the Sejm, Municipal and Community Councils, etc.

When I describe the Jewish public institutions in our town, I obviously have to start with the pillar of our public life, The Community Council, or as it was formally called, the “Jewish Religious Council.” The fact that the Community Council was

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considered an official institution by the state authorities, with the authority to impose and collect taxes under the law, provided it with prestige and authority. However, it all depended on people who knew how to interpret the autonomy of the Community Council and used it to benefit the Jewish public. Officially, under the law, the role of the new council was only to handle religious needs; however, it was clear that its roles had to include social and cultural needs. A lot of talent, tact, and efforts were required to alleviate the resistance by the authorities to illegally introduce into the budget expenses for purely national objectives besides the resources for religious and other population needs.

Usually (in the years after the First World War), the Community Council included mostly people from the homeowning circles. Even though some of them held national views, it was not apparent from their activity in the council, which concentrated mainly on religious affairs. The representatives of the national circles usually constituted a minority and could not realize their proposals. It is not for nothing that Herzl considered the conquest of the community councils by the Zionists a principal and fundamental objective.

The Jews, who lacked autonomy in the diaspora, aspired and strove for a situation where some of the affairs that concerned them would be under their sole discretion. It was possible to be active in many areas, particularly in the Zionist field, under the self-rule expressed by the Community Council. The Zionist circle did not wage their struggle to capture the Community Council with full vigor during the first decade after the First World War. A Zionist representative was elected from time to time to the council; however, his behavior was not different from that of the others. Non-religious subjects were never brought up for discussion. “Kosher” matters were under the rabbinate's authority, and there was no reason for any conflict.

During the first years of the war, battles between the Austrian and the Russian armies took place in our area. Many men were recruited into the Austrian army, and when the Russian army conquered most of Galicia a short while later, many of the recruited men who belonged to the local battalion (Zlochov, Tarnopol, etc.) returned home. Therefore, the Jewish population did not decrease during the [Russian] conquest. A group of Jews from Tlumacz and its surroundings, who were brought over by the Russian authorities as hostages and whom Zborow's Jewish residents welcomed warmly, took the place of those who left Zborow. The Russian conquest lasted about a year, and life during the war was harsh and became harsher from one day to another; however, life was usually calm and ensued without any noteworthy events.

After two years of war and conquest, in 1916, infectious diseases began to have a serious effect. The battles arrived in our area, causing almost a complete abandonment by the population, principally the Jewish population. Most of them were transferred to inner Austria (mainly to Vienna and Czechoslovakia).

The war lasted two additional years, and after its stormy ending (the revolution in Russia, the dissolution of the Austrian empire, and the Poland-Ukraine War), the revived Polish regime stabilized. The evacuated population and the soldiers returned home.

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The consequences of the war were painful. Most of the population became impoverished and suffered from hunger and distress. Many died in epidemics, and their homes were destroyed and burned. That situation lasted until 1920. The war between new Poland and Communist Russia (which included a short “visit” of the Communists in Zborow) ended with the assistance of France in what was called 'The Miracle on the Visla” and brought a stable peace.

The war left our city in ruins, and its buildings burned. A great construction boom of homes, streets, and public buildings commenced. The Jewish population revived the Community Council, which was recognized by the Polish authorities. Moshe Ch. Silberman headed the council during those difficult years.

As usual, the Jews were the first victims of all the riots and wars. The Jewish population was hit hard and numerous times by the many battles in Eastern Galicia. At that time, the immense organization, the “JOINT” [JDC–the “American Joint Distribution Committee” operated in the US. American Jewry extended its help to the Jews in all European countries. The assistance encompassed many areas. First and foremost, large quantities of medicine, foodstuffs, and building materials were sent. The assistance also included financial support for business, cultural, and educational purposes. The Community Council, in collaboration with a dedicated committee established for that purpose, under the vigorous management of M. Ch. Silberman, handled the distribution of that assistance that contributed immensely to the return to normal life in our city. M. Ch. Zilberman headed the community for many years until Adolf Morgenstern replaced him as the commissioner on behalf of the authorities. The author of these lines was elected as the head of the council in 1927-28. Silberman and Morgenstern continued to work with him for several terms and many long years.

We, the Zionists, began our vigorous effort to conquer the Community Council in 1928. We achieved our goal only in 1936. For the first time, we published a list of candidates and a detailed platform in 1928. We secured limited success and fulfilled some of our demands, as we did not aspire to a total victory, nor could we have achieved that. At that time, the council was headed by Aron Czapnik. His personality and public stature were so great that the city considered it an honor to have him as its leader. We, therefore, lent our support to the re-election of Mr. Czapnik and deferred our attempt to gain control of the Community Council for a later date. We did not consider Mr. Czapnik to be a political rival. On the contrary, he helped to gain a few achievements thanks to negotiations, bargaining, and a chance majority at the voting.

We cooperated with him as long as Mr. Czapnik stayed in Zborow and were proud to have him. Mr. Aron Czapnik was a scholar and philosopher known beyond Zborow.

We elected to support him again in the 1932 election. Only toward the end of the term, when Mr. Czapnik decided to leave Zborow to live with his daughter in Sanok, we turned to accomplish our plans that we had kept for a long time, to capture control of the Community Council.

After many years of efforts and struggles, the Zionist Union in Zborow secured an absolute majority. We managed the campaign under explicit Zionist slogans, and the Zionist Union, headed by the author of these lines, received most of the votes.

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Farewell Party for Aron Czapnik upon His Leaving Zborow

In 1938, I resigned from the community presidency when I left Zborow. Unfortunately, the Community Council started to lose its value and weight until it was inherited by the “Judenrat.” With its demise came the end of the entire Jewish population.

According to the chronological order, I must begin to describe bigger institutions and avoid mentioning names. However, sometimes we have to deviate from the order and make an exception to the rule. I meant the Hebrew school in our town and its principal, Mr. Yavetz, the pre-eminent teacher, the driving force behind that institution. I was close to the school and witnessed the effort invested by its principal in terms of the number of years he dedicated to the education and teaching of generations of students. I knew hundreds of children who took their first steps in the Hebrew language with him, and he led them higher and higher. Some of them reached perfection. His contribution to instilling the Hebrew language in Zborow's natives was enormous. We will, therefore, remember his name honorably and with respect.

The “Mutual Aid Fund for Business and Crafts” was the name of the only society for credit in Zborow. The fund was affiliated with The Association of the Mutual Funds for Credit in Poland,

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and was under its supervision.

The money in the fund consisted of the “Joint's” contributions and the population's deposits. From its side, the population trusted that institution and deposited its savings in it. The fund operated based on banking principles, meaning that loans were provided to responsible people with proper collateral and financial guarantees. That institution enjoyed substantial credit from the “Joint” and operated nicely reaching respectable turnovers. The trade and crafts businesses that were economically sound were helped tremendously by that institution and benefited greatly from the cheap credit. The fund that actually served as a bank, for all intents and purposes, was founded in 1925. Among its founders, we should mention (in alphabetical order) Zalman Auerbach, Moshe Brumer, Yakov Fuchs, Binyamin Reiss, and Mendel Sigal,. Binyamin Reiss was its manager, and the whole group served as the management team with only a few changes over time.

The Gmilut Chassadim Fund operated parallel to and complementing the “Mutual Fund for Trade and Crafts.” The fund provided loans at no interest. Before discussing the fund itself, we should mention Itche Yidl Katz. That man used to collect contributions for months and years, even before the orderly operation of the fund. Most of the collected donations were for small amounts, against receipts issued by Itche Yidl himself. Over time, the accumulated contributions reached thousands of [Polish] Goldens. It was a relatively small sum, compared with the tens of thousands required for the fund operation. However, his activity served as a challenge and encouragement for others to follow.

Indeed, we considered the importance of that institution and approached its establishment based on broad foundations. We first concentrated on recruiting members who would contribute monthly to the fund. The Community Council and even the Municipal Council

The Gmilut Chassadim group in Zborow Seated (from right to left): L. Kronisch. Y. Katz, B. Reiss, A. Gerber, Sh. Schwebel Standing (from left to right): B. Plisner, P. Zimmer, M. Schwab

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contributed their parts. In light of our success, and given the importance of that program, we turned to the “Joint” and got a positive response. Finally, we contacted the committee of Zborow's natives in New York (expanded on below), who also provided contributions to the fund.

Thus, a large sum of money accumulated in the fund that began with small contributions collected uniquely and became an important financial institution. It gave assistance to the lowest class of the population, for whom the fund served as the only avenue to obtain a loan.

Even though Itche Yidl Katz was the initiator of that enterprise, who was often ridiculed for his fundraising activities before the fund was established, he did not become a member of its management due to his illness, which made him totally blind. This unique person proved that the phrase “A good example does wonders.” Others implemented the idea he conceived.

That was the beginning of that popular institution. Obviously, the loans did not carry any interest, and the demand was enormous. The amounts in the loans were not substantial due to a shortage of capital and the need to provide collateral, which was easier to do on a modest amount. The loan amount was usually 50, 100, or 150 [Polish] Goldens. Only rarely the loan was for a higher amount. The loans were normally paid weekly.

The fund's customers were many—shopkeepers and owners of tiny stores and market stalls bought some merchandise with the loan, particularly before a market day, so they could make a few pennies for Shabbat.

In 1937, we directly and personally connected with Zborow natives in the US. Scattered throughout the large country, Zborow natives organized themselves into local or regional associations. These associations unified under a central unit called “The United Federation of Relief for Zborow.” Our connection began with Mr. Harry Leitner, who served as the secretary of that federation and its president in that period, Mr. Charles Brust.

Our economic situation was enormously severe. The number of unemployed grew, and we saw it as our duty to find ways to improve the situation. After exhausting all local possibilities, we began to correspond with the representatives of the aforementioned institution in the US. We found a great understanding there. They were enthused about helping us and promised to immediately begin their efforts. We decided mutually to open a kitchen for poor children, in the fastest way possible. A dedicated committee was established by the Community Council, and the kitchen began its operation after a short time. All the needy children began receiving free, tasty, and nutritious lunches. All the women members of the committee took turns in assisting and ensuring the proper and faultless operation of the kitchen. It operated continuously from the second half of 1937 until the outbreak of the Second World War.

Our contact with Zborow natives in the US bore the best fruits. Besides the regular support for the Children's Kitchen we got from them, from time to time, we would receive substantial sums of money, for distribution among the poor (particularly in preparation for Passover and other occasions).

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The Congregation Council in the 1920s

We also need to mention the assistance provided by the United Federation of Relief for Zborow to the Gmilut Chassadim fund. Thanks to that assistance, we could widen the fund's activity.

Those were the most important institutions operated in our city as part of the work of the Community Council. They were founded by the council and coordinated their work with us. With their operation, we were able to ease somewhat the burden placed on most of the Jewish population in Zborow, which lived in tremendous distress.

I only mentioned economic and charitable organizations that reflected the economic situation of the Jewish population in Zborow. I did not mention at all–even though that is a broad and important subject–the spiritual image of the population. I did not write about the activity that contributed to the building of Eretz Yisrael, and forming of the Jewish state. In that area, the memories are more pleasant and romantic. Many details were etched in my memory, and I think about them often. Every trip by the pioneers to Eretz Yisrael became a big holiday for us. We held farewell parties in their honor, and I often had the privilege of saying good bye to them officially. My personal wish was to be one of them and not be the one to bless them but unfortunately, fate dictated otherwise.

[Page 266 - Yiddish] [Pages 262-265 - Hebrew]

Quite an ordinary word, commonly used, like thousands of other words, but “the Kitchen” in the mouths of residents of Zborow in the years 1936-1939 had a wholly different, almost magical meaning. The word conjured an image of tens and hundreds of children, adults and the aged, poorly clothed, lonely and hungry, staring with forlorn and fearful eyes at the uncertain and–as it sadly turned out–sad and tragic future. They were the witnesses to the rapid societal breakdown of the Jewish community of our town. But, first and foremost, the Kitchen was an essential institution, a safe place where hot food was provided for free and distributed to those in need at home. It is this Kitchen I want to describe.

As a result of the anti-Semitic policy of the Polish government under Prime Minister [Felicjan Slawoj] Skladkowski, who championed an Anti-Jewish Boycott, coupled with the growth of organized Ukrainian provocation, the Jewish economic self-help system (which was comprised of various economic agencies) could no longer satisfy the minimal needs of the Jewish populace. Poverty, despondency, and hunger became more and more pervasive in the Jewish towns and villages of Galicia; and Zborow was no exception.

The Kitchen for Poor Children, Organized by Nathan Okun, Zborow Relief in America [Page 262]

[Page 267]

The Jewish Kahal [community governing body], aware and mindful of the terrifying and tragic situation, searched for a solution and developed plans of action, but where would they raise the funds to implement them? The operating budget of the Kahal was already stretched to the limit. Aside from providing for the religious needs of the community [this was the official function of the Kahal], it used every penny to support existing social and voluntary organizations with money for destitute Jewish families. Where to find money to open a kitchen? We were forced to turn to the Jews of Zborow for help, and we were not denied.

Under the auspices of the Kahal, a special committee was set up, with sections for women and children, which took it upon itself to mobilize communal support through regular monthly contributions. Men, women, and youth of every social sector committed to ensure a certain income. The rest would be subsidized by the Kahal. And that is how the Kitchen came to be–to relieve, at least in part, the hunger of those in dire need, especially the children. Many took part in this holy mission–among them my closest colleagues and friends, whom I want to honor here.

Fantche Silberman and her husband, the notary Bernard Altscher, belonged to the circle of our best and most devoted friends. They were a fine, well regarded, serious-minded couple, beloved for their many virtues. Fantche, in addition to her work life, found enough time for her volunteer work and devoted every free minute to societal activities. She was a person of very fine character and humanitarian instincts, who empathized with the suffering of others. She was always ready to give her all for her family and loved ones and was popular among all. Often she would come to me with tears in her eyes to ask for help for someone in urgent need.

Helena Lechowicz (wife of Pinchas) was very dedicated and

Fantche Altscher (Silberman)

[Page 268]

fully committed to the project; Mendel Halpern was very helpful, especially on the administrative level; Shmuel Schwebel put much work and energy into the project, as well as into other social institutions. Binyamin Plisner was among the young, dedicated Zionist and social advocates. At his place, you could always get information about all the social activities in town. Next to the Kahal office, his was the most central meeting place for the Kitchen workers.

I am certainly remiss in not crediting many other deserving and dedicated friends, “unknown soldiers,” who merit our tribute and appreciation, but after so many years, it is impossible to remember them all. I have only listed here those who led and sustained our efforts.

Nathan Okun with His Friends: Binyamin Plisner, Suniev Jaeger, Naftali Katz, Abba Kaufman, in Binyamin Plisner's Store

[Page 269]

brought good results. With a steady income of $10-50-60 a month and from time to time a few hundred dollars more, we set up the Kitchen in a suitable, large space and distributed up to 150 meals a day.

The Kitchen provided meals twice a day–breakfast and lunch. Breakfast consisted of coffee with milk or milk with a roll and butter. Lunch included soup, meat and various side dishes. Forty to 50 poor children were fed in the Kitchen.

With time, the initial contact with the Zborow Association in New York grew into a regular correspondence. Their letters were very interesting and we were heartened by their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause of their needy brothers in Zborow.

Sadly, our needs kept growing. While many of us still managed, with great difficulty, to eke out a living, the near future looked not at all good. The tradesmen and craftsmen kept losing ground and the number of despondent and needy kept rising. In the beginning of 1938, we had to make a bolder move. The most pressing need was to help the children and those without means of support. We set out to organize the trades people into purchasing and producing co-operatives and procure necessities for the poorest. We also had to help some of the stall keepers in the local marketplace to pay their rent, so they would not lose their livelihoods. These plans could only be realized with the collaboration of the Kahal, the fund for charitable works, and the Jewish co-operative bank. But the means were small and limited and we were left with only one choice–to turn to our dear brothers in America and ask for help. To the credit of the “Relief” in New York, I can attest that they did not disappoint us.

Committee for Poor and Orphaned Children Front row, from the right: Shmuel Schwebel, Regina Jung, Fantsche Altscher; chair, Sila Silberman [Page 263]

In 1938, around Passover, we received a dear guest, Mr. Nathan Okun, one of the most active members and President of our American committee. He toured our facilities, familiarized himself with our work and took note of our Passover preparations.

[Page 270]

A Banquet for Nathan Okun

We carried on until September 1938, when I left Zborow and Marek Reiss and his closest colleague, Binyamin Plisner, were elected co-chairmen of the Kitchen committee. The other members of the committee were:

Fischel Zimmer, Manes Schwab, Shifra Kronisch, Sonya Jaeger, Avraham Axelrad, Leib and Yente Kronisch, Hersh Shapira, Leibe Lvov, Sheintcshe Reiss, Dr. M. Brumer and his wife, Yanke Fuchs, Yisroel Katz, Dr, N. Bund and his wife, M. Ch. Silberman, A. Morgenstern, Dr. S. Reiss, Dora Plisner, Tzila Auerbach, Fantsche Axelrad, Berta Kreminitzer, Sheintsche Ohrenstein, Avraham Miler, D, Schwartz, M. Rothleim, the Zweig sisters–Chwola and Rishe Tzipora–Bronka Engel, Bronia Pollak, Elke Fuchs, Munya Fuchs, Chilu and Zigmund Goliger, Fantsche Krell, Chava Halpern, Mina Perlmutter, Dora Einhorn, and Yetke Mehlzak.

[Page 271]

I want to mention the names of the “Relief” committee members with whom we had contact:

Mr. Chaim Brust–president of the committee, with whom we corresponded formally; Mr. Moshe Shames, who took special interest in maintaining our charitable fund; Mr. Nathan Okun–the driving force behind the whole undertaking. His visit to Zborow was a great help; Mr. Max Wielkin, of blessed memory, was my personal ambassador to the “Relief,” a good natured, quiet and hardworking man; and last but not least, Mr. Harry Leitner, with whom we maintained hearty lively, wide-ranging correspondence. He was the soul of the “Relief.” His letters made us feel that he and other supporters in America experienced with us terrible times of Polish Jewry in general and Zborow, in particular. To this day my heart overflows with gratitude to Mr. Leitner and the other “Relief” members–those mentioned here, and those not.

The Committee for the Jewish Kitchen in Zborow

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