Brest Lit(owsk) , Belarus [pages 640-642]

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The Landsmanschafts and the Story of the United Brisker Relief (cont.)

The Brest Branch no. 15 of the Jewish People's Organization

People from the Brisker Center and the Independent Worker's circle decided in 1930 to join the Workers Movement as the Brest branch no. 35. Later this branch united with the Ciechanowitz under the name Brest -Ciechanowitz branch no.15. Within a short period of time this organization grew to 300 members. The Brest branch no. 15 was occupied with providing its members with medical and general insurance. It also conducted compulsory cultural activities and support for Yiddish authors. For a period of time it published a fortnightly newspaper for its members. They actively participated in all the work of the Brest Relief – its leaders were amongst the founders of the Relief.

After the pogrom of 1937, they took a very active financial role in the work of the Relief, and participated in the publishing of the journal “Unser Wort” the entire time.

The Brest Branch no.15 of the Jewish People's Organization

One hundred year old Brisker gentleman,
Yitzchak Wolf Metchik in the U.S.
with his great- grandchild

The Brest Benevolent Society

In 1890, after Passover, in the “Brisker Tea House” that was located on Eldridge St. N.Y.C., two Brisker gentlemen arrived and asked for a donation for a fellow Brisker. He had been evicted from his lodgings because he could not pay his rent. A collection of money was immediately organized so that he could return to his home. This event led to the foundation of the Brisker Benevolent Society.

The first meeting was at 150 Henry St. and the following officials were elected: President - L. Freidman. Vice President – Sam Watstein, Secretary – Abraham Weisfeld. The membership was about 100, and they paid a subscription of 10 cents a week. With their first income it was decided to buy cemetery plots. In 1900 the Society began to loan monies to its members. In 1905 they established a loan fund whereby their members could borrow $25. In 1906 they had over 300 members and a working capital of $5,000.

In 1911 a dispute arose – one side wanted to unite with the National Union of Benevolent Societies and the other side opposed this idea. This conflict went to court and the Society became on honorary organization only.

In 1917 the Brest Benevolent Society was re-established. It was the oldest of all the Brest branches in the U.S. – it had over 400 members who were mostly descendents of Briskers – it belonged to no political party or ideology and exclusively contributed to and participated in the work of the Brest Relief.

United Brest Society

In 1930 a group of 15 Brest compatriots united under the name “United Brest Society”. The membership rapidly grew to hundreds in a short time. They purchased cemetery plots at the “Beth Olam” cemetery, and assisted their sick and needy members. This society met at Bables' “China Tea House” at 118 Orchard St. and their elected officials were: President – Sam Wengerowski, and Philip Rabinovitch was the secretary.

They participated in the Brest Relief through their dedicated members: S. Wengerowski, A. Rubin, A. Pomerantz, J. Reisman, who always gave their utmost to the Relief.

There were other Brest groups in N.Y. such as “Home Corner”, but they did not participate in the work of the Relief nor in any of our fundraising appeals.

Brisk D'Lita Lodge

This Lodge was formed in 1907 by a group of Briskers. They united with the National Organization (identified as the Order of Abraham), and functioned as a branch of this organization. Within a short time they had grown to over 300 members. They provided fraternal assistance in matters of medical insurance, illness and burials. They participate in community work and support the U.J.A.

They are affiliated to the Brest Relief and make contributions from time to time. Their first officials were: President –A. Jacobson, Vice president - L. Farber, and J. Fisher – secretary. At present their secretary is Max Solomon.

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