[Page 33]

The union “Histadrut Mizrachi” was founded as early as 1914 by members Yitzchak Baruch Barij, Yosef Wasser, Nachman Pfeffer, Yosef Pess, Feibel Glazer, Yitchak Leib Goldscheider, and Lipa Steinwurzel. Subsequently, the Zionist association “Kadima” was founded in 1918 with Mordechai ben Aharon Schwarzwald serving as its chairman and Yechezkel Enreich as his deputy. The branches of the youth movements of “HaShomer HaTzair,”, and “Gordonia,” were established later. A Hebrew school was also established where the teachers Karp, Shechter, and others taught.

During the final stages of the First World War, self-defense forces were established to protect against gangs affiliated with the warring armies and other antisemitic hooligans. These defense forces used both legal and illegal weapons. Following the Balfour Declaration, which called for establishing a national Jewish home in Eretz Israel, spontaneous expressions of joy erupted throughout the town, culminating with a large celebration that filled the town with a festive spirit. Jewish homes and windows were tastefully decorated, and blue and white national flags were raised throughout the town. Children dressed in holiday attire adorned with blue and white ribbons, held the national flag and paraded from the gathering place to the synagogue. The synagogue was adorned inside and out for the occasion. Inside, the chandeliers and candles were elegantly draped with blue and white ribbons, All told, the decorations took two days to complete. A representative of the Polish government was invited to attend the celebration in honor of the Balfour declaration.

The celebratory speaker was Reb Yosef Wasser, who spoke in both Yiddish and Polish. Everyone was convinced that we had already taken possession of Eretz Israel.

In 1922, a Polish high school was established in our city and named after the estate owner Badeni. This milestone allowed the youth to acquire a general education in an organized manner.

In 1926, a group of members broke off from the General Zionists which was led at that time by Zelig Kranz. They began to organize themselves within the “HeChalutz” [a labor affiliated movement]. The first members of this group were Yaakov Leider, Reuven Kranz, Moshe Letzter, Shmuel Katz, Meir Barach, Naphtali Barach, Mordechai Weissman, and others.

[Page 34]

In 1928, the first group left for a Hachshara [agricultural training for pioneers] in Bielsko. The following members participated in that group: Yaakov Leider, Moshe Letzter, Reuven Kranz, Mordechai Miller, Mordechai Weissman, Yona Barach (Miller), Ada Meir, Tzigma, and Rivka Menaker. In that same year, the first pioneers from the city made Aliyah: Barish Ecker, Yidl Zigman, David Klein, and Tzvi Shraga.

In 1929 when the riots in Eretz Israel erupted and Arabs attacked and rioted in the Jewish settlements, all of us youths became agitated and wanted to go and aid those in the Jewish settlements. The following members made Aliyah then: Yaakov Leider, Moshe Letzter, Reuven Kranz, and Tzipora Shraga. In Eretz Israel, they joined a “Hitachdut” group organized in Rehovot. One of them, Yaakov Leider, was forced to return to the diaspora for personal reasons. He remained there until after the Holocaust.

First [back] row, from right to left: Brunn Altzi, Gertwagen, Letzter Sara, Adler Malka, Laszczower, Miller Sheva, Brunn Pnina, Ehrenwert Mania and Konig Yaakov Second row: Chamish, Szargel Breindl, Samet Malka, Barak Zipora, Ober Rivka, Sachs Marie, Chaya Samet, Weissman Shoshana, Barasch Tzevia and Weinberger Batya Third row: Weissman Mordechai, Wasser Rafael, Aszkenazi Ester, Menaker Rivka, Meir Ada, Kranz Reuven, Letzter Moshe, Leider Yaakov, Schapira and Charap Isser Fourth [front] row: Szargel Avraham, Orenstein Selig, Szargel Sara, Letzter Israel, Rakower Yaakov, Itzhak Laszczower and Ecker Leib

[Page 35]

In 1928, a branch of the youth wing of the “Mizrachi,” known as Bnei Akiva, was also established in the city. Its goal was to educate in both work and the Torah. The pioneering youth in town initiated, organized, and supported all the Zionist activities in the city and prepared for the struggles for the salvation of the Jewish nation. We should note that there were no branches of the extremist movements, like the “Bund” and the Communists in our town. Everyone worked toward the common goal of national salvation within their own movement; and, as a whole, they created a unified front operating in complete harmony. Nearly all the youth learned the Hebrew language, and various cultural and sports activities were organized, including the establishment of a drama club and a significant public library.

Hebrew school “Tarbut” in Radekhov – the teachers: Karp and Schechter Dvora In the photo: “Tarbut” Hebrew School in Radekhov – class 1 grade 2 – 5694 [1933/4]

[Page 36]

his grandfather, Reb Shlomo Elimelech, was a sofer ST”M [scribe] about whom S.Y. Agnon said that the prominent people of his generation would only put on tefillin if it were inscribed by Reb Shlomo Elimelech. He also added that [Rabbi] Shmelke Shapira, a relative of his, was the son of the ritual slaughterer from Toporov [Toporiv].

The Zionist youth of “Achva” On the banner: …will redeem Eretz Yisrael, then Eretz Yisrael will redeem the people of Israel

The Hebrew school continued to operate until 1939.

Additionally, a school affiliated with the “Agudat Israel” party operated in the Husiatyn kloiz. For many years, lessons on the Talmud's daily page were held there, with about 20-30 participants daily.

[Page 37]

Zionist youth movements in Radekhov Top row, from left to right: 1) Malka Friedman 2) Ester Czop 3) Rachel Steinberg 4) Lushi Kratz 5) Gila Friedman 6) Zippora Samet 8) Scheindel Kupferschmidt 10) Falik 11) Velti Sigal 13) Sara Gerber Schwarzenberg 14) Chatzl Weitzberg 15) Gertwagen Genia 16) Moshe Baranenko 18) Ester Distenfeld 19) Perl Kupferschmidt 20) Aharon Sternberg 21) Feige Lozik 22) Yosef Barij 23) Mindel Drucker 24) Kahane daughter of Shimon 25) Ettel Grunschpan 26) Duni Ecker 27) Grunschpan Ettel 28) Golde Zehner 29) Liba Charap 30) Shimon Barij 31) Golde Laszczower 31) Natan Barach 32) Nunia Gertwagen 33) Tema Schrage 34) Ecker daughter of Tzvi Arye 35) Ester Distenfeld 36) Michel Schrage 37) Chava Barij Editor's note: number 31 is mistakenly repeated twice

[Page 38]

Standing, from right to left, first row: Kurzer Henia, Sandel Rivka, Weitzberg Chetzel, Taschme Chana Second row: Schrage Rivka, Windbeutel Lea, Goldscheider Ester, Weiss Ester, Schwarz Gila Third row: Menaker Rivka, Wasser Scheindel, Weissman Lea, the Hebrew teacher, Kurzer Toltzi, Czop Ester, Schorr Rachel On the poster: Hebrew School in Radekhov

[Page 39]

Top row, from right to left: 1) Baranenko 2) Moshe Schwarz 3) Eliyahu Zehner 4) Efraim Menaker 5) Mottel Gertwagen 6) Botknecht Avraham 7) Dov Ecker Second row: 8) Elefant Yosef 9) Mendel Kitzes 10) Pnina Brunn 11) David Ober 12) Avigdor Kleiner On the poster: Gordonia “Busli” group in Radekhov

[Page 40]

The rise of evil that took power in Germany in 1933 had a significant impact on the Jewish population everywhere. Economic trade decrees were implemented that were specifically designed to impoverish the Jews who primarily earned their living through trade. Propaganda urging people not to buy from Jews increased, and Polish shops were established in order to cut off Jewish businesses from their sources of income.

Top, from right to left: Ecker Elazar, Szargel Eliyahu, Menaker Chaim, Schwarz Moshe, Botknecht Avraham, Ober David, Malka Samet, Kitzes Mendel, Klejner Avigdor, Gertwagen Mottel, Kramm Poldi [Leopold], Ecker Dov, Guterman Tzvi Second row: Letzter Sara, Szargel Breindel, Alzufrom Leiber, Shoshana Weissman, Szargel Sara, Szkulnik Zelig, Brunn Elka, Sender Barach, Guterman Pepi, Barasch Tzevya, Katz Moshe Shmuel, Ober Rivka, Marie Sachs, Ecker Leib Third row: Taschme Binyamin, Weinberger Batya, Letzter Breindel, Wasser Rafael, Samet Chaya, Barach Naftali, Pepi Brunn, Isser Charap, Aharon Botknecht, Avraham Szargel, Henia Charap, Adler Malka, Miller Sheva Bottom row: Katz Ester, Zehner Mirl, Barak Binyamin, Kramm Madi [Arnold], Miller Sheva, Ober David, Elboym Michael, Windbeutel Lippa, Wasser Izio On the poster: Popular Youth Organization, 5697 (1936/7)

[Page 41]

The “Beitar” youth in Radekhov

My maternal great–grandfather, Yaakov Shmuel Raubvogel, was born in 1865 in Radekhov. He owned property in the village of Chmielno. The town's Jews greatly revered Reb Yaakov Shmuel, noting his intelligence and greatness. I can remember his special gravestone that was surrounded by a fence, and many townspeople would visit his grave to recite prayers and appeal for divine mercy.

My mother's mother, Rosa née Raubvogel Kohl married my grandfather Reb Anshel Kohl who was from the city of Kamionka Stromilova. He was a “resident,” meaning that he spent many years studying under the rabbi of Stratyn. Then he served as an instructor of teachers in Radekhov. He was greatly honored and admired by the community, and the leading citizens in town would come to study Torah from him. Among them was Shmarya Imber, the father of Schwartzwald, Feivel Geisler and others. Grandmother Tsira earned her livelihood by operating an iron materials store, and Grandfather totally devoted himself to studying Torah in order to fulfill the commandment of studying and teaching.

My father, Zvi Aryeh, of blessed memory, followed in his father's footsteps, and was a dedicated follower of the Rebbe of Stratyn, who would stay in my father's home together with his entourage whenever he visited our town.

I can remember one event in 1909, when the Rebbe of Stratyn visited our town, and my father, of blessed memory, complained to him that his livelihood was becoming increasingly difficult because the property manager of Count Badeni stopped buying merchandise from him for his estate. When the Rebbe heard this complaint, he spent a moment deep in thought and then immediately said, “Soon this manager will have a black end.” And so it was. One day in the winter he went outside and slipped on the ice on the lake of the estate. The ice broke under his feet, he slipped and broke his leg. Since there was no hospital in the area he was taken to the large city of Lvov and died from his injuries on the way.

At home, the spirit of Zionism was very strong. On one occasion the head of the community wanted to interfere with the Zionist youth who were collecting money in the synagogue on the holiday of Hoshana Rabbah for the Keren Kayemet . My grandfather the rabbi became angry at him, and said: In order to redeem land in the land of Israel it is even permitted to sign a contract on Shabbat – and the Keren Kayemet is redeeming land in the land of Israel.

This spirit of Zionism had a strong influence on my younger brother Mordechai, of blessed memory, who decided to carry out the mitzvah of settling in the land of Israel himself. He left our wealthy father's home and joined the chalutzim (pioneers), who were involved in all sorts of activities that were unacceptable at that time among Jewish youth, especially those from wealthy homes. He soon immigrated to the Holy Land.

My brother Mordechai once decided to purchase dozens of dunams^[1] of land in Palestine, and since he had no money for that purpose he turned to our father, who consulted with the Rebbe of Belz, who prohibited him from doing it, saying, “God forbid, they are polluting the land, desecrating Shabbat, and eating non–kosher meat.” So he did not purchase it, but thanks to my brother we still have surviving relatives living in Israel.

In the early days of World War II I worked for a German who was an agent in the business of iron and other metals to help the war effort. He appointed me as the manager of collecting and sorting metals, and thanks to that I was able to employ 30 Jews and to save them from the terrible decrees.

In 1942, Reb Yosef Shochet son of Yekutiel contacted me and said: You can see that famine is affecting us badly, and children are swollen and dying – we have to do something to save the children. I have no one other than you to speak to, and you can help them. I immediately made the first contribution and I demanded from all those who had hidden merchandise to give as much as they could. This was how we set up a kitchen in the synagogue of the Belz Chassidim. A barrel that was divided into two served as a stove and for a period of time we distributed to 1,200 people twice a day.

When the Germans were defeated the few survivors left their hiding places. When they found out that I was still alive, they started gathering around me, and I assisted them as much as possible. Afterwards I moved to Lvov, and various individuals who survived gathered around me. In Lvov we found out that Rabbi Steinberg from Brody survived in Dubno. Mr. Halberthal (now in Belgium) and I tried to bring him to Lvov. There was no community in those days, and many of the Auschwitz survivors and those wounded in the war turned to us. We helped them as much as we could.

In Germany I was involved in commerce, and I had contact with many merchants. On the eve of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1947–48 I was the chairman of the “Fighting Nation Tax” for Israel, and I assisted in purchasing weapons from Czechoslovakia. I received a certificate of appreciation from the Israeli government for this as shown below:

To:
Yaakov Weissman – Munich

Dear Friend,

With the completion of the “Fighting Nation Tax” project in the city of Munich, we feel pleasantly obligated to thank you in the name of the project administration for all your work and dedication in organizing the work in your city.

Your efforts proved your great loyalty to building our homeland and your active participation in the great war to establish the State of Israel.

We hope you continue your work in fortifying the state. Build it and you will be built by it.

With blessings from the State of Israel to the Fighting Nation Tax Project
Weingarten

In the village of Peratyn there lived a respected man who was a relative named Mordechai Launer. He owned a Torah scroll and many holy books. When he saw that the end of the Jewish Diaspora was fast approaching he took the Torah scroll and sacred texts and gave them to a priest of the “Subbotnik” sect so that he would hide them. In one of the Pentateuchs he inserted a note saying: “Since the end is approaching, should anyone from the Weissman family survive, I ask that you give this book to that person. Should that not be the case, please give it to any Jew who survives.”

With the arrival of the Bolsheviks, I was approached by the priest who told me he had a letter written to me. When I read the letter I asked him to bring me the Torah scroll. Because of danger on the roads from the Ukrainian marauders, the “Banderistas,” my brother Moshe and I carried the Torah scroll along with us the entire time of our wanderings until we arrived in Israel and then turned it over to a synagogue in Haifa. I view this event as being in the merit of my holy ancestors that served me well. Thank God I was able to see each of my sons and grandsons serving the nation in his own way. My daughter Tsiona Oberman is a chemist in a hospital. My son–in–law Mordechai is a doctor. My grandson Aryeh Oberman – a medical student. My granddaughter Orly will probably follow in their footsteps. My second daughter Hella Kraus lives in Mexico, and her husband is Moshe Kraus – a businessman. Their children are: Yitzchak – a mechanical engineer, whose wife is a dentist. Their second son is Anshel – a medical student, and the youngest is Dov – an architect. The children all know Hebrew and spent a year in Israel as volunteers, and they run Zionist activities where they live, especially among the youth.

Footnote:

1. One dunam is equivalent to approximately four acres. Return

  Radekhiv, Ukraine     Yizkor Book Project     JewishGen Home Page

Copyright © 1999-2025 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 08 Apr 2025 by JH