1931 - 39 SOCIAL
AND POLITICAL CHRONICLES
The Chapter about
Social Institutions of our native city, was registered in the Pinkas of
Pruzhany city published in 1931, Lacks in these chronicles almost ten years,
from 1931 until the destruction. In
different chapters are intertwined episodes of later years, but in a
fragmentary way.
We want to
highlight that current Pinkas will be the spine and memorial stone for future
generations, leaving registered the complete picture of our destroyed native
home, and to reflect the activity of Jewish daily life in Pruzhany. It includes
the work, effort, cultural achievements, discussions and consultations that
happened until the last day of existence of the community.
A fact happened by
chance which helped us to complete this period. Were conserved editions of
several years of "Pruzener Lebn" that appeared until bloody out brake
of WWII.
This data were
extracted of the section "Social Chronics", and completed some
details of those years, from the edition of 1931 Pinkas Pruzhany City
until the days eve of
destruction.
This chronicle
consisted on summaries, official statements and news of social institutions, that demonstrate clearly the active and
dynamic impulse and force of men and women of our native homes . We should
notice that "Pruzener Lebn" was edited by a sector of Pruzhany Jewish
community . The newspaper was published by a group of people that met in the
School Y. L. Peretz, the "
ydishist " group. Certainly the newspaper brought all the information
about common life, but without doubt
lack details of the "Hebraist" group. We tried to complete
this lack of information, with summaries of other sources. Is understood that
of Pruzener Lebn we rescued first those
information related directly with social
life of the city.
The chronicles
were ordered in various ways, distributed in different sections as the
following: the city in general, community issues, cultural and social institutions, mutual and economic help, etc. In this sections we maintained a
chronological order. The information of
some years are abundant, and in others are incomplete pages.
An important place
is devoted to the economic situation of our native city. Material needs
sometimes arrived to its higher point.
We also separate in an outstanding place the anti Jewish and
anti-Semitic tendencies of Polish
official government, that take a very sharp character in eves of nazis
destruction, and also the resistance demonstrated by our Jews.
We transmit the
news without any comment neither observation. They were very clear, and they
didn't need any explanation. They were the real reflection of truncated
lives.
The newspaper
"Pruzener Lebn" began to be published August 29 1930. Was responsible
editor ABRAHAM PRUZHANSKY. The newspaper was diagrammed in the same place in
which was diagrammed the Pinkas of Pruzhany City, and was organized for this
purpose. The newspaper was printed in the printing of Seimik (TN: Drukarnia
Sejmiku in Polish, see our Documents Gallery. In English means "Printing
of the Independent Council of the District").
The redactors
I - MUNICIPAL
COUNCIL ELECTIONS. PUBLIC AFFAIRES
Year 1930
September
In the election of
municipal council entered the Municipal Council, Jews of several areas. For
example, in the First Group was Vice
Major A. BIRENBOIM. In the second group, as member of the Commission, was ELIAHU POMERANIETZ.
In the Assembly of
Urban Commission, were elected representatives in electoral commissions the
following Jewish council men: M.
VOLANSKY, Z. GOLDFAYN and E. GLEZER.
The Municipality
of Pruzhany, informed the following in an official statement in Yiddish:
"In August will be due the term for payment local taxes second installment
of inhabited areas, and lands in market area.
Just after Rosh Hashanah, collectors of this taxes will go to cash
them.
Take care of your
money and pay taxes in due term!
The collectors
also charge a minimum of 1 guilden, and 5% in case of biggest amounts.
Signed: the
Municipality.
November
I) For the
elections of municipal council, the lists of candidates was published . It will be carried out November 16. In the
area of Pruzhany were presented 5 lists, one Polish and 4 Jewish. The Polish
list includes government's people, and the Jews were;
List No. 5. Left
socialist group ("Bund", independent, socialist workers). Candidates
were
1) REIS
A., Eng. Warsaw
2) ERLICH
H., Journalist, Warsaw
3) ALTER
V. Eng. Warsaw, and five other person
List No. 6.
Zionist workers
1) LEW Y.
Teacher, from Warsaw
2) BUKSBOIM
N. Journalist, both in first places
List No. 17 Polish
Jews National Rights Defense Group. In first places were:
1) GRINBOIM
Y. Journalist
2) FARBSHTEIN
H. Warsaw
List No. 18 Jewish
Administrative Group. Candidates were:
1) RAZNER
CH.
2) EKERMAN
AIZIK, Warsaw
II) During
Municipality Assembly was carried out a debate about the municipal decision of
granting 500 guilden to pay 1931 Pruzhany City Pinkas. A Councilor of
Christian Club called VARANOVSKY, was against this payment. He adduced that it
should be published in Polish. A Jewish Councilor GRINWALD supported him, with
the condition that works should be of scientific character. The defenders of
the proposal, were the Councilors URISNKY, NITZBERG, PINSKY, VOLANSKY, and the
Major DORANT (Pole) who supported the opinion of Jewish councilors. Three
proposals were presented:
1) To pay
a subsidy of 500 guilden
2) Not to
pay the subsidy: BARANOWSKY y GRUNWALD
3) Pay now
250 guilden (proposed by Mr. M. YUNOVITSH).
The pay proposal
(No 1) was accepted by 12 votes in favor against 2.
III) In connection
with the celebration of Independence Day, November 11, were carried out
religious services for Polish population in general in the Church, and for the
Jews in the Bet Medresh ' Bet Yakov."
IV) Final result
of elections of November 16 in Pruzhany was the following:
Registered to
vote: 3670
Voted: 2547
The different
lists obtained:
List 1 National
Group : 1602 votes
List 5 Socialist
Block (Bund, independent and Zionist workers): 383 votes
List 6 Left
Zionist Workers: no votes
List 17 Zionist,
headed by GRINBOIM: 504 votes
List 18
Administrative Block headed by RASNER: 33 votes.
V) Was carried out
population's general census in Poland. The official authorities distributed
propaganda, for which was asked Jews to declare their national citizenship
should be "Pole". Of here
comes the great difference of quantity
between Jewish religion and Jewish nationality.
In the note
"The population' census" written by M. VOL are interesting figures
about Jews in this District, the quantity and the answers to the questions
religion and Jewish nationality. The figures correspond to the census
carried out December 9 1921. Next are the figures corresponding to the
note up mentioned, related with cities
mentioned in our Pinkas :
|
City |
Jewish Religion |
Jewish
Nationality |
|
Pruzhany |
4152 |
2945 |
|
Bereza |
2163 |
1708 |
|
Shereshev |
3104 |
179 |
|
Malch |
421 |
204 |
|
Selcz |
238 |
99 |
|
Total |
10078 |
5135 |
In later publications of "Pruzener
Lebn" appear instructions to
population about which should be the behavior during interviews with
authorities during census:
Number (63) 47,
Friday, November 20
"An
indication: During population's census indicate Yiddish is your maternal
language!"
In December 8 was
issued - due to the census - an extra edition, where appeared a series of notes
and instructions to be remembered: "When the census man visits you when
asks : Which is your maternal language?
Answer Yiddish!! (Zhidowsky).
Yiddish
is your only language!
Don't
lie, tell them Yiddish!
Don't
allow you to deceive! Yddish, only Yiddish!
You
speak Yddish, then answer: Yddish!
Year 1932
January
In an Editorial
Note called "The limits of giving up" in which is commented the issue
of Pruzhany's Urban Commission budget , we read among other things:
" ...How much
of General Budget receives of the Municipality, the Jewish Community? Of
general budget the amount of 191.000 guilden, and for education 31770 guilden,
that is to say 16.5%. Institutions of Jewish education had only a third, that is to say
5%."
This demonstrates
the indifference toward institutions in
general, and toward education in particular. The note finished this way.
"Let us don't
give up our right to demand!."
February
In Municipality Assembly called to consider
1932/33 Budget, for Jewish institutions were assigned the amounts shown in
footnote [i]
October
Last Tuesday,
October 18, was carried out an Urban Commission meeting. Among other less
important issues, two candidates and two representatives were chosen for Taxes
Collection Control Commission , since their term had concluded. Again were elect
members: Z. GOLDFAYN and SH. FINSKY, and A. TZEKERMAN and M. YANOVITCH
as candidates.
1933
February
On Saturday
February 11 was carried out the meeting to consider next year budget. Small
changes were accepted, according to the project of the Commission. It was 30%
less compared with previous year. For Jewish institutions were assigned the subsidies that are
mentioned in footnote.[ii]
April
In the Meeting of
the Urban Commission happened on
Saturday April 22, among other issues were considered the painful cases carried
out by control authority, when taking
from their positions two Jewish employees of the Municipality and of
Electricity Company. The Treasurer Mrs. L GOLDBERG was fired from its job, and
N. NEIMAN was discharged with a three months compensation.
May
Last Wednesday a
Taxes Services official, applied a severe sanction to Mrs. SHEINE ROCHEL for not paying taxes. She had a small trade
in the market. All her merchandise was 12 bottles of lemonade, 5
"bagels" and 9 eggs. All this
was appraised in 3 guilden, confiscated, and put for sale. Nobody bought it.
The merchandise was transferred to the camp, to Taxes Debts Sector.
1934
Abril
Under Major Mr. A.
BIRBOIM gives up his position. In his
place was designated Dr. M FAYNGOLD.
The Urban Council
budget for the new year, is mentioned in footnote [iii]
April 17 will be
carried out elections in Urban Commission. Were presented the list of
candidates of "Independent
Block" whose 7 Jewish candidates were the following : Attorney
LAYVNHENDLER - LEVITZKY, GOLDFAYN Z., YANOVITSH Y., LIATZKY M., RAVNITZKY B.,
TZUKERMAN A., and CANEL Y. A list of Christian candidates of "Labor
Block", was also presented only in three districts. The list of Bund was
presented in one district.
May
Were hung streets
posters signed by the President of the
Commission which was organized to execute Elections, informing that only
one list was presented in all districts (the other ones were annulled, as
registered in the Pinkas) , and voting could not be executed. This list was
integrated by 7 Jews and 9 non Jews, that is to say a total of 16 councilors
August
Last Saturday
night one was carried out a meeting with authorities of Urban Council, for the election of new officers. As Major was elected V.
YANOSH, Under Major Dr. M. FAYNGOLD, members Z. GOLDFAYN, P. SHIMANSKY, and H. ADAMOVITSH.
The SEIMIC
(District Independent Council ) obtained that 50% to 90% of subsidies of the Municipality, were
dedicated to Jewish institutions.
(We lack data
about the facts happened during the years 1935/36, and following years are not complete).
1937
June
Was carried out a
farewell dinner for local Prefect CHMIELIAVSKY, that was designated for same
position in the city of Brest. Attended the dinner approximately 100 people.
Among Jews attended: Dr. A. GOLDFAYN Vice Major, Dr. M. FAYNGOLD Kehila's President, F. GOLDFAYN Union of
Small Merchants President, Rabbi Z. GOLDFAYN . and Mr. A. SELETZKY.
Caused a very good
impression the final toast in charge of Dr. OLGA GOLDFAYN, in which she thanked
Prefect CHMIELIAVSKY for his tolerant relationship with Jewish population while
carrying out his position in Pruzhany. Finished saying: "We regret your
departure in these moments, but we feel a deep satisfaction because you will
assume same position in Brest. There, you will carry out not only
administrative tasks, but in certain sense also sanitary, and will maintain population's equilibrium who is restless."
(Note: Previous
Brest prefect was deprived of his position after bloody facts in May of this
year. The Prefect of Pruzhany belonged to
democratic and liberal elements of Poland government machinery).
1938
April
Some time behind,
Vice major Mr. FAYNGOLD presented to authorities his resignation, but it was
not accepted. Lately, he presented it again, and this time was liberated of the position.
1939
April
May 7 was last
date to present lists of candidates for the election of Urban Council that will
be carried out May 21. The geographical
map was divided in 4 districts, and each district chose 4 councilors that is to
say a total of 16. [iv]
Electoral
Commission designated following Jews: F. GOLDFAYN, LAZAR HALPERIN, AVROHOM
SELETZKY, ITSHE YUDKOVSKY and MOISHE BURSHTEIN.
May
In electoral
offices were designated only two Jews., AVROHOM SELETZKY and LAZAR HALPERIN,
and as substitutes CHAIM ZAIDMAN and MOISHE BUSHTEIN.
We won't need to vote
On Sunday May 7
was last date to present lists. There should be two lists for each district, of
four districts with Jewish majority. Were willing to present lists
Bund and Artisans (left), and
merchants and Zionist (right) .
On Sunday
afternoon was known that this lists would not be admitted, and in 4 districts
there will be a list denominated " OZON " (Ovuz Ziednachenia
Narodovego) that means, Rural Unit Camp. It had Nazi's objectives. In two of
the districts (the 3rd. and 4th) would also be integrated a list combined of 5
Jews and three non Jews, that is to say that in the total of the 16 councilmen
, would be only five Jews. Was formed a list with the following 5 Jews: Z.
GOLDFAYN, YTZL YANOVITSH, lawyer VELVEL SHRAIMAN, YOSEL KANIEL, and lawyer
LAYBNHENDLER-LEVITZKY.
But later was
checked that this list was presented
after 7 p.m. when electoral office was already closed. On Monday morning
was checked that party "Ozon" presented in same two districts its own
list, in which three Jews figured. It was not necessary to vote.
In Urban
Commission entered the 16 candidates of
" Ozon " (and among them those mentioned 3 Jews).
II - KEHILA 'S
ADMINISTRATION
1932
June
Last Sunday was
carried out in Linat Ha'tzedek's building a public meeting which considered Kehila's budget for the
second semester. The meeting was carried out in an upset context with a lot of
people in the galleries. Some items of the budget were considered, and among
board members were different opinions expressed in very hard terms. It happened
when considering Rabbi's wage, and when was considered the decision about
subsidies for the Hebrew High Scholl and for the Talmud Torah.
With regard
to "Rabbi's wage", G.
URINSKY, leader of the Kehila, answered in sharp terms to board member KRUTZEL
who had expressed that the Rabbi was entitled to live amply.
Also, with regard
to Talmud Torah issue URINSKY answered with a sharp speech delimiting that some
board members looked for to favor its Talmud Torah in detriment of other
schools.
He stressed that
this attitude is a scandalous imposition, when granting the Talmud Torah 200
guilden more than to schools, considering that they have a third of students in
relation to other schools. In the discussion participated leaders: KRUTZEL, GOLDBERG.
GELMAN, President GOLDFAYN and others.
The budget was
conformed according to the detail in footnote.[v]
July
Last Tuesday was
carried out last meeting to decide
community budget, but were
absent board members KRUTZEL and
POMERANIETZ. Last one sent a letter in which informed about his resignation.
The Commission didn't accept the resignation and requested explanations. In the
" agenda " arose again the issue of the "Subsidy to High
Scholl" and with the majority of one vote were assigned 250 guilden . Were
also assigned 80 guilden for IWO of Wilna. Were conformed several commissions.
September
On Sunday
September 17 was carried out a Kehila plenary meeting. The agenda was:
1. State loan at
6% interest rate
2. Institution of
norms to cemetery (Chevra Kadisha)
3. Status of
Public Bathroom
4. Social
defense.
With regard to the
point 1, the Rabbi pronounced a speech
alleging the necessity to support the loan payment, from a national point of
view. At the same time, was decided that the Kehila will assign 450 guilden for such an end, and that will inform the population about the
importance of the loan.
With regard to
point 2, was decided that to avoid future conflicts among different opinions that arrived until profanation of deceased's honor, will be
formed a group composed by several proprietors that don't have lateral
aspirations. For this objective was formed a commission, to elaborate a project
(See following section about "Three Chevra Kadisha").
With regard to point
3, were created regulations for the Public Bathroom. After requesting help to
several people, concluded the meeting.
October
Last Saturday
night was carried out a Kehila's Commission meeting, in which was accepted year
budget, after lingering and heated debates. After the debate, was approved the
budget that figures in footnote[vi]
1934
March
Last Tuesday
Pruzhany;s Kehila send a telegram to District Council and to the Ministry,
whose content was the great danger that could cause to population the announcement
of the new ordinance on Industry and Trade. They requested to be annulled.
July
The Kehila
received from the Municipality the Budget, with certain changes made by
Supervision Commission . They reduced the annual salary of the Rabbi of Shereshev
from 2400 annual guilden to 1940 guilden, the Treasurer's L. GOLDBERG
salary of 720 to 500, the salary
of slaughters collector B. PRUZHANSKY
of 720 to 600, of slaughters DAVID
SUSHAN and EPHRAIM PRUZHANKSY of 2100 annual guilden to 1400, to YEHUDA PRUZHANSKY
of 1320 at 800, and to slaughters of Linowo and Sheresherv of 1680 was reduced
to 1000.
Social help for
Shereshev increased of 300 to 515 guilden, with the condition that the amount
of 215 guilden is dedicated to medical help, and 300 for the poor. Also was
established that starting from July 15, the Kehila will be in charge of giving
birth certificates, according to fees decided by the Kehila.
The Kehila
commission assigned 50 guilden for those damaged in floods . Trade retailers had also to collect money for the same
objective.
1937
February
Last week were
carried out some meetings in Kehila headquarters, where was analyzed the
situation of six families whose occupation was meat workers, and according to
the content of new Ordinance would not
be admitted as partners by other butchers. This way, the six family were going
to be without sustenance. Were present
representatives of both groups and they didn't reach any agreement.
During the meeting
of last Tuesday, was considered the incident happened in the Kehila last
Sunday, among Board Members SH. SAPHIR
and L. GOLDBERG. The first one was attacked by GOLDBERG, while butchers
protested for rate increase in bovine
and calves slaughtering. The Kehila
Administration called the attention to leader GOLDBERG for his attack
the leader SAPIR.
May
The Pruzhany
Kehila's Administration informs: a temporary employee is needed for office
work; he should be able to travel to Shereshev. The work begins Sunday 9.
July
The Kehila
informs: the President GOLDFAYN will be absent for a short period, because he
trips abroad. In his absence will occupy the position Mr. Y. E. GLEZER.
The Kehila Budget
was confirmed by the Municipality introducing small changes. Were decreased the
salaries of the three butchers to 380 guilden, and was requested to assign a
specialist to control animal viscera.
Was requested to
the Kehila that arrangements were made in public bathroom. The public bathroom
called " Sehereshev " and the ritual bathroom (Mikve), should be
closed while are not carried out necessary arrangements.
November
Last Sunday a
meeting was carried out in Kehila's headquarters . The proposal of Board member
URINSKY was that - just as was made in previous years - it is provided footwear
to poor scholars, and for this objective was assigned 300 guilden.
December
Kehila's budget
was sent to the Government Control Department. The content is same as previous
year, with small changes. The item "State" increases 25% due to
Slaughtering regulations. During current year diminished slaughtering incomes,
as it is declared in the budget.
1938
March
In last Kehila's
administrative meeting, and according to proposal of LEIB GOLDBERG was assigned 25 guilden for the "Medem"
Institute (was located in Miedzeshin),
near Warsaw.
1939
February
The Community
receives from Control Department the confirmation of the Budget. This
Department annuls three items of 50 guilden each one (YWO, KKL, and KEREN
HA'YESOD). The sum of 150 guilden is assigned to social help.
III - THREE CHEVRA
CHADISHA
1932
July
Announcement
Protocol of the
meeting carried out on Tuesday 15 Tamuz
1932 because of the debate in the Chevra Kadisha.
Note: The declarations
were accepted by Mr. PISETZKY in the institution "Linat Ha'tzedek."
August
We communicate
that August 19 was legalized through
the Municipality of Polesia, the group "Chesed shel Emet" (mercy and
truth) in Pruzhany. New members who want to be integrated to this organization,
have to address it and declare it to
Administration member Reb DOVID
POMERANIETZ. Signed: The temporary
administration
September
Chevra Kadisha
Official Statement. Considering that the members of Chevra Kadisha: ABRAHAM
GORDON, CHANANIA SEGAL, DAVID POMERANIETZ and MOISHE YAKOV GRINBERG decided by
themselves together with local inhabitant SHLOIME SEGAL, to found a new Chevra
Kadisha, in order to avoid discords with above mentioned friends, we proposed
to give this issue to the Kehila Council, so it intervenes in this conflict.
The Chevra Kadisha accepts the decision of the Council, but those Sirs up
mentioned didn't accept the verdict,
and founded a Chevra Kadisha with the name "Chesed shel Emet".
Old Chevra Kadisha
decided to move away members up mentioned, and to erase their name of old Pinkas that exists from more than 100 years ago. We declare openly that the
Old Chevra Kadisha has a past of centuries, with old customs and traditions,
and this Pinkas is worthy of being in charge of the important precept of assisting and honor deceased.
"Chesed shel
Emet " Official Statement
As we
communicated, was legalized the Group "Chesed shel Emet" in Pruzhany.
The group has the objective of introducing a certain order, and to fulfill the
tasks decided by this group. A correct accounting was ordered, where each cent
will be registered in its corresponding place. An Administration and a Revision
Commission will be chosen formed by members of the group, which will have the responsibility
of supervising the tasks, in accordance with Statute and it's amendments.
All income and
expenditures will be under control, and if it were a surplus of money, will be
distributed among Jewish institutions that are in critical situation. The
offices of the Group are temporally in the Bet Medrsesh "Achnosas
Orchim" on Kobrin St.
Signed: The
Temporary Commission of "Chesed shel Emet"
Official statement
of the first General Assembly of the Group "Chesed shel Emet" of
Pruzhany.
On Sunday 25 of
this month, was carried out in the Offices of "Chesed Shel Emet" the
first General Annual Assembly. In the agenda were the following items:
1. Opening
2. Election
of President, Secretary and their two substitutes
3. Report
about the foundation of the group and it's obligations.
4. Certification
of annual budget
5. Acceptance
of Mr. LEIB AVERBUCH as Group member
6. Election
of an administration, a Revision Commission, and a Representative.
7. Diverse
proposals.
Mr. SHLOIME SEGAL
transmitted in synthesis a report about the foundation of the group, and of the
task that consists on helping Jewish population in the execution of religious
laws in the moment of burying deceased .
It also aims not to demand excessive payment to deceased's relatives,
and - as much as possible- to aid
Jewish indigent population in all their
necessities. The president YDL FAITELEVITSH read again the Annual Budget, and
after considering each item, was accepted. In relation to the XVII paragraph of
the statute, was accepted Mr. LEIB AVERBUCH as Group member. Was chosen a
commission and their representatives as follows:
In the
Assembly were accepted some amendments,
among which are those referred to funerals as follows: the coffin should be
accompanied to the cemetery by not less than 10 people, be by day or by night.
Signed: The
Administration of Chesed Shel Emet in Pruzhany.
Public Report
Will be taken
steps to found a new Chevra Kadisha here, with the name "Ezrat Achim"
(Fraternal Help), which will also have the task of offering gratuitous medical aid in the event of
illness of some of it's members. For information and inscription, go to Mr. DOVID SHAPIRO, street
Brovarna.
Signed: The
organizing committee.
1939
January
Kehila's
Administration informs that the inscription to belong to the Group
"Halvayas Ha'mes" (To Accompany The Deceased), next to the Kehila,
will be carried out on Sunday, January 22.
February
The community sent
a letter to Mr. YTZHAK YANOVITSH to force him to return to the Kehila, the
Pinkas of the CHEVRA KADISHA that is under his possession. This is an historical
register of great importance that should not be in private hands.
Last Sunday was
carried out in Kehila's offices a meeting of those that registered to be
members of the Group "Halvayas Hames". Were chosen 4 Treasurers and
their representatives
IV - ANTI JEWISH
MANIFESTATIONS AND REACTIONS
1932
August
On Monday morning
inhabitants Seltzer St., found walls full with posters with the following
content (in Polish): "Hit Jews, save Poland!, celebrate Bartholomew's
Night."
The inhabitants
pulled up posters, informed the Police, which began an investigation.
1933
March
On Monday at 6 p.
m. Jewish business closed. In the Bet Medresh "Bet Yaakov" was
carried out a protest act against
Hitler. Speakers were AREZ, GRINWALD and GROBER.
April
Since was settled
down in our city a house to attend sick person, worked there two Jewish
doctors, Dr. A. GOLDFAYN and Dr. FAYNGOLD. Unexpectedly both doctors received
an official statement from "Sick persons attention house in Brisk",
according to which they were expelled starting next month, because they did
not adapt to ordinances, and they
didn't complete their obligations properly.
October
Today was carried
out in urban tribunal a trial against
Sirs NOTE YURKOVSKY, ABRAHAM
BERMAN and MEIER MOTEL, accused of the following: the day of protest
when Jewish merchants closed their business, they hit posters and urged to
close business as a protest for taxes excessive increase.
1937
January
Polish new
"kosher" slaughtering Decree[vii].
The amount of
Kosher meat for the District of Pruzhany was fixed in 100.000 kg. of livestock
for next 3 months, up to March 1. For the city of Pruzhany was fixed 40% of the
total, that is to say 40.000 kg. of livestock, which means in terms of eatable
meat, less than the half. Only five butchers received concession for marketing
kosher meat: ELIOHU TOGMAN, MOISHE HERSCH GOLDBERG, TZALKE GOLDBERG, ZALMAN
POZNIAK, and KALBKOIF. Each butcher was entitled to slaughter only 6000 kg of
kosher meat during next quarter. Was considered that one or two additional
concessions will be granted.
Last week were
slaughtered for kosher meat, 5 cows and 16 calves. Some dozens of calves were
slaughtered by Jews, but not for kosher consumption. Other 21 Jewish butchers,
obtained a permission to market non kosher meat. The kosher meat increased it's price in 25%.
April
Open letter to
millers[viii]
During last years,
cereals big buyers, also called "complete boxcar cereals buyers",
began to buy directly to peasants, and this way ruined dozens of families who
are merchants of cereals that bought to peasants and sold to great
merchants. Afterwards they could only
buy a small quantity of cereals and sell it to millers. Now, big merchants
forced millers to associate with them, in such a way of avoiding small
merchant. For this reason we address you and we request not to destroy few families that barely maintain
themselves. If you continue in this attitude, they will be exterminated
definitively.
Signed: Small
merchants of cereals in Pruzhany.
May
In May 21's issue
appears the following news::
The news
During May 13,
news arrived to Pruzhany about what happened in Brest. This created in our city
a feeling of depression and panic. Some residents phone called to their
relatives and well-known people. After some days, local Jews sent packages with
groceries for their friends in Brest.
The daughter of AVROHOM LUBASHITZ "the saddler of Pruzhany",
suffered a sanction because she had an alcoholic drinks sale business in the
village Graievka. YANKEL GORDON son of YOSEF, partner of a soda manufacturing
company, was harmed by damages and break of merchandise glass containers. Other
people whose origin was Pruzhany were also harmed. Donations were received for
those harmed of Brest, for the amount of 2000 guilden.
School students
representation that should be carried out for a second time on Saturday
night, was deferred. The dancing
veiled of Orphans Home that should be
carried out on Sunday night, the first day of " Shavuot " (Pentecost),
was also deferred. The Zionist meeting programmed to be held the second day of
Shavuot, was also deferred.
In the editorial
note of same day and under the title "Cold Blood! ", is
written:
The command today
is cold blood and tranquility. It is understood that it is not easy, it demands
a great effort and strong discipline, but it is a question of life for all in
general and each one in particular. Each one should continue with its daily
task, and activity should not be paralyzed one minute, being it social or
cultural.
Organized help for
harmed in Brest
The collection for
Brest harmed people weakened last days. As it is appreciated, we are very far
from the amount of 2000 guilden that was committed to collect Pruzhany's
Kehila. One of weakness factors of this activity is the organization. It was a great error that the community was
not in charge of the organization of this activity, but it is not late to
introduce a change and succeed.
It is a duty of
honor for Pruzhany, so near to Brest and united to it with thousands of
threads, to be able to collect as a minimum the amount of 2000 guilden.
The former High
Scholl Professor Mr. MALINIAK, a Christian, donated 5 guilden for those harmed
in Brest.
June
Very nervous
situation
Last week a very
nervous sensation dominated population, due to restless echoes, because
hooligans said that in the city, yesterday Tuesday (June 3), would happen
"facts". In front of some houses were painted different offensive
inscriptions, and swastikas
against Jews. As a consequence of these
facts, Wednesday was formed a
delegation integrated by the president of the Kehila Dr. GOLDFAYN , the Vice
Major Dr. FAYNGOLD and the Rabbi, who went to see prefect CHMIELOVKSY, who assured the delegation that calm would
reign in the future, and indeed yesterday Thursday was absolute tranquil.
The collection for
Brest, was superior to the amount of 2000 guilden. The president GOLDFAYN gave
last Monday the money to the Committee in Brest.
In two editions
of "Pruzener Lebn" was
published the list of donors. Participated
504 people and the amount
collected was 2011,90 guilden. It is interesting to see the high quantity of
donors. The quantity of people that contributed are indicated in foot note [ix]
Anti-Semitic
agitation
During last weeks,
increased anti-Semitic agitation in our city and it's surroundings. Were
distributed pamphlets in the city and the villages, inciting to boycott Jews.
Among the scholars, were distributed pamphlets with horrible cartoons of Jews,
with boycott slogans.
In the building of
Toz children summer house in Liache, anti Jewish inscriptions were painted in walls
Unknown people
disseminated worrying rumors. For next Thursday, fair day, was said that were
prepared attacks to Jews. Jewish
population was very depressed.
July
Sanitary
Commission[x]
During this week
administrative authorities visited business and public places. A quantity of
business were notified they should set some order in a certain term. Others
were sanctioned with fines or prison.
Yesterday
Thursday, was closed the Kehila's chickens slaughterhouse, under the order of
the Commission. Was also closed the "steam bathroom", until are
carried out necessary fixing.
1938
February
Butchers committed
to collect money for the purchase of an airplane for the army, as a Jewish
butchers' donation. Last week was created an "action committee" for
this objective, under the presidency of Mr. LEIB GOLDBERG.
March
Tobacco
concessions [xi] were
given only to two Jews. A dozen of Jewish tobacconists that traded this item
for almost two decades, were not given concession. Even those as YOCHANAN
KIRSHNER that had an trade only of
tobacco in town market, did not receive a concession. Contrarily, several Christian
were that were never in contact with this specialty, were given this
concession. Were selected only the two mentioned Jews, a former voluntary
SELETZKY and MEIR MOTIL the owner of a kiosk on Pacevitz St.
Were found
breaking glasses
This Wednesday
afternoon, the tailor ROGOVITSH that lives besides " Neguidish "
Bet Medresh, saw some high school students breaking glasses of the Bet
Medresh. ROGOVITSH pursued them, and a student, ALEXEI KARELTSHUK was caught
and sent to police.
On last Sunday unknown people broke eight
glasses of the Bet Medresh "MOIER" in Dombrowski St., in the back
street that limits with Perlshtein's
house.
Last week, in
houses of families SHUSTER and KIVATINIETZ on Derechin St. were broken several
glasses .
June
Last Sunday was
carried out in Sport Center, behind
Pruzhany city, a parade with the participation of all rural cooperatives. In this great meeting was spoken about
cooperation. Were also carried out two shows about two business: one
Jewish with negative connotation, and
the other one a non Jewish cooperative with positive connotation.
1939
July
Urbanization
victims[xii]
A poor shoemaker,
MOISHE IZACZON had a precarious house on
"Orlitshdreshe" St. (Brest St.), and received the order to
destroy his humble shanty. The term for its execution was three months. A great
quantity of poor families were in same situation, because not only IZACZON was
among those that didn't have possibility to reconstruct a better housing in
same place, neither was possible for him to rent a house
To enter this
year's High School state local first class,
were presented for exams 168 candidates. Of them 60 were rejected and
108 approved. Only 80 students were accepted, and the remaining ones were not
accepted because of scarce space . Were
present to exams 8 Jewish students , and of this quantity approved 3. These
3, were not accepted due to mentioned
reason. This way, this year, first year of State School will be "free of Jews"
==============
Notes
|
Institution |
Guilden |
|
Orphans Home
|
7800 |
|
Yiddish and Hebrew Popular schools (each) |
3200 |
|
Hebrew high school
|
1500 |
|
Social charity (Linat Ha'dtzedek) |
|
|
Children Sanitary Help (Toz) |
400 |
|
Loan Fund |
200 |
|
Both Libraries
|
200 |
|
YIWO
(VILNA) |
30 |
|
Institution |
Guilden |
|
Schools Y. L. PERETZ and YAVNE |
1800 |
|
Hebrew high school
|
975 |
|
Social charity "Linat Ha'tzedek" |
150 |
|
Children Sanitary Help (Toz) |
200 |
|
Loan Fund |
250 |
|
YIWO (VILNA)
|
30 |
|
Orphans Home |
5000 |
|
Schools Supply
|
400 |
|
Institution |
Guilden |
|
Jewish schools
|
1000 |
|
Hebrew high school
|
750 |
|
Social charity Linat Ha'tzedek" |
150 |
|
Children Sanitary Help (Toz) |
250 |
|
Loan Fund |
100 |
|
Orphans Home |
3000 |
[iv] To diminish amount of Jewish delegates in Urban Commissions,
was changed electoral system. Before,
vote was proportional to quantity of Jews, and now was instituted a system by voters' district,
and Jewish delegates diminished.
|
Income |
Guilden |
|
Animals slaughtering |
6950 |
|
Linowo slaughtering
|
1200 |
|
Cemetery |
2500 |
|
Birth Certificates
|
300 |
|
State |
2690 |
|
Public baths |
1700 |
|
Expenditures |
|
|
Rabbi's salary
|
1800 |
|
Employees |
1260 |
|
Slaughters |
3600 |
|
Shrouds for poor
|
500 |
|
Gravediggers
|
240 |
|
Public Baths
|
2000 |
|
Non community leaders |
200 |
|
Schools Peretz and Yavne |
1000 |
|
Talmud Torah
|
700 |
|
Popular library
|
80 |
|
Orphans home
|
700 |
|
Indigents home
|
400 |
|
Toz |
350 |
|
Loan Fund |
150 |
|
Miscellaneous
|
150 |
|
Fire insurance
|
40 |
|
Health Fund |
250 |
|
Institution |
Guilden |
|
Schools |
800 |
|
Orphans Home |
1200 |
|
YIWO |
30 |
To feed school children were
voted 50 guilden monthly.
[vii] One of anti Jewish
manifestations was to institute quotas of "kosher meat" . The Municipality fixed quantity of "kosher" meat that could be slaughtered, and
who will be Jewish butchers.
[viii] The government fixed
quotas for Jewish cereal buyers, to
avoid the intervention of these merchants.
|
Amount in Guilden |
Persons |
|
100 |
1 |
|
52 |
1 |
|
40 |
3 |
|
32 |
6 |
|
20 |
6 |
|
15 |
11 |
|
12 |
2 |
|
11 |
1 |
|
10 |
25 |
|
8 |
1 |
|
7.5 |
1 |
|
7 |
1 |
|
5 |
71 |
|
4 |
13 |
|
3 |
66 |
|
2 |
119 |
|
1.5 |
7 |
|
1 |
134 |
|
60 groshn |
1 |
|
50 groshn |
1 |
|
30 groshn |
1 |
[x] The commission was
another "method" to cause damage to
Jews. They surprised a fair Jew when the situation of his business was
in infraction, or under "non
sanitary " conditions.
[xi] Were limited Jews from trading tobacco. This was a
practical policy of Polish government to exterminate Jewish trade.
[xii] City enhancement was
paid by Jews, but their housing showed
the contrary look.