JEWISH WESTERN BULLETIN
The Jewish Western Bulletin
Official Organ of the Vancouver Jewish Administrative Council Philip Lesser______________:__Chairman Administrative Council
Harry Musikansky.
.Business Manager and Publisher
2675 Oak St., BAy. 4210..
Business Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p,m., except Saturday and Jewish Holy Days. Entered as Second Class Mail Matter at Ottawa
There is none so blind as they that won't see—Jonathan Swift.
VANCOUVER, B.C., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1940
Center BiBslding Pledges
The fourth payment on the pledges of the Amortization Plan on the Community Centre Building is now due, and notices to this effect have been sent to those members of the community who generously pledged to this cause. Already there has been a good response, but the committee in charge of the building finances are anxious to have all the payments in immediately in order that commitments made and now due, be paid.
Pledgors will recognize the value of the Community Centre in meeting its obligations promptly, for after all, procrastination casts a reflection on the good name of the Centre, a thing which can easily be avoidied by the immediate payment of the pledges now owing.
We hope that this appeal will be given careful attention by those who have not already made their payment, at the same time we take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation for the valuable financial aid which those members of the community extended to the Community Centre when it was most needed.
Strictly Confidential
By PmNEAS J. BKON NEWS COLUMN
The Vichy government, they tell us, is deliberating on a mass deportation of Jews to Madagascar. . . . Note to our lady readers: We hear that Gory Goering's favorite perfume is a concoction called L'Houre Bleu. ... He uses it in his bawth. . . . Magda Lu-pescu is carrying a lethal supply of poison on her person these days, and will use it if the Rumanian Iron Guardists succeed in kidnapping her from Spain. . . . Bather death than capture is her motto. . . . Since Hitler came to power, reveals Neal O'Hafa, more than $1,100,000,000 has been collected for the Nazi Winter Relief Fund in Germany—and no accounting whatsoever has been given to the public of the disposition of all that dough. . . . Lord Haw-Haw, the renegade Englishman whom Berlin uses as its English-language propagandist, has changed his name from Joyce tO; Froolich—which means "joyful" in German. . . . Latest Broadway epithet for the Nazis is "Berlinsects." . . . Winchell relays the story about the babies, one German and one Italian, whose identification tags were lost. . . . "How can you tell which is which?" somebody asked the nurse in charge, . . . "That's easy," she replied. ... "I just say 'Hell Hitler'— and the German baby lifts its right arm in salute, while the Italian baby immediately kisses the little Heinle's little foot." . . . Along the same line is Jimmy Dorsey's comment: "The only thing II Duce can lick is Hitler's boots." . . .
YOU SHOULD KNOW
The cultural life of Palestine goes on despite war and blackouts, with one exception. Dr. Nissan Touroff recently reported to the Palestine Hebrew Culture Fund. . . . The publication of books and the size of newspapers has been sharply curtailed, due to an acute shortage of paper in Eretz Israel. . . . Jerusalem, Dr. Tour-off further revealed, has become the refugee center of the Near East. . , . Did you read Pierre van Paassen's piece, entitled "The Coming Battle for Jerusalem," in last week's Liberty Magazine? . .. We learn that the late Robert Marshall, forester and son of the Jewish leader Louis Marshall, left the major part of his fortune, amounting to over a million dollars, to a foundation that is to study ways and means of instituting an economy based on the use-motive rather than on the profit motive. . . . Joseph G. Brin, publisher of the Boston Jewish Advocate, is the author of a book that should be circulated among our would-be speakers. ... It is called "Personal Power Through Public Speech," and is a very systematic text-book on that subject. . . . Erwin Piscator's production of "King Lear," which is now being readied for Broadway and which will have Sam Jaffe in the title role and Roger de Koven in the part of Edmund, will present the aged king as the first and greatest of the dictators. . . .
these spheres. .. . Not to speak of the biggest producers and production companies. ... A slight figure, a delicate, sensitive face, a soothing, romantic voice. . . . Looks younger than his age, which is about thirty-five. . . . Speaks Yiddish fluently. . , . Very much attached to his parents. . . . His wife, Mildred, is not only beautiful but witty too. . . . He's regarded as New York's most resourceful after-dinner chairman. . . . His latest book, "Thinking On Yom Feet," has been acclaimed as extraordinary and charming by the literary people. . . . He wrote the book during an eight-week vacation this year. ... An undaunted optimist who knows how to weather storms. . . . Lost a big election bet, having wagered that President Roosevelt would win forty States. , . . Makes money aplenty, but doesn't care for it except insofar as it makes it possible for him to do exciting things. ...
INFORMATION
Did you know that George Brandes, the famous Danish critic and literary historian, was born Morris Cohen? . . . That the Borough of Brooklyn has 582 Jewish societies and organizations, 201 of which are congregations? . . . That the maternal grandfather of John Howard Payne, who wrote "Home, Sweet Home," was one Aaron Isaacs, who fled from Brooklyn to Easthampton, Long Island, before the advancing British forces in the Revolutionary War? .. . That Edward L. Bornays, ace of the country's public relations counsel, started out as the assistant editor of a medical magazine? . .. That way back in the year 1295 the charter of the Berlin wool-weavers' guild contained a provision forbidding the members of the guild to supply yam to Jews? . .. That the mother of the late David Belasco, the great theatrical producer, actor and playwright, was a gypsy? . . . That the city of Belfast, Ireland, had no Jewish population whatsoever until 1851, and that it wasn't tiU 1870 that the first synagogue was established there? . . . That Czarine Theodora of Bulgaria, wife of Czar Ivan Alexander, who ascended the throne in 1545, was a beautiful Jewess whose original name had been Sarah? . . . And that the Hindus call the Boni Israel, the brown-skinned Jews of India, by the name of Shanvar Tolls, which means "Saturday Oilpressers" and refers to their observance of the Sabbath? . . . We could go on like this for hours, and probably will in future columns. . . . As you may have guessed, the source of our information is the Universal Jewish Encyclopedia. . . .
ABOUT PEOPLE
UNRETOUCHED PROFILE
Beginning with this week we shall introduce to you various new faces on the Jewish scene. . . . Here goes the first. . . . Introducing Louis Nizor. . . . Considered the country's biggest theatrical, motion picture and literary attorney. . . . Handles everybody's affairs, his clients including Charlie Chaplin, Maurice Maeterlinck, Lulse Rainer, Jimmy Ealker and almost anybody who means anything in
Tip to organizations and rabbis: Franz Worfel will not accept any more speaking engagements this season. . . . Within the next few months a new forty-thousand word novelette by him will be published in an important magazine. . . . Howard S. Cullman, head of the Port of New York Authority, who is backing three Broadway shows this year, is by no means a newcomer to the Great White Way. ... It was Cullman who, a number of years ago, took the bankrupt Roxy Theatre and put it on its feet again. . . . Charlie Chaplin, last of the movie stars to use the talking screen—"The Great Dictator" being his first appearance in a non-silent role—for years nurtured the ambition to become an opera singer, they say. ... A new Clifford Odets
Jews in the R^A.F.
The award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross to Flight Lieutenant
J. A. Cohen of Sidney, Australia, is
one of many citations for bravery which Jewish airmen in the R.A.F. have earned in the present war. The first Canadian pilot to win the D.F.C. was Flying Officer William H. Nelson of Montreal, who as leader of a bombing squadron was twice congratulated by King George. Pilot Officer Marcus Kramer and Sergeant Observer Bernard Bardiga were similarly honored for "gallantry and devotion to duty during air operations.'
Other Jewish members of the R.A.F. to be honored for bravery in action during recent air operations include Acting Pilot Officer Louis Courts, Aircraftman Harold A. Butchins, and Corporal Sydney Jacobs. An outstanding Jewish hero in the R.A.F. was Flying Officer Jack Wilk, 36 years old, formerly a prominent member of the Birmingham Jewish community, who was killed in action during a raid on Germany. Mr. Wilk, who had a flying certificate before the war started, was unable to obtain a pilot's post because of his age and volunteered, therefore, as an air gunner.
A news item from London mentions Aircraftman Morris H. Rosenberg and Aircraftman Bernard H. Rosenberg, brothers, who joined the air force on the first day of the war. Particular interest attaches to their enlistment, inasmuch as their father was in the Royal Flying Corps in the last war.
In other branches of the Royal Army Jewish soldiers and officers have distinguished themselves, notably in the famous evacuations of Dunkirk, Narvik and St. Malo. Outstanding among these was Captain J. Reynolds, Jewish officer, who received the Military Cross and the commendations of the War Office for his "example of coolness and self-control under fire, and complete disregard for personal safety."
Jews manned many of the small private boats which helped in the evacuations. Lieutenant Rothfield D. de Sola, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves, a member of a distinguished Anglo-Jewish family, commanded a large power boat that was pressed into service and distinguished' himself for his coolness under fire.
Reserve Oflficer Lieutenant Colonel Claude Beddington, noted English philanthropist, at the age of 72 put himself and his private yacht. Cachalot, at the service of the government for patrol duty in the Channel. He was killed when two German planes swooped down on the yacht and machine-gunned the occupants.
A special chapter might be written on the heroic conduct of Jewish Air Wardens in London's East End. Air Warden Percy Millet, a leading athlete, was killed by falling masonry while fighting a fire on the East London docks; the death is also recorded of Robert Hart, a London Jewish Air Warden, who had earlier distinguished himself for his heroism. Air Warden G. I. Frankel, who won the French medaille d'honneur during the last war, was received by the Mayor of Manchester and presented with a gift for his heroic services during an air raid.
The list could be multiplied. The Narvik Polish Units, which formed part of the British Expeditionary Forces at Norway, have been loud in their praise of the conduct of the Jewish soldiers associated with them. Jewish Chaplains, it may be noted, are presenting a heroic example to the men in service. Rabbi B. Cher-rick was commended for his bravery in the St. Malo evacuation. Rabbi 1. Brodie, who served in the last war as a chaplain, participated heroically in the Dunkirk evacuation. And, incidentally, the officer who risked his life recently to rescue a German pilot shot down over the Channel was a Jew, Lt. M. E. Jacobs. ,
Lillian Freiman, Mother ofi the Canadian Legion and Leader ol Canadian Jewry
By BENJAMIN SCHECTER This appreciation of the late Mrs. A. J. Freiman, who long was known as Canada's greatest Jewish woman, has been written by a young Montreal attorney who has had the opportunity to see Mrs. Fre'man's work at first hand.—The Editor. Rarely has the death of any Canadian woman called forth so widespread a manifestation of genuine sorrow as that evoked by the passing of Mrs. A. J. Freiman, who, after a protracted illness, died recently in Montreal.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, declared a semi-official day of mourning, as, headed by the Prime-Minister himself, W. L. McKenzie King, thousands of men and women from Halifax to Vancouver, and from all walks of life—private individuals, as well as representatives of the.amazing array of philanthropic organizations which she had befriended in her lifetime-united in a fitting tribute of respect to the woman whose life has been an example of selfless devotion to all noble causes. During her lifetime she gave of herself with a prodigality which often called for extreme physical sacrifices, and this, no doubt, contributed in large measiu:e to her comparatively early death at the age of 55.
A mere recital of Lillian Freiman's achievements can give but an imperfect picture of her character and of the meaning she had for her generation. Her life was so intimately interwoven with every fibre of the social welfare of her fellow human beings that her untimely passing represents an irreparable loss to literally thousands of her coimtrymen. Her influence and benevolence were felt in practically every organization for the betterment of the community and for humanity in general. Her activities were legion, and no worthy philanthropic cause appealed to her in vain. She was recognized as a woman
The Book Shelf
play starring that gifted couple, the Luther Adlers, is promised for this season. . . . Mrs. Adler, if you haven't forgotten, is none other than Sylvia Sydney. . . . That versatile lady, IVfiss Fannie Brice, is now blossoming out (Continued on Page 4)
The Library Committee has very interesting news for all readers who follow the latest publications. Orders have been placed for the following books:
The Great Hatred—Maurice Sam-ueL
The World I Knew—Louis Gold-ing's Autobiography.
Candles in the Night—edited by J. L. Brown—23 sliort stories by Gentile authors.
Paris Gazette—^Leon Feuchtwanger.
By the Waters of Babylon—Robert Newmann.
2010 Days in Germany—Patsy Zle-nier—an 11 year old' American.
East of Eden-L. J. Singer. The Nazarlne—Scholom Asch. Jewish Quiz Book—D. B. Felnberg. Ask the Rabbi—Black Publishing Company.
The last two books are especially useful to clubs for programs. The Library Committee wish you to know that they are making every effort to have all the latest and best books at your disposal. But they must have your assistance and co-operation before the library can be a success. Numerous books are still in the possession of members of the community. The return of these books would be greatly appreciated. The Ubrary realizes that it was impossible for you to return these books during the summer as there were no regular library hours. But now after our opening last Sunday, the library will be open every Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. Please return any book which you might have, next Sunday, so that others may have the privilege of reading them.
We look forward to seeing you at "The Book Shelf," in the Community Centre every Sunday night from 7 to 10 p.m.
JUNIOR OOUNGiL SABBATH AT BETH ISRAEL TONIGHT
Members of the Council of Jewish Juniors will be the special guest of Congregation Beth Israel at services tonight beginning at 8 p.m.
Rabbi Samuel wass will preach the sermon, and Miss Marlon Arenson, Sally Bobroff, Zara Goldberg and
Lottie Levlnson will act as Readers; Miss Margaret Cristall and Miss Ella Jarvls will usher. Members of the Junior Council will preside as hostesses for the Tea and Social Hour following conclusion of the services.
Cantor Jacob Slvowitch, assisted by the Beth Israel Choir will chant the services.
This Council Sabbath is in observance of National Junior Council Sabbath which is being conducted throughout Canada and the United States.
of outstanding executive ability, and her services were sought by many organizations, to all of which she gave of herself unstintingly.
Most sorely, however, her distinctive qualities of leadership, her tenacity of purpose, her breadth of vision, her charm and graciousness will be missed by her fellow Canadian Jews, to whom her death has been a particularly cruel blow.
Lillian Freiman was bom in Mat-tawa, Ontario, on June 6, 1885. Her father, Moses Bilsky, was the first Jew to settle in Ottawa, and for more than half a century he was amongst the most prominent members of the Jewish commimity in the Capital. Coming from such illustrious parentage, it is small wonder tha;t Lillian inherited a deep Jewish and social consciousness which from an early age manifested itself in her indefatigable labors for the Jewish cause in all its phases. In 1903 she married Archibald J. Freiman, who for many years has been the President of the Zionist Organization of Canada. Their married life was a long and harmonious union dedicated to the same humanitarian and patriotic objectives.
The name of Lillian Freiman will be forever inscribed in the history of Zionism as that of one of the outstanding women in the world Zionist movement. Not only does Canadian Hadassah owe -its existence to her, but there is no aspect of pro-Palestine work in Canada on which the personality of this remarkable woman has not left a permanent impress. It has been said, without exaggeration, that but for the Hadassah Organization which Mrs. Freiman created and untiringly fostered until the day of her death, the extraordinary development of the Zionist movement in Canada would be simply inconceivable. Labor Zionism, in particular, acknowledges its deep gratitude to her. To mention but one of her many enterprises which bore fruit: Thanks to her great efforts a Farm School was established at Nahalal, and today Canadian Hadassah still supports this thriving colony which Jewish labor has reared on the swamps and deserts of Palestine.
Well and truly did she earn the title of "Mother in Israel." She travelled far afield to alleviate the sufferings of her children. In 1920 she turned her energies to relieving the plight of the Jewish orphans in the Ukraine. Although she was not in the best of health at the time, she personally headed a mission to Europe to select the most needy children and to bring them over to Canada for adoption.
The right to call Lillian Freiman 'Mother* was not an exclusive right to the Jewish citizens of Canada. She was also a 'Mother' to the country's war vetera^^^^^^^^^.e alwav -«>-
behalf of the Canadian soldier have been unceasing, and even from her very deathbed she was busy in directing the annual Poppy Day Campaign. During the last war she gave up part of her own house to the Red Cross. The war over, she attacked the problem of rehabilitating the returned men, helping the homeless, the im-employed, the needy. She was largely instrumental in forming the Great War Veteran's Association, predecessor of the present Canadian Legion, and was fondly and affectionately known as "Godmother of the Ottawa Branch of the Legion." As a token of their esteem the veterans presented her with a badge of life membership in the Canadian Legion, the only time that such an honor has been conferred upon a woman.
The magnificent Poppy wreath on her casket, unprecedented in the tradition of the Hebrew burial service, was a silent spokesman for the unique place she occupied with the Canadian war veterans. To say Poppy Day, is to think of Mrs. Freim.an, for probably no person in Canada has done more to further the cause of the Poppy Day Campaign, the proceeds of which are applied to assisting unfortunate soldiers of the Great War who suffered disablement and who are in poor financial circumstances. The annual Poppy Day Campaign is one among the many memorials to her generosity and to her gracious thoughts for suffering humanity.
Crowning her career of unselfish endeavour and charitable effort on behalf of the needy and unfortunate. King George the Fifth conferred upon her the honor of a Civil Officer of the Order of the British Empire "for her efforts on behalf of Canadian ex-servicemen and Jewish subjects throughout Canada." It was a fitting tribute to one who spent most of her
Friday, December 6, 1940
Ufe in assisting all races, creeds and nationalities in their hour of need. Lillian Freiman has set a standar4 of leadership which will remain an inspiration for all,' Jew and Gentild^ alike.
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