Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, November 30, 1956, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Three Hungarian Families Locate Here; More To Come
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Pages 1, 10

The Émigré Committee of the United Jewish Fund will furnish assurances for employment and affidavits against becoming a public charge, for three Hungarian Jewish families, escapees from the bloody holocaust of Hungary, according to Zel Camiel, chairman of the committee.

Requested by the United Hias Service, the National Jewish Immigration Agency, as the quota for the San Diego Jewish Community, the Fund immediately assured the Immigration Agency that the necessary affidavits and assurances would be secured and forwarded to them before the deadline.

Latest information is that over 75,000 Hungarian refugees have found temporary safety in Hungary. Three thousand of these are Jewish who have registered for immigration; 2,000 to the United States and the balance to various other countries, with the majority going to Israel.

“Under the present directive of President Eisenhower admitting 5,000 Hungarian escapees to this country, there is an opportunity,” Camiel said, “to get many of these individuals to the United States.”

The Jewish Social Services Agency and the San Diego Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, both co-operating Agencies with the United Jewish Fund, have alerted their membership and their committees to the possibility of the three families arriving in San Diego during the month of December.

Inquiries are being received at the office of both the Jewish Social Services Agency, and the United Jewish Fund, regarding information about relatives of San Diegans who live in Hungary.  The Jwih Social Service Agency will be glad to assist in securing information about relatives in Hungary for anyone in the community.  It will be necessary to know the full name, approximate age, former town of residence, and any other special identifying information. Those seeking this information should contact Mr. David Rubenstein or Albert A. Hutler, at Belmont 2-5172.

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Parents Receive Letter From Son in Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 1

Ezra Schaffer, formerly of San Diego, now living in Israel, recently wrote two letters to his folks, Mr. and Mrs. Morchechai Schaffer, one of which is printed below.  It typifies the spirit of the young people of Israel – The Editors

Dear Mama,

I received your letter a bit late because I’m in the Army now for a 40-day period and didn’t get home for a few weeks.  This is a military training period, that  every able-bodied citizen goes through. Even those who have finished their 2 ½ years of army service must receive their annual “refresher” course.

I went to write a few short words about the events of the past few weeks so you’ll have a clearer understanding of what ‘s happening. We have decided that there is only one way of stopping the continual incessant sniping away and murdering of Israeli citizens by paid infiltrators and murderers and that is by answering every incident by sharp b lows in return.  Our methods of answering attacks is to choose a strategic enemy military stronghold and punish it or wipe it out completely.

In the papers you read the Israeli attack is undoubtedly played up greatly including the large number of Arab casualties (which by no means gladdens our hearts); however, unmentioned or unobserved is the far, far greater number of Israelis who have fallen throughout the years day by day and week by week. We at least have the moral and physical courage to directly attack, military, army-defended strongholds, whereas the Arabs content themselves with the murdering of individual defenseless  civilians.  Until now no peaceful means have been  found to cope with this constant sinister menace. The president Israeli actions are an answer and a warning to the Arabs to think twice and three times before continuing their usual murderous activities.

But of one thing you may be certain and you must believe—the Israeli Army is essentially a defense army – we shall never attempt to conquer any country.

However, at the same time we shall not passively sit on our hands when our citizens cannot live their daily lives in security. And this is the essence and the coming days events.  Understand what I have written and you’ll understand much of the day to day happenings in the Middle East as pertaining to Israel.

Love, Ezra

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Philip Mollick To Be Installed As President of Beth Jacob Synagogue
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 1

Philip Mollick

Beth Jacob Congregation has elected Philip Mollick as its new President for 1957. Mr. Mollick , long been active in Synagogue and community activities, will be installed in an impressive ceremony to be conducted by Abe Abramson, outstanding Jewish leader and, honorary President of Beth Jacob, and assisted by Charles Press, Past President. The Installation will take place on Sunday eve nig, December 2, at 8 p.m., at Beth Jacob Center.  Elected to serve with the new President are the following: Vice-Pres, Jerry Weisman, Max Okun; Fin. Sec., Morris Penn; Rec. Sec. Paul Schraer; Treasurer, Simon Glaser; Gabbai, Alvin Garber.

Following the formal Installation, a reception will be held in the auditorium of the Center for the new President and his officers.  A delicious buffet has been planned, followed by a social. William Penn, General Installation Chairman, has issued a cordial invitation to the entire community to attend.

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Annual Fund Dinner Dec. 8th To Be Victory Ball

Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Pages 1, 11

Invitations to the Annual Dinner Meeting and Victory Dance of the United Jewish Fund to be held next Saturday evening, December 8th at 8:30 p.m. have been extended to the entire Jewish Community of San Diego, according to Dr. Walter Ornstein, Chairman, and William Schwartz, Co-Chairman of the Annual Community event.

The 23rd annual gathering of Jewish leadership  and members of the Fund, to be held in the beautiful banquet room of the House of Hospitality in Balboa Park, will be highlighted by a report by Dr. Walter Ornstein, Vice President of the Fund Board.

A prominent citizen of San Diego and President of the Jewish Social Service Agency, Dr. Ornstein was in Israel during the mobilization of troops and the attack on the Sinai peninsula, as a member of the 80 man United Jewish Appeal mission of American Jewish Community leaders. Before his evacuation by the  American Embassy, after fighting began, Dr. Ornstein had the opportunity of seeing a great deal of Israel, its development and its manpower.  He is one of the few Americans who saw Israel at war. His report will be of interest to all.

Breaking all tradition the Annual Meeting will be concluded by a Victory Ball honoring all of the workers of the successful 1956  United Jewish Fund Campaign. Dancing will be to Pauline Gleason’s well-known orchestra until 12 p.m. (sic, a.m)

Morris W. Douglas, President of the Fund, will report on the year’s activities, as well as conduct the business session of the Annual Meeting. The agenda will concern itself with the election of twenty directors to the Board of the  United Jewish Fund to serve a period of two years, 1957-58, the presentation of resolutions referring to immigration, Israel and Fund raising; and the presentation of awards to outstanding workers and individuals in the year 1956.

Distribution of the monies raised in the 1956 drive, as recommended by the Allocations Committee and approved by the United Jewish Fund board of directors, will be announced at the meeting.

Reports of Committee chairmen will be published in the 1956 Year Book to be distributed at the Annual Meeting.  The Year Book will contain a list of contributions and amounts up to November 30, 1956.  It will also have the complete story of Fund activities as well as Federation Agencies.

Committee members along with Mr. Schwartz include Dr. Walter Ornstein, co-chairman; Mrs. Samuel Friedman, Mrs. Abe Ratner, Maury Novak and Henry Price.

The United Jewish Fund is the central Community Fund raising Agency of San Diego Jewry and raises Funds in one United Campaign for over 45 local national and overseas Israel Agencies.

Reservations for the Dinner and Dance at $3.50 per person may be made by calling the office of the United Jewish Fund, BE-2-5172, or by forwarding the reservation card which was inclosed in the invitation.

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Sharlene Stone Betrothed
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Stone announced the engagement of their daughter, Sharlene Louise, to Herbert Wenig, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jacob Wenig, all of San Diego.  The announcement was made at a Thanksgiving Day family dinner, held at the El Cortez Hotel on November 22.  No wedding date has been set.

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Personals

Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Mr. and Mrs.Sam Addleson celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on Sunday, November 19th, with a small family dinner at their home,  Their children, Beverly Addleson, Lora Dean and Ted Albert and children Loran and Milanda were down for the weekend to help celebrate the gala occasion.  Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Louis Addleson, Rose Mishne, Alan Mishne and Sarah Judd.

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A Heap of Stuffin’
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

After celebrating Thanksgiving Day on the 22nd in San Diego Jack, Loretta, Jack Jr. and Larry Gross headed for Texas to attend a cousin’s wedding. They celebrated Thanksgiving Day all over again with friends and relatives on Nov. 29 in the Lone Star State.

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Thanks
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Rose Neumann and her family wish to thank friends for the kindness and solicitation shown during their recent bereavement.

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National Council of Jewish Women December Luncheon Meeting to Feature ‘Kiss Me Kate’
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Striking a holiday party note in celebration of Chanukah, Council of Jewish Women will present a luncheon and theatre party at its general meeting on Tuesday, December 4.  Luncheon will be served in the Café Del Rey Moro, Balboa Park, starting at 11:45 and the afternoon program will be held in the auditorium of the House  of Hospitality.

An abridged version of “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare will be given by players from the San Diego State College Theatre Guild under direction of Dr. William J. Adams.  Popularly known in its musical comedy version, “Kiss Me, Kate,” this is a sprightly comedy of love which always delights audiences.  Appearing will be Mike Berry, Carol Ferrer, Edward Gould, Dale Muchmore, Rocco Constanzo, Harris Rosenwald, Bill Hektner, Mike Rosenberger, Bennie Williams and Phyllis Sant.

Highlighting the season will be Chanukah songs by Irving Mortin, popular assistant director of the Jewish Community Center, who will accompany himself on the guitar.

Drawings for prizes for donors to Council’s recent Rummage-rama merchandise drive, and separate drawings for Council members, who bring articles to this meeting, will be held.  A large variety of lovely prizes has been  assembled.

Program chairman is Mrs. Simon Rexnikoff.  Decorations are by Mrs. Irving Coleman. For luncheon reservations, call Mrs. Nat Colker, BR-7-3417.

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Benefit Card Party for Israel Dec. 1

Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

The Beth Jacob’s Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Benefit Card and Bingo Party for Israel on Saturday, December 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Bet Jacob Center.

President Jennie Bloomfield and Chairman Pauline Press and Ruth Aronoff extend an invitation to members of the community to join them on that evening.

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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Goldberg announce the birth of a son, Edward Lewis, on November 5; weight 6 lbs., 9 oz.  Sister Susan Arlene, aged 2 years, is the other member of the family.  

Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Frank Winicki; paternal grandmother is Mrs. Jean Goldberg.

A Bris was held on November 13, with Rabbi Monroe Levens and Dr. Philip Rand in attendance.

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Children Help Too
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956 , Page 2

Children of the Religious School of Beth Israel Temple swelled the rising total of the United Jewish Fund campaign by an additional gift of $25 specifically to be used in Israel to help other children. This is in addition to the $300 gift of the children given to the campaign.

At the same time, the youngsters took $100 from their Tzedakah Fund, for the purchase of a $100 Israel Bond to help in the development of Israel. The Bond will be placed in the Henry Weinberger Memorial Fund.

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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history.  To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box

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