Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Primaries Are Important (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
There is talk all over town that a general apathy exists concerning the voting in the primaries on June 5. We hope this is not true because more good causes have been lost through apathy than won by fighting.
The present contest between Kefauver and Stevenson (and Yorty and Richards in our own state) highlights the point we are making Each candidate is spending a great deal of time, money and energy to convince the voters to choose him as the party standard-bearer for the election in November. Their qualifications are a matter of public knowledge and your vote indicates your evaluation of their fitness for the office they seek.
Whether you call yourself a Democrat or Republican, you have an obligation to your party to vote for the man best qualified. Our two party system cannot operate successfully if you leave it to the professional politicians to pick the party’s candidate.
There are several important propositions on the ballot. Look them over and make your decision on the basis of what is good for the future growth of your city and the health and welfare of your family. Remember that taxes now may earn you big dividends in the future. Don’t vote against a proposition because it costs money—everything worthwhile costs money—whether it is essential or not is the important factor.
Don’t forget to vote June 5!
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Dare We Do Less In This Hour of Peril?
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
There is one sacrifice that the people of Israel will never make. Although their own survival is threatened, they refuse to abandon their fellow Jews in danger in other lands.
Thirty thousand North African Jews have found haven in Israel last year – thanks to your support of the United Jewish Appeal. But 100,000 more still wait for deliverance. While they wait, their plight grows steadily worse. Tension and violence uprooted thousands last summer from their homes. Growing economic displacement is sharply reducing the number able to earn a living and support their families.
And now they fear a new danger. Morocco and Tunisia are rapidly evolving from French protectorates into Arab-ruled states. Will emigration to Irael from these lands be permitted indefinitely?
The people of Israel are ready to absorb an additional 45,000 immigrants from Morocco and Tunisia this year. They know that the newcomers, like those who were resettled before them, will add constructively to Israel’s future … will strengthen freedom and democracy.
But Israel’s brave people, faced with their own supreme emergency, cannot shoulder the extra burden of meeting the costs of immigration and resettlement. In this crucial hour, we must assume personal responsibility for the fullest possible share of these costs –a ll of here in San Diego together with American Jews everywhere.
To settle and ready the newcomers for self-reliant, constructive life under Israel’s great ship-to-settlement plan will cost a minimum of $1,000 for each immigrant for the first year. For 45,000 emigrants, $45,000,000. The cost is large, but dare we do less in this hour of peril?
The answer is NO! That’s why you are asked to contribute generously to the UJA and, over and above that, to give to the special fund for $25,000,000 plus.
Make your pledge today and feel better tomorrow.
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With the Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
By Morrie Pomeranz
Plans have been solidified for the coming Dinner to be held June 6th at the Mission Valley Country Club. The major prize will be $5,000 in cash or a new Cadillac-all 100 tickets have been sold—as a bonus gesture, every tenth ticket holder will receive a prize worth a minimum of $50.00 (10 Guardians are donating 10 suitable prizes)—regardless of the 11 lucky individuals, the ultimate winner still remains the Hebrew Home for the Age – all ticket holders will receive an invitation to the Dinner – proper acknowledgment was extended to Harry Snyder, who as Chairman of the Raffle Committee has done an outstanding task in disposing of the allotted tickets in a comparatively short time – Don’t forget June 6th 00 Mission Valley Country Club – 6:30 p.m. – June 6th is “D” Day —“de money or de Cadillac.”
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As the Board of Directors meeting progressed, Prexy Sam Addleson suddenly called for a recess and requested that Brother Herman Sarfan add something constructive to the business at hand. Herman’s remark was succinctly clear: “Let’s wrap up this noisy meeting!”
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Brother Lou Lipton, one of our astute political men, again demonstrated his ability to assuage the ruffled feelings of partisans: during the lunch period on a recent Friday, the crowd entering Vallin’s saw a full length picture of Ike shaking hands with Congressman Bob Wilson (R). There was no overt demonstration by the Democrats present –simply this observation made by one Guardian: “Lou – take down that picture or we’ll put one up of Stevenson shaking hands with Lou Moorsteen (D).” Several threats later, when a highly spirited group assembled to welcome Adlai at the Plaza – who do you think was in the front row? Lou Lipton!
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Irv Alexander swears that he saw the sign recently when in Los Angeles: The Acme Seat Cover company – makers of fine diapers.
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Jewish War Veterans
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
By Le Roy Seckler
An interesting and timely Forum followed the monthly meeting of San Diego Post 185 at the War Memorial Bldg.
Three local Jewish vets, Sam Lasser, Mel Goldberg and Stanley Cohen, all with extensive World War II service in Egypt, North Africa and Israel, participated in a panel discussion on the topic: “The Arab and Egyptian as Observed by a GI.”
Lasser, a North Park shoe store owner, was with the Army Engineers attached to the British 8th Army under command of General Montgomery, with headquarters at Cairo, Egypt, during the years 1942-44. He participated in the famous Battle of El Alemein in which the Nazis were stopped 60 miles from Alexandria.
During his service, Lasser was in Israel and met the men who organized the Israeli Battalion which won honors in the struggle to win Egypt from the Nazis and later this battalion was the foundation of the Israeli Army that stopped the Egyptians in 1948.
Mel Goldberg served with the O.S.S. throughout the two year North African campaign that ended with the surrender of Hitler’s supposedly invincible African Corps to the Allies. Mel’s duties included close daily contact with the Arabs. He spent several months in Israel. He resides with his family in San Diego and is employed by a local printing firm.
Stanley Cohen, a Chief Petty Officer attached to the security section of Naval Hopsital, Balboa Park, served with the Navy Security Section at Oran and Port Leautey, French Morocco. Cohen met and married his lovely wife, Lillian, at Oran. He understands the problems facting the Jewish population caught in the middle of the Arabian rebellion against the French.
On Memorial Day, May 30, at 10:30 a.m., the Post will join with other veteran organizations in services for the war dead at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. All members of the Jewish community are invited to attend and pay their respects.
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USO-JWB
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
Attending the Navyh Relief Ball and Carnival aboard the Aircraft Carrier Lexington, Thurstay evening, May 7th, were 13 USO-JWB Junior Hostesses plus Sr. Sponsors Ann Rivers and myself. Long remembered will be that initial leap into outer space, boarding the nickel snatcher at the Fleet Landing. Geronimo!
Hosted by 1700 Sailors and 72 Marines (who worked like sodliders) the evening was done up brown and enjoyed immensely.
Highlight: The little sailor, hearing his name draw, to win the honor (?) of dancing with Movie Starlet Rita Moreno, ran like a gazelle – in the opposite direction!
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Junior Hostesses serving USO-JWB the greatest number of hours, have been selected to attend the opening of the Desert Retreat Service Club at the Yuma Air Force Base. The girls will be flown to Yuma, Arizona, in a Military Transport, along with Hostesses from other Local Agencies and accompanied by several Senior Sponsors… With the promise of a Big-name Band, Hollywood talent, dancing, swimming, etc., the girls are anticipating a wonderful time.
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Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 3
By Julia Kaufman
On the Port Side – A luncheon was held last week honoring Georg Killion, President of the American President Lines on the occasion of the maiden voyage of the S.S. Coolidge from the Port of San Diego, enroute round-the-world.
After I got over the shock of finding myself one of five women at a luncheon attended by over 280 men, I realized the importance of this first for San Diego, and the necessity for further development of the Port. The ship, which I visited later in the day, carries cargo, but I was mainly interested in the deluxe accommodations for the twelve lucky passengers. All the rooms are spacious, have large picture windows, are tastefully and artistically decorated, and air-conditioned. There is a fully equipped lounge and a circular dining room. I could go on and on but why torture myself. Even if I could afford the $2700 fare and spare the 119 days for the trip, I couldn’t go because I get seasick in a row boat.
… Some people talk ‘bout juvenile delinquency – some do something. Mrs. Fraser MacPherson, director of the S.D. Junior Theatre Group, kept over fifty teenagers busy and happy during rehearsals and the performances of “Love Rides the Rails,” a melodrama with a villain (hiss), a heroine (sigh), a hero (applause), and a slinky siren (whistle), supported by a large cast of dancers and singers. The audiences enjoyed the show, and were surprised by the excellency of some of the performances. Richard Lustig will direct the group for the coming season.
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The Young In Heart – There is no doubt that attending various public functions helps to maintain a sense of balance. While watching the young perform, their springtime freshness made me feel somewhat jaded and I found myself nostalgically remembering my own experiences in amateur theatricals. My reaction to the very entertaining show put on by the Friendly Social Club was just the opposite. It made me feel young, with many years of song still left. Although some of the entertainers were 80 plus, they danced, sang and gave monologues. With the range of voices, mostly trained, it should not be difficult to form a choral group. I fancy the idea f a choir consisting of members 60 years f age and up. “The San Diego Senior Choir will now present” … (See Personals).
… We thank our “loving Brooklyn public” for the words of praise to “Press Notes” and for the compliment to psyschologist Irving Stone. We expect to arrive yin your fair city on May 27 for a ten day stay… No bands, please.
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“Look” applauds the Brandeis University in this month’s issue and commends the non-sectarian University for its Three Chapels as a demonstration of inter-faith harmony.
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… Proof positive of the constant growth of our city is the 3 column, 3 page list of new streets and zones sent in by the Post Office.
Speaking of population reminds me of the Mayor’s salary. When voting please consider that we are the third largest city in California, the 23rd in the country and our mayor receives less than the mayor of San Bernardino, a city almost one third our size in population.
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New neighbor of ours at 333 Plaza is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The San Diego Urban League, Inc., is on the floor below and, being curious, I decided to find out the difference between the two groups. Both work to eliminate racial discrimination and segregation from American life. The NAACP protects civil rights, working in the field of race relations, and was organized in 1909 on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, by a group of white and Negro men and women. The San Diego Urban League, Inc., a member agency of the Community Chest, aims to improve the condition of minority groups including Negroes, Orientals, Mexicans and Portuguese. They cover th fields of Community Services, Industrial Relations, Vocational Guidance, Health, Welfare and Housing Services. If you are interested, both groups will send you literature which will tell you more about them.
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By the time you have finished reading “Press Notes,” Mac and I will be winging our way to New York on a long-awaited two weeks vacation. Keep the news hot until we return.
If you are going out of town take care of your voting by absentee ballot. It is absolutely painless… go to 4005 Rosecrans Ave., thru the iron gate, to Bldg. 6. Considering how easy it is to be a good citizens, it is surprising how many poor citizens there are.
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Camp Jaycee and Special Youth Camp Opens for Eight Week Season
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 4
June 25 is the “magic day” for hundreds of boys and girls. Those from ages 5 to 12 will attend Camp Jaycee and others from 13 to 17 will attend the special Youth Camp project.
The Indian Village on 54th St. will be the assembly point for both groups from which the Teenage camp group will go off to its own secluded cam site in the country.
Arrangements have been made for swimming and live saving instruction at the Mission Bay pool. Horseback riding, roller skating, cook-outs and other features popular in former years are again scheduled.
Innovations for the 1956 season will include a “special day” for every 2 week period in which the different groups will have fun. “Backwards Day,” “Olympic-Maccabiad Day,” “Tisha B’Av Day,” “Variety Show Day,” “United Nations Day,” are some of the events being considered.
The Youth Camp will be preparing for overnight trips, trail blazing, dances and group centered programs.
Registrations are open for both camps at the Jewish Community Center, 3227 El Cajon Blvd. There will be bus pick-up and delivery service available at many points in the community.
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“Hope” Sunday Set by Governor Knight
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 4
Governor Goodwin J. Knight has proclaimed Sunday, June 3, City of Hope Day in California., Governor Knight states that “since the doors of the City of Hope have always been open to all who suffer and has never asked any to pay for services rendered; and since its continuous success depends upon the voluntary financial support of men and women in all walks of life, I urge my fellow Californians to respond generously to the appeal of this worthy philanthropic endeavor for public support.”
In the past five years over $120,000.00 in care an services has been received by San Diego residents at the City of Hope without any cost to them or their families.
Postmaster William Krenning is General Chairman of San Diego for this campaign.
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S.D. County To Aid in Vote Drive for Water Proposition
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 4
Formation of a San Diego County group to aid the campaign for passage of Proposition “W” – for Water – is under way this week following announcement that Preston Hotchkis, of Los Angeles, has been named chairman of the Southland Water Committee. The proposition will be on the ballot in the primary election June 5.
Fred A. Heilbron, chairman of the San Diego County Water Authority, said Proposition “W” is a no-tax increase plan for financing a huge construction program to bring the Metropolitan Water District’s Colorado River aqueduct to its full capacity in the shortest possible time. Heilbron, and Richard S. Holmgren, engineer, represent the Authority area on the MWD’s board of directors.
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Legislator Seeks Re-election June 5
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 4
Rep. Bob Wilson, San Diego’s 30thj District Republican Congressman, has arrived home from Washington, D.C. to wind up his campaign for reelection to a third term in whirlwind fashion. He seeks both Republican and Democratic nominations at the primary election June 5.
A member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee since he came to Congress, Wilson was the first San Diego legislator named to the group which drafts most of the bills affecting U.S. military forces.
“While I am proud of my record in the 83rd and 84th Congress,” Wilson said, “there still is much to be done to help solve San Diego’s government-related problems. I have lived with many of these on a day-to-day basis the last three years. All of them can and will be solved to further bolster San Diego’s steadily-growing economy.”
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Civic Leader Takes County Fair Post
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 25, 1956, Page 4
Lew Lipton, owner of Lou Vallin’s Restaurant, was appointed a director of the So. Calif. County Fair, by Gov. Knight last week.
Lew is coordinating chairman, U.S. Selective Service, and a member of the Civil Defense Comm. of the Sixth Army Area. He is a member of Guardians of the Hebrew Home for the Aged, the Y.M.C.A. and the eagles club. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit certificate from Congress for his work in Selective Service.
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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, located just above the masthead on the right hand side of the screen.