Aiding the Jews of Europe, 1946

Today’s post is written by Alan Walker, Archivist at the National Archives at College Park.

Although the war was over, the agony of its survivors continued unabated. The United Jewish Appeal, established in 1939, now in the aftermath called upon the federal government to solicit support for its efforts overseas to help Jewish victims of the carnage.

UJA Poster for DC Campaign, 1946 — *United Jewish Appeal Online Exhibit*

In response, Archivist Solon J. Buck issued this circular to employees of the National Archives:

RG 64, A1 9C - Letter to All Employees, May 17, 1946 - United Jewish Appeal, Lewinson and Kahn — *Letter From Solon J. Buck to All Employees, Issuances Entitled “Letter to All Employees,” 1938-1958 (NAID 3951627) RG 64, Records of the National Archives and Records Administration.*

Philip M. Klutznick with Nicola Guili, 1945 — Public Housing Authority (PHA) Commissioner Philip M. Klutznick (Left) with Nicola Giulii, Chairman of the PHA of Los Angeles, 1945, from the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research.

And the staff rose to the occasion, donating the equivalent of $3,300 in 2016 dollars. Here is the mention of it, in the employee newsletter Archiviews, in July 1946:

Success of UJA Drive - Archiviews, July 1946, p. 2 — *From Records Relating to Staff Organizations, 1935-1966 (NAID 7839999), RG 64, Records of the National Archives and Records Administration.*

2 thoughts on “Aiding the Jews of Europe, 1946”

A noble effort. A shame that the U.S. government wasn’t moved to do more during the war, though.

Thanks for yet another fascinating post. I just shared it with a friend who works for UJA-Federation in Cleveland.

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2 thoughts on “Aiding the Jews of Europe, 1946”