51. Meeting of the National Executive, May 28, 1946

Description:

Attending: Saltzman, Sandler, Doroshkin, Mann, Rich, Schechter, Hamburger, Greene, Pevzner, Denn, Schiller, Kamenetzky, Field, Youkelson, Davidowitz, Goldberg, Blum, Goldman, Gukovsky. Translated Summary: Preparations for Rubin Saltzman's trip to Poland, including an evening send-off gathering. Most of the rest of the document concerns membership drives, the 1946-1947 Million Dollar Campaign for the Rehabilitation of European Jews (Relief and Rehabilitation), and the upcoming National Board meeting. The minutes lay out the structure of the National Board Meeting, including Saltzman's report, invited guests from Poland, discussion of Saltzman's report and reports from elsewhere in the country, and the resolutions that will be offered regarding membership and the next pre-convention membership campaign, regarding the Emma Lazarus Division, youth work and veterans outreach.

Date:

1946-05-28

Creator:

Youkelson, Rubin

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 27, Folder 2

52. Rubin Saltzman Invitation to Members for Independence Day in Madison Square Garden, June 1944

Description:

Invitation to attend the JPFO July 4th celebration gala at Madison Square Garden--tied to D-Day--that coincides with the Sixth National Convention of the Jewish American Section and of the IWO. The JPFO evening starts with a Salute to America with opera singers including Alexander Kipnis. The gift of four heavy bombers bought with funds from the JPFO's successful $1 Million War Bond campaign will be presented to the U.S. Air Force. "This is a history making event in the life of our organization, in the lives of the Jews of America, and in the civic affairs of the nation." Notes that American Jewish leaders and government officials will be attending.

Date:

1944-06-24

Creator:

Zaltsman, R. (Reʾuven) (Rubin Saltzman, Reuben Zaltzman)

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 1, Folder 8

53. Minutes of the Plenary Session of the General Executive Board with Paul Robeson

Description:

Minutes of the plenary session of the General Executive Board for the dates February 22 to February 24, 1941. Two guests introduced: Paul Robeson and Earl Robinson with Robeson receving a standing ovation. Denounces Supreme Courts' dismissal of the appeals of William Weiner and Earl Browder and passes a resolution attributing it to forces of militarism, and Weiner's and Browder's commitment to "combat facism and war." Reverend B.W. Harris of Norfolk, VA addressed the Board, and discussion followed on focussing on "Negro problems" with resolutions proposed by Louise Thompson passed. Draft resolution on "Work Among the National Groups" is passed with significant amendments. Member Attendees: "Bedacht, Benjamin, Derevnuk, Feher, Greene, Haracz, Middleton, Nikolauk, Pevzner, Riback, Rymer, Saltzman, Sandler, Schiffel, Shipka, Vail, Vocila, Vrabel, Vukcevich, Brodsky, Colon, Dicker, Eiseman, Jankovic, Kelner, Landy, Laws, Menscher, Peterson, Pilutik, Salerno, Steinberg, Tkach, Wojkowska, Gardner, Gordon, Kent, Krchmarek, Levin, Lawry, Thompson, Trauber, Schiffer, Melus, Heilman."

Date:

1941-02-22

Creator:

Pevzner, Sam (Sam Pevsner)

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 1, Folder 8

54. Minutes of Semi-Annual Plenary Session of the General Executive Board (G.E.B) September 6-7, 1941 by Sam Pezvner, with input and approval of Louise Thompson, on IWO support for entry into World War II

Description:

Minutes of Semi-Annual Plenary Session of the General Executive Board September 6-7, 1941 by Sam Pevzner with input and approval of Louise Thompson. Once the Soviet Union was invaded, the IWO's post Operation Barbarossa resolutions focus on immediately obtaining needed "Unity in the struggle against Hitler," support for World War II to include the UK and USSR, approval to buy $50,000 of US War bonds, and for the full integration of the armed forces and defense industry. Resolutions are also passed for internal support for the Women's Division, the Young Fraternalists, and the Junior Division. Attendees: Members Bedacht, Benjamin, Derevnuk, Feher, Greene, Haracz, Middleton, Nikolauk, Pevzner, Riback, Rymer, Saltzman, Sandler, Schiffel, Shipka, Vail, Vocila, Vrabel, Vukcevich, Brodsky, Colon, Dicker, Eiseman, Eisner, Jankovic, Katz, Kelner, Landy, Laws, Patterson, Peterson, Pilutik, Shaffer, Gardner, Gordon, Krchmarek, Levin, Lawry, Thompson, Trauber, Schiffer, Melus, Hellman. This text uses the term ‘Negro’ and/or 'Negro Labor' to refer to the concerted efforts made primarily in the 1920s-1940s to fight racial discrimination so as to ensure the fair employment of Black people, in union and other jobs including those in the private sector, civil service, as well as advocacy for the full integration of Black people into the armed services. Black unemployment and under employment were extremely high due to racial barriers. While the term ‘Negro’ might be read as pejorative today, the term was then used in a positive regard, including by Black leftists.

Date:

1941-09-06 to 1941-09-07

Creator:

Pevzner, Sam (Sam Pevsner)

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 1, Folder 8

55. Protocol of the Sixth National Convention of the Jewish Peoples Fraternal Order of the I.W.O. (formerly Jewish-American Section): Copy 1

Description:

Bilingual, Yiddish through page 79. English from p. 80 on. Translated Summary: Sixth Convention was held July 2-7, 1944. Highlight was the 4th of July rally at Madison Square Garden, with other meetings at the Manhattan Center (311 West 34th Street, New York, New York) and the Capitol Hotel. Shows the official use of the Jewish Peoples Fraternal Order (JPFO) name starting in July 1944. The protocol includes texts of speeches and reports from the directorate, from heads of divisions and of regional branches. These speeches and reports to the convention include those of: George Starr [p.2], Rubin Saltzman [p.6]; August Maymudes [p.8]; H. Shiler [p.10]; H. B. Ritman [English, p.103]; Y. Mann [p. 13]; Sh. Lifshitz [p. 15]; A. Kalb [p. 19]; M. Jenkins [p. 22]; Itche Goldberg [p.23]: Paul Novick [p. 38]; D. Shlossberg [p. 43]; Vayns (sp?) [p. 106]; Gedaliah Sandler [p. 46]; Alexander Bittelman [p. 54]; A. Grossfeld p. 63]; J. Gordon [p. 108]; Dora Rich [p. 64]; Ch. Melamud [p.65]; Eysenshtark [p. 69]; Interladen in the Protocol are greetings from abroad, from other organizations [e.g., Toronto Labor League p. 45; United Jewish Appeal p.105; H. Vein from Montreal p. 61] and from celebrities and guests [Edward G. Robinson, Marc Chagall, etc]. In addition to records of speeches and reports submitted to the Convention are specific resolutions proposed and adopted. Among these are: General resolutions p. 6-7; Resolutions regarding YKUF (IKUF) p. 35; Resolutions concerning adoption of the JPFO name for the organization, and other matters of internal structure p. 52-52; Resolutions concerning civil rights, and concerning Palestine, refugees, and Birodbizhan p. 66-68, and others. Also of note. A discussion of bilingualism and the Order [p. 42 and see p.65]; See also George Starr's report on English and the JPFO, and related resolutions pp. 81 through 94. Report of the sixth and final session, beginning p. 71 contains fewer speeches and reports and is mainly taken up by declarations and then resolutions on a great variety of subjects. Election of officials of the organization is reported on p. 78.

Date:

1944-07-02

Creator:

Lifshits, Sh Melamed, Charlotte Elkind, Dora Youkelson, Rubin

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 27a, Folder 2

56. Purpose of the Order 2

Description:

Another version of Purpose of Order 03-240144 IWO 5276b49f16_09 (1) Explains that the purpose of the Order is as follows: "*The International Workers Order is a labor fraternal benefit society. Its principles and practices embody the experience and progressive tradìtions of American fraternalism. The Order provides sick, disability and death benefits. it organizes for its members medical aid and other forms of fraternal services. It pledges aid and comfort to its members in case of need. The doors of the international Workers Order are open to all regardless of sex, nationality, race, color, creed or political affiliation. The cultural heritage of everyone of the many national and racial groups which make up the American people has contributed to and enriched the life and the traditions of our country. Through the fraternal life of its lodges our order endeavors to make these cultural traditions a source of Americanization, of education, recreation and happiness for all of its members and their families

Date:

1944

Creator:

International Workers Order (IWO)

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 49, Folder 16

57. Fraternal Obligation of an Independent Society

Description:

Marked up draft of document listing the practical and financial services that an independent fraternal society should provide such as cemetery, accident and medical benefits, loans, as well as attendance at weddings, anniversaries, funerals and unveilings, and visits to sick members. Indicates it should look to provide homes for aged members, recreational camps, and other needed but less common items.

Date:

1938-1942

Creator:

Unknown

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 53, Folder 1

58. Manual of the International Workers Order

Description:

Authorship attributed to "The National Executive Committee". Small-sized booklet for members. 1936 “Manual of the International Workers Order” uses the same small form factor as a shul constitution or union member book and lists regulations filed in New York State with much the same wording. Inside back cover has graphic of how the committee and lodge structure are set up for the National Language Conventions and Executive Committe. All insurance rules and rates and benefits options are listed in the booklet which shows a typical lodge organization (including options for insignias) whose oaths are "worker" oriented. However being a worker explicitly is not made into a membership requirement. Also contains rules as to how to run bi-monthly meetings, take minutes, keep financial records, and report to the national structure.

Date:

1936-05

Creator:

International Workers Order Executive Committee

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 49, Folder 1

59. June Gordon, Statement of The Jewish People’s Fraternal Order in Behalf of The F. E. P. C. July 9, 1945, signed press release

Description:

Signed statement by June Gordon and the Emma Lazarus Division (press release) July 9, 1945, "Statement of the Jewish People's Fraternal Order in Behalf of the F.E.P.C." Explains that the perception that the F.E.P.C. (Federal Employment Protection Committee) solely provides protection for Black Americans at the expense of whites is incorrect and ties Aryanism to racism and the Holocaust. "We are white; but we are Jews and we also suffer the effects of this policy of discrimination...Without fair employment practices it will be just as impossible to rout anti-Semitism as it is to put an end to anti-Negro and anti-Catholic prejudices." This text uses the term ‘Negro’ and/or 'Negro Labor' to refer to the concerted efforts made primarily in the 1920s-1940s to fight racial discrimination so as to ensure the fair employment of Black people, in union and other jobs including those in the private sector, civil service, as well as advocacy for the full integration of Black people into the armed services. Black unemployment and under employment were extremely high due to racial barriers. While the term ‘Negro’ might be read as pejorative today, the term was then used in a positive regard, including by Black leftists.

Date:

1945-07-09

Creator:

Gordon, June, 1901-1967

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 28, Folder 2

60. Security with FDR

Description:

American Labor Party (ALP) candidates pamphlet [1944] “Security with FDR” by 7 term Congressman Vito Marcantonio with graphic on the back stating “Your Vote is a Weapon: Use It.” Published by the IWO as part of their support for ALP. Foreword by Max Bedacht. Graphic on back cover encourages voter registration and voting for FDR for his fourth Presidential term.

Date:

1944-09

Creator:

Marcantonio, Vito, 1902-1954

Identifier:

International Workers Order (IWO) Records #5276, Box 49, Folder 10