Glasgow Jewish Workers Circle

The Glasgow Jewish Workers Circle was Branch No 18 of the Workers' Circle Friendly Society.

We can note here the connections to Zionist lobby groups in Scotland such as the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the British Zionist lobby group. The connection with the Workers’ Circle is also significant. This was a grouping including a variety of socialist currents, including Socialist Zionists. It was not anti-Zionist. In fact as was reported at the time (1936) the circle was part of Glasgow’s Poale Zion branch, a Zionist organisation. By 1943 any equivocation that there had been was removed when the Glasgow branch voted unanimously to affiliate to the World Jewish Congress an avowedly Zionist group since it was set up in 1936.

A profile in the Echo on the 25th anniversary of the Glasgow Circle in 1937 noted that in 1913-14 “the Circle took a leading part in the ‘establishment of the body that now looks after Jewish affairs in general—the local Jewish Representative Council.’” During the 1914-18 war “Thoughtful of general Jewish problems, the Circle in Glasgow established a Workers’ League for Jewish Emancipation —a body whose purpose was to safeguard the identity of the Jewish people throughout the world.”

In 1933 the Circle was subject to criticism for being insufficiently Zionist from the Jewish Echo edited by Zevi Golombok. An editorial denounced the group in terms familiar to those used today by the Zionist regime:

Anti-Semitism is not a ‘‘capitalistic’' remedy ‘to blind the eyes of the masses.' It is an age-old sentiment prevalent in the hearts of all gentiles, capitalists and proletarians alike… As Jews, as members of the Jewish people, there is only one solution for us—a Jewish Homeland. This is an axiom, a truth recognised by all true sons and daughters of our people, irrespective of their political or politico-economical creed. It is high time that the leaders of the Workers’ Circle followed suit!

After that broadside the Circle invited Zevi Golombok to come and lecture them, the year after, in 1934, where he discoursed on the theme: “Judaism and Marxist Socialism are incompatible“.

By the 1940s the movement towards Zionist hegemony was in full flow. A further broadside from the Jewish Echo laid out Zevi Golombok’s assessment that there were a small number of anti-Zionists still remaining: “We have reason to believe that the majority of the members of the Workers’ Circle of Glasgow are more or less favourably disposed towards the Jewish national movement but we also know that some of them are outspoken anti-Zionists.” (Jewish Echo, 12 February 1943). In October 1943 the branch unanimously agreed to affiliate to the World Jewish Congress, a group founded in 1936 which was Zionist from the outset. In October 1948: “May we point out that a delegate conference held recently of all Workers' Circle Branches, it was decided, that in conjunction with the raising funds for the Histadruth Israel Campaign, there should also be intensive propaganda for the recognition of an ‘Independent State of Israel’ by his Majesty’s Government.” This was written in a letter of protest against the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council which had rejected a call for the organisation to support recognition of the State. So, the left was more supportive of the racist endeavour than organised Jewry more generally.

In December 1948: “Circle House was transformed last Sunday for the first Bazaar and Cake and Candy Sale for over 15 years. Organised by the Workers’ Circle, the bazaar raised a substantial sum in aid of the Histadrut Israeli Appeal.” Histadruth is the Jews-only trade union federation of the Zionist colony.

Timeline

1920s

1929

Conference with Zionist Workers Jewish Agency Branch for Glasgow. The premier workers of Glasgow Zionism and Mr. Israel Cohen held a conference in the Central Station Hotel, Arran Room, last Sunday morning. Mr. F. Nettler, president of the Glasgow Zionist Organisation presided over the meeting. In addition to the speaker and the Chairman there were present Mrs. M. Teitleman, Mr. Jacobs, Miss R. Levine, Dr. E. Levine, Mr. J. Sunderland, Mr. A. Ji. Sunderland, Mr. P. Carter, Mr. Lazarus, M. I. Sieve, 8.A.; Mr. M. Steen, L.D.S., Mr. A. Haase, Mr. A. Levinson, Mr. Mosenson, Mr. B. Shenkin, Mr. J. Sachs, Mr, I. Shapiro, Mr. I. Horowitz, Mr. H. Shulman, Mr. E. Isaacs, Mr. J. M. Samuel and Mrs. Louvish. In his opening remarks, Mr. Israel Cohen referred to the proposed branch of the Jewish Agency in Glasgow which was the principal matter on the agenda of the Conference. The proposal was that Glasgow follow the lead of a number of the English cities and form a Jewish Agency Branch composed of a number of Zionists and non-Zionists. Mr. Isaacs said that the proposal follows upon the adoption of the scheme in London itself. The speaker said that as a result of the discussions that have taken place in London, a new body would come into force to look after certain affairs in the city, and for the express purpose of attending to matters concerning the Keren Hayesod. The Glasgow Zionists need not fear that they would be over-run by the non-Zionists nor would their ideals be swallowed up by doctrines of the non Zionists. Whatever anti-Zionism there was 25 years ago, said the speaker, that amount had now considerably decreased. The anti-Zionists had either become non-Zionists or had turned and become pro-Zionists. We need not fear that the non-Zionists will come into our council for the purpose of retarding the work we are engaged upon. We should welcome them into our chambers. Referring to the present political situation, the speaker said that the Executive felt it was better that they remain silent in the meantime, until the commission appointed by the British Government had completed its labours, and had issued a complete report. Mr. Cohen said that in order to stiffen up the police force, 200 picked British Police had been dispatched to Palestine, and the Executive felt it incumbent upon them to demand that there be a greater number of Jews in the Police Force and in the Administrative Authorities. Some years ago there was a number of armouries in Palestine, but owing to the lengthy period of time during which there had been no disturbances, these had been closed. The speaker said that he understood that questions had been asked in the House of Commons whether these armouries would be re-opened or remain closed. Mr. Cohen said that we have also to consider the lack of sympathy on the part of the officials in Palestine. If the officials had been more sympathetic, he said, there would possibly have been no strife and bloodshed As you will have seen by the report of the enquiry, the lack of sympathy and the costs of same has been brought home to these officials. A question was asked regarding negotiations undertaken by Dr. Magnus with Mr. Philby. Mr. Cohen, in reply, said that intercourse between these gentlemen was quite unofficial. Dr. Magnus acted entirely on his own initiative and when the Executive heard of it and expressed their disapproval, the negotiations were broken off. Various delegates to the conference then asked questions and made suggestions on the question of the proposed Jewish Agency. Among those who spoke were MNir. Seens, Me, Lazzirus, Mz, Sunderland, Mrs. Teitleman, Mr. Shulman, Mr. Sieve and others. The following resolution ‘¢ that steps be taken towards the proposed formation of a Jewish Agency, composed of a number of Zionists and a number of non- Zionists, the same to be formed into a Jewish Agency branch of Glasgow,’’ was then agreed upon and the meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Cohen and to the chairman.

1930s

1933

The Workers’ Circle - While much credit is due to the Jewish Workers’ Circle for their courageous protest against the anti-Jewish persecution and excesses in Central and Eastern Europe, which they adopted at their Convention, held recently in Leeds, the phraseology of that resolution proves that our friends of the Workers’ Circle, if they have not forgotten much, have also not learned much during the last twenty years or soo, as far as the causes of anti-semitism are concerned. Just as in the infancy of the Jewish Socialist movement the resolution speaks of being convinced ‘that all forms of race hatred in all countries are due to sinister reactionary forces seeking to blind the eyes of the masses so that they should not see that their real enemies are those who keep them enslaved to the capitalist yoke.' Apparently, the leaders of the Circle still cling to the antiquated utopian theory that the Jewish problem will be satisfactorily solved with the solution of the problems of Labour and that anti-semitism is an artificial movement created by the Capitalists as an antidote to the influence of Socialism. But how will the gentlemen of the Workers’ Circle explain the causes of the occasional anti-Jewish outbreaks in the factories of Soviet Russia? Or how will they explain the fact that the Socialists of Czechoslovakia bar Jews from all Government and public employment? On the other hand, the Hitlerites also condemn the ‘reactionary forces of the capitalists’ and yet that does not keep them back from being wild anti-semites. Again, if capitalism and antisemitism are so closely connected, how is it that anti-semitism has no footing in Great Britain? Or in the ‘‘reactionary’” Fascist Italy ? Even in Germany aggressive anti-Semitism had less sway during her pre-war purely capitalistic regime than at present when the control of the country is more or less under Socialist influence. - Anti-Semitism is not a ‘capitalistic’ remedy ‘‘to blind the eyes of the masses.' It is an age-old sentiment prevalent in the hearts of all gentiles, capitalists and proletarians alike. It is rooted in the Jewish landlessness and homelessness and it is the natural outcome of our Galuth. Probably Poland or Roumania are utilising the anti-Jewish feeling among the masses for their political or sociological purposes, just as this feeling has been exploited in its time by prewar darkest Russia. There is every likelihood that when need be even ‘enlightened’ Soviet Russia would not hesitate to utilise the anti-Jewish sentiment of the masses for the purpose of the “holy”” revolution. =~ No one has artificially created the anti- Semitic sentiment. It is there since the Jewish people are there and it will continue to be as long as the Jewish people will continue to remain in their abnormal position as a people without a land and without a home, The struggle between Capital and Labour only concerns us as individuals. As Jews, as members of the Jewish people, there is only one solution for us—a Jewish Homeland. This is an axiom, a truth recognised by all true sons and daughters of our people, irrespective of their political or politico-economical creed. It is high time that the leaders of the Workers’ Circle followed suit !

1934

JUDAISM AND SOCIALISM Address at Jewish Workers’ Circle 0000000044000 29900000008200000090006420004000000 That Judaism and Marxist Socialism are incompatible, was the claim made by Mr. Z. Golombok, editor of the Jewish Echo, when he addressed a meeting on Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Educational Committee of the Workers’ Circle at Circle House, Gorbals Stirest. Mie, M, IPreners man presided. Jews had ever been in the vanguard of progressive movements, Mr. Golombok said. From the days of Moses, as adherents to that way of life designated as judaism, they already knew of the main principles and ideals of Socialism. In a world where slavery was the order of the day the Jews already had such epochmaking institutions as Shabbotih and Shemitah, and the advanced teachings and conceptions of the prophets, Amos, Isiaih, Hosea and the others. It was a remarkable fact that whereas in the Bible there were over thirty different terms for justice, there was not a single term for slave, the word Eved meaning worker, and Shifchah and Amah meaning ‘“‘of the family,” rather than ‘“ bondwoman.”’ The Jewish attitude to labour and to the worker was equally high. Joshua, many of the Judges, Saul the first King, were all drawn from the lower classes. Strictly speaking, there were never class wars amongst Jews. The only aristocracy was that of the priests, who were the teachers, and one’s ability the only criterion for power. The greatest of the Talmudical sages were woodcutters, shoemalers, smiths, ete. ‘‘Love work and hate Lordship’’ they taught. Jews ever understood full well the value and worth of the worker, so that it is little wonder that the race produced the Feraira Brothers of Portugal, a Karl Marx or a Lassalle, to take a leading position in progressive movements. Unfortunately, however, just as Jews had discarded many of their traditions, they had also discarded the fine and correct attitude to the worker. From the purely idealistic point of view the tenets of Socjalism were long incorporated in Judaism, but because there had also been developed a materialistic Socialism, which overshadowed the idealistic conception, Judaism was incompatible with it,. whether from an ideological moral or practical standpoint. Never had the world known an oppression more callous or brutal than that which was going on to-day against millions of people in Russia in the name of Socialism, Mr. Golombok continued. As Jews they dared not have any truck with it. What a price the three million Jews of Russia had had to pay for their so-called liberty. Gone were their traditions and their age-old institutions, the Sabbath with the great spiritual pleasure it once gave them, the festivals, the sanctity of their family life, yea, all the hopes they had cherished throughout centuries of oppression. What a terrible tragedy was theirs, living as they did in the knowledge that death as a Jewish community was awaiting them on the morrow. How bitter was the lot of the father whose own sons were acting as informers against him. Russian Jewry had indeed fallen far for the sake of a mess of pottage. Nor was Materialistic Socialism of any practical use for the Jews. Hitlerism was no worse than the Communist regime of Russia, for both had their origin in purely materialistic and selfish motives. Soviet Russia, who with one move could have brought Hitlerist Germany to her knees, preferred to keep friends with her, to trade with her and to form alliances with her. As long as Russia persisted in such a policy, as Jews their future was no safer in Russia than in Germany. Judaism taught that the Messiah would come either when the world was free from sin or entirely barbaric. The Jew knew that the world must be built and not broken, that he must fight, not with ‘might’ but with his spirit.” As members of the Jewish working classes it was their duty to upbuild the world in the proper way. They must work for their own nation too, and then would the Jewish problem be solved as well as many of the Socialist problems. The address aroused much criticism, Messrs. J. Charmatz, M. Greenberg, L. Mair, D\. Medvedoff, S. Mair, D. Nesbit, B. Silver and I. Maizels participating. Mr. Fremerman, in moving a vote of thanks to the speaker, said that although they had heard much with which they did not agree, it had been presented from an interesting and novel aspect.

1936

JEWISH SOCIALIST STUDY 4 CIRCLE © Sir,—I would like to bring to the notice of your readers the intention of the Glasgow Poale Zion (Workers’ Circle Branch No. 18) to hold during the next few months a series of Study Circle meetings on subjects connected with Zionism, Socialism and the ideals and history of the Jewish Socialist Movement? We feel that this project will be of interest to many who are not members of our organisation and we would welcome the attendance of any members of the community who would like to ‘take part. A meeting will be held on Monday, 27th April, in the J.N.F. Rooms, at $.30 p.m., of all interested, in order to decide the most suitable time and place for all concerned. Yours, etc.,M. LOUVISH, Hon. Secretary, Politics and Education Committee.

1937

IMPORTANT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MEETING | Several matters of importance to the local Jewish community and to Jewry generally were discussed at a full delegate meeting of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council held in the Board of Guardians’ Rooms, Thistle Street. Mr. Maurice Bloch, J.P., president, was in the chair. Arising out of the correspondence read by the hon. secretary, Mr., P. Glass, the Council discussed the forthcoming meeting being held under the auspices of the British Section of the World Jewish Congress. This meeting is being held to consider the present serious situation of the lewstiint e R oland: s ithet i letter stated that ‘‘ Jewish public opinion was gravely concerned about events in Poland.”’ - Mr. Maurice Olsberg, J.P. referred to the action the Representative Council had taken at the commencement of the anti-Jewish excesses in Germany in 1933, and said that he felt the position of Polish Jewry was as important—if not more so—as that of German Jewry, and he urged that the matter be given full attention by the Representative Council, * The interest being taken in the activities of the Representative Council by the Glasgow Jewish Workers’ Circle was indicated by a letter from that body enquiring if circulars calling Representative Council meetings could be sent out earlier,” so that the agenda might be discussed by the Circle, and instructions given to their delegates. Mr. Maurice Bloch stated that some time ago certain anti-Jewish posters had appearcd on hoardings within the city, and after negotiations, the ownerts of the hoardings had agreed to the removal of the posters. Recently there was a recurrence of these offensive posters, and, by swift action, the Council had been successful in having the posters withdrawn n twencyfour hours. ~ Mr. Maurice Olsberg produced two labels which had been discovered in cloakrooms and retiring-rooms in a city hotel. The labels bore definitely anti-Jewisn slogans, and were similar to labels which some time ago were plastered ' over a number ct shops—]Jewish and non-Jewishin the centre of ‘the wcity. On that occasion, the Council had reported the matter to the police who had been unable to trace the source of the labels. It was felt that as the labels were hignly objectiopable, the matter should again be reported to the police with full details of their discovery. Mr. Maurice Bloch mmtimated that it had'been brought to nis notice that a number of Jewish furniture firms were acting towaris their employees in a way, it was alleged, that might lead to anti-Semitism. There was also an allegation, on the same basis, against Jewish employers in the clothing and garment trade. The general allegation against the employers concerned was that they were, in various ways, offending Trade Union rules. A lengthy discussion took place on this subject, and Mr. Bloch said that he was still in communication with Trade Union offic'als concerning the matter. It was generally felt that the Trade Union movement was the strongest existing bulwark against the menace of Fascism. Mr. S. Boston, delegate of the Jewish ex-Servicemen’s Branch of the British Legion, informed the meeting that the branch was holding its annual memorial service and reunion tea on 2nd May. The Earl of Home had agreed :0 be the Inspecting Ofhcer at the parade, and guest of honour at the reunion tea that would follow in the St. Mungo Halls. Mc Boston extended an invitation :o the Council to be represented -t the parade and reunion. It was decided that the Executive would act in the capacity of delegates. In the past, the Council had given assistance to the 2x- Servicemen so that their parade and reunion might be possible, and once again an appeal would be launched by the Council for this purpose. Mr. Jack Morrison asked the chairman if anything had been done in connection with the appeal for the Jewish Board of Deputies” Defence Fund. In reply, Mr. Bloch stated that the many appeals in recent weeks had led to-a state of chaos. He was positive that there had been at least twelve different appeals within a period of less than three months, and he felt that there should be a subscribers’ council, selected from those who are called upon for donations on every occasion, in order to regulate the flow of appeals. This suggestion was supported by Mr. H. Finestone. Mr. L. Daets, J.P. stated that the. Representative Council had .some time ago appointed a subcommittee to look into the question of the establishment of a united synagogue in Glasgow. Mr. Daets asked if anything had been done in that direction. it was intimated that the matter would be looked into at the earliest possible moment. The arrangements for the annual general meeting were discussed, and it was decided that the A.G.M. be held on Monday, 12th April. Nominations for the 1937 office-bearers and committee were made. IFurther nominations may be sent to the hon. secretary, Mr. P. Glass, seven days’ prior to the annual meeting, and must have the written consent of the nominee.

WORKER’S CIRCLE Celebrates 25th Anniversary The Glasgow Jewish Workers’ Circle, Division 8,1 s celebrating its 25th anniversary, and a special function to mark the occasion is being held in Circle House, Gorbals Street, on Sunday evening, May 2nd, when delegates from the London headquarters of the movement will be present. Mr L. Gradman, the recording secretary and librarian, who has taken a leading part in practically every aspect of Circle activity, gave a ‘jewish Echo’ representative a brief history of the branch from the time of its inception. In March of 1912. a dozen Jewish men met at the residence of Mr. I. Mail in Portugal Street and decided on the formation of Division No. 8. At the beginning, the branch had no definite home, but eventually properly equipped premises were obtained at 55 Gorbals Street. In those rooms the Circle cultivated social and recreational activities, and, looking to the educational side, also established a library, The Circle prospered, and with a constantly increasing membership, those responsible for the Division looked around for new and larger premises, and eventually decided on the present Circle House, which was formerly part of the old Gorbals library. Early on in the life of the branch, the Mendel Bailis case aroused the Jewish communities all over the world to protest. As a result of this case, the Circle took a leading part in the ‘establishment of the body that now looks after Jewish affairs in general—the local Jewish Representative Council. During the Great War, the Circle in Glasgow organised the Workers’ War Emergency Fund, by which they rendered assistance to Jewish families not only in this country but abroad, and provided sustenance for the Jewish families whose bread winners left for Russia under the Convention. i Thoughtful of general Jewish problems, the Circle in Glasgow later established a Workers’ League for Jewish Emancipation —a body whose purpose was to safeguard the identity of the Jewish people throughout the world. When the case of Shalom Schwartzbard attracted public attention, the Glasgow Division organised a local defence committee. In more recent times the Circle was responsible for the organising of a German Relief Campaign—one meeting held in the City Halls resulted in the ingathering of close on £lOO. The plight of Polish Jewry also stirred the Circle to activity, and another special committee was established to deal with the matter. In the past few months, the Circle has been responsible for raising quite a substantial sum for Spanish relief. Educational activity has always been in ‘the foremost of the Circle’s programme, and some very well-known speakers have been brought to Glasgow under the Circle’s auspices, including Rudolph Rocker, Morris Myers, Dr. Zalkind, Dr. Crooke, and more recently, Dr. Steinberg, and Vladimir Grossman. In its 25 years of existence the Circle has proved itself' a definite asset to the local Jewish community, and also to the working class cause.

1939

JEWISH WORKERS & ERETZ YISRAEL We have before us a report of the Jubilee celebration of the first London Branch of the Workers’ Circle, which was established in this country some thirty years ago. It was an impressive function and a number of interesting speeches were delivered, from which a good idea could be formed of the strength and many achievements of this important organisation. Yet we cannot help being disappointed at the complete lack of general Jewish interest betrayed by the speakers. 1t was not by accident that at this respresentative gathering of Jewish workers not a word was mentioned of their heroic colleagues in Eretz Yisrael who put up such a courageous fight for the Jewish homeland, and that no word of protest was uttered against the attempt to frustrate for ever the most cherished Jewish hope for national revival. It was the logical consequence of the lukewarm attitude of the organised Jewish workers in this country towards general Jewish affairs. It betrayed the regrettable influence of the discredited policy of the Bund and the other semiassimilationist movements which have helped so much to estrange the Jewish working masses from the Jewish people. We are aware of the fact that ‘the object of the Workers Circle is primarily to benefit the members of the organisation. We fully appreciate the enthusiasm of the Jewish workers for Trade Unions and the Labour movements. Yet, the class consciousness of the Jewish worker does not do away with the fact that he is a son of the Jewish people, and that as such he has certain obligations towards the Jewish people. A RN o Y RIS No matter what one’s views on political and economic problems, one cannot justify apathy to one’s own people. This truth is now admitted by large numbers of Jewish workers, with the exception of those who have not freed themselves yet from the assimilationists’ and ¢himerical idea of cosmopolitanism. It is true that in Glasgow there is a Poale Zion branch of the Workers’ Circle, which does a certain amount of Zionist work. Perhaps there are one or two similar branches elsewhere in the country. It seems however that those Zionist branches of the Workers’ Circle are only considered like step-children by the mother organisation. Along with the report in question we also received a report from New York that the Nationl Labour Committee for Palestine in America has collected 400,000 dollars to help the Labour population in Palestine and in addition 200,000 dollars were raised for the Palestine Labour Bank. Contributions for Palestine equal in size could not be expected from the Jewish workers in this country, whose numbers are much less. But some support can and should be given.

1940s

1941

WORKERS’ CIRCLE The Quarterly Meeting of the Glasgow Jewish Workers’ Circle was held recently, Comrade M. Miller, Vice-Chairman, presiding over a good attendance of members. The report for the period under review was presented by the Hon. Treasurer, Comrade M. V. Sragowitz, who indicated that the financial position was satisfactory In the report of the Social Committee, it was intimated that an interesting programme was being arranged for the coming season, but that on account of war conditions, it would not be possible for the educational lectures to take place as in the past. It was further stated that the Club Library continued to be well patronised, interesting new books being added to its shelves regularly. - Members were urged to appeal to their relatives and friends to volunteer to assist in the Glasgow Jewish Emergeney Communal Feeding Centres, where the assistance of a considerable number of ladies was still urgently required. It was intimated that Mr. I Levy, Chairman, and Mr. M. Goodman, Hon. Asst. Secretary, had, owing to pressure of worl found it necessary to resigl from their respective posts These resignations were accep ted with great regret, and cor: dial appreciation conveyed tc Mr. Levy and Mr. Goodmar for the services they had rendered the Circle throughou their association with it. Mr Sclare was appointed Assistan: Secretary, pro tem. At a committee meeting helc on Sunday, 31st August, Com M. Miller, in the chair, a repor: was given by the Treasurer o the Building Committee wh said that the funds iwere in . gratifyingly sound state. It was also reported that th¢ new Comforts Fund for mem hers serving in the Forces chac now heen inaugurated, with 'h purpose of sending parcels t members for the New Year. 4 concert is being arranged ot behalf of the fund, A number of other items wert discussed, following which Mr Levy, one of the Circle de's gates to the Representativi Council, gave a report on th last meeting of that organisa +ion.

1943

Jewish Workers And Zionism THE members of the Glasgow branch of the Jewish Workers' Circle are to pe congratulated on their successful meeting | of protest against the German atrocities on Jews.. Although somewhat belated, the resolution passed at the meeting, apart from the weight it adds to the universal condemnation of Nazi-ism and Fascism, is particularly significant by its reference to Palestine as a haven of refuge for the homeless and stateless Jewish masses. We fully appreciate the fact that as a workers’ organisation the Circle should primarily concern itself with the interests of its members and of their comrades among other workers’ organisations. We also appreciate the solidarity shown by the Circle to the various workers’ movements as far as their ideological outlooks are concerned. But we fail to understand the attitude of some of the Jewish workers who are antagonistic to the Zionist movement and to its policy of a -Jewish Natienal Home in Palestine. Despite the utopian-cosmopolitan theories of the extremists, it is now universally recognised and proved by fact—that there IS no inconsistency between genuine nationalism and class consciousness; i.e., one may be a true son of his people and a good Socialist, or Communist at the same time. Thus we see that the overwhélming majority of the workers’ organisations in this country and in America are enthusiastically defending the Interests of their country and its People “irrespective of their Social outlook, while even the Soviet Bolsheviks readily give their lives in defence of their Motherland.” - : The great nations of the world are engaged in a terrible war, but none of them is facing the Menace of complete exterminaton a 5 are the Jews in the war Waged on them by numberless and ruthless enemies. No people is so hopelessly unequipped and defenceless as is the Jewish people. Zionism is the only radical reply to the sore Jewish problem, and Eretz Yisrael is the only cure for Jewish homelessness and defencelessness. Why should Jewish Socialists not stand by their people in a time of need and sorrow as their non-Jewish comrades stand by their people? ) We said advisedly “Socialists” and not "Workers,” because large numbers of the Jewish workers are doing their duty to the Jewish people.” Witness the powerful Poalei Zion Organisation and the recent gesture of the Jewish Trade-Unionist Organisations in America in allocating substantial sums for the upbuilding of the Jewish National Home in Palestine. Unfortunately there are still some Jewish extremists who because of their socialism fail to understand their responsibility as Jews., We have reason to believe that the majority of the members of the Workers” Circle of Glasgow are more or less favourably disposed towards the Jewish national movement but we also know that some of them are outspoken anti-Zionists. This is confirmed by the opposition put up by so-called intellectuals against the addendum with reference to Palestine to the resolution submitted to the Workers’ Circle Meeting. Let us hope that the resolution in question is a step forward towards the realisation by all Jewish workers that a good Socialist can also be a good Jew.

Back (left to right): Teddy and Larry; front (L. to T.): Lewis, Ray, and Barney. Private (Signaller, First-Class)

• May 1943 - Five members of one family, who are serving with H.M. Forces, met together for the first time since the outbreak of war, in a reunion recently in Glasgow. They are the four sons and a daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Alexander Sragowitz. They celebrated the Seder together and had a family reunion at the home of the parents, 113, Warwick Street.
  • Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant Barney Sragowitz, R.E.M.E., volunteered for service the day after war broke out, joining the R.A.O.C, and later transferring to, his present unit. Thirty years of age, he was a hairdresser in civil life. He is married and has one child.
  • Teddy Sragowitz, Cameron Highlanders, was at Dunkirk, and has since served on both sides of the world. He is a prominent member of the sports section of his battalion, and has won several boxing and running events. He is 23. Before joining the Army he was a sergeant in the Glasgow Company of the Jewish Lads' Brigade, and he was also an active member of the local Bar Cochba. He is a tailor by trade.
  • Private Lewis Sragowitz joined the King's Own Scottish Borderers three years ago, but is now in the R.A.O.C. He is 26, married, and was also engaged in tailoring.
  • Sapper Larry Sragowitz joined the Royal Engineers a year ago. He is 32, married, and has one child. In civil life he is a cabinet maker.
  • Their sister, Ray Sragowitz, volunteered for the A.T.S. 18 months ago, and she is now attached to a mixed A.A. battery in the South of England which has won distinction for the number of enemy aircraft it has brought down. She was a tailoress before joining up.
  • All five were active members of the Glasgow Jewish Workers Circle. Their brother. Mr. Morris Sragowitz, who is on war work, was its Secretary for several years, and he is at present Convener of the Comforts Fund for members in H.M. Forces, and Assistant Club Secretary.

WORKERS’ CIRCLE Following upon an address given by Mr. Waterman, member of the London Executive of the Workers’ Circle, the Glasgow Branch (Division 8) unanimously agreed to his recommendations that (1) they affiliate to the Glasgow Branch of the World Jewish Congress and (2) that they levy their members in order to create a fund for the combatting of anti- Semitism, it Mr. I. Kalin, presiding, introduced the speaker, who, in the course of his address, spoke of the aims and functions of Congress, referring in.particular to the importance of its being able to represent- the voice of the Jewish masses. He pointed out that Dr. Barou, one of the Secretaries of the British Section of Congress, was a member of the Workers’ Circle London Executive, while several other members of their Executive were also closely identified with Congress in which they were playing an active part. He also indicated that every branch of the Workers’ Circle throughout England ‘was affiliated to Congress. After some discussion, affiliation was unanimously agreed upon, and it was also decided to appoint representatives to the National Conference, to be held in London on October 24th. Mr. Philip Shapiro, Vice-Chairman of the Glasgow Branch, and Mr. L. Zaidman, of London, were appointed in this connection. Mr. Waterman then dealt with the question of the Circle levying its members in order to establish a strong fund which would be utilised towards the combatting of anti-Semitism by means of lectures, literature, etc. It was unanimously agreed that such a fund be created and a levv placed on every member.

1948

Letter from WORKERS’ CIRCLE to the GLASGOW JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL The Glasgow Jewish Discussion Group’s Petition for the Recognition of the State of Israel by H.M. Government.

Dear Sir,—ln connection with the decision taken at the last delegate meeting of your Council, against the above Petition, which was reported to our Committee by our delegate, we feel, while this was a majority decision of the Council, it By no means represents the opinion and feeling of the Jewish community. May we point out that a delegate conference held recently of all Workers' Circle Branches, it was decided, that in conjunction with the raising funds for the Histadruth Israel Campaign, there should also be intensive propaganda for the recognition of an ‘Independent State of Isnael’ by his Majesty’s Government. We therefore intend to fully support the Glasgow Jewish Discussion Group’s Petition campalign, in accordance with the decision of our National Delegate Confernce. A copy of this letter is being sent to the Jewish Echo, for publication Yours sincerely M. GOLDBERG Secretary.

Glasgow Workers’ Circle Support Histadrut Circle House was transformed last Sunday for the first Bazaar and Cake and Candy Sale for over 15 years. Organised by the Workers’ Circle, the bazaar raised a substantial sum in aid of the Histadrut Israeli Appeal. The visitors appeared shortly after 11 a.m. when the doors were opened, and - the stallholders were kept busy until nearly 11/ om., when the last goods had been auctioned off. The official opening ceremony was performed by My lan Mikardo, M.P., who said that this was just one of the functions going on all over the country, as part of an appeal for the Histadrut campaign, not only to raise money, butf to give the Jewish worker outside Israel a chance to demonstrate his solidarity with the workers who have made possible the establishment of the new State. Histadrut was, originglfly. to absorb in the first year 100,000 immigrants, but already, in less than a year, 120,000 had been admitted, nearly a quarter of whom were widows, children, or sick, who have to be fed, housed and looked after before they could make any wpositive contribution to the nation's economy. The Government was in urgent need of money, he said, and activities such as bazaars were an important source of funds. G : The well -stocked stalls included cake and candy, groceries and fruit, drapery, clothing, furniture. and furnishings books, and jumble stalls. Poalei Zion organised a fancy goods stall, and there were other attractiong. in the side shows the: photographer and the tearoom. The Bazaar Committee was under the chairmanship of My Ph. Shapiro, and convenership of Mr M. Luckner, and a great deal of ecredit for its success was due tothe Ladies’ Committee who had been formed for the first time to help at the bazaar. It was hoped that they would continue to function as a committee.

1950

WORKERS CIRCLE The Annual General Meeting of the Workers’ Circle was held in Circle House on 12th February, with Mr F. Babbin presiding over a large attendance of members. The chairman asked all to stand in one moment’s silence of respect in memory of their comrade, I. Chaplitsky, who had just passed away. Mr Babbin also reported on the illness of Com. Ph, Brook to whom it was unanimously agreed to send a letter wishing him a speedy recovery. The chairman then gave a resume of the past year’s iactivities; the Hon. Secretary, My M. Goldberg, read the Balance Sheet and Mr M. V. Strang submitted the House Commitee Balance Sheet, and both having been stated to be correct and in order by the Hon. Auditors, Messrs M. Lynn and H. Sless, they were unanimously adopted. Mr Strang addressed the members on the financial position of Circle House, askiig all for their fullest co-operation with the incoming officedbearers, to whom all details of their future plans would be submitted for attention. The election of office-bearers then took place with the following results : Chairman, F. Babbin; Vice-Chairman, Ph. Shapiro; Hon. Secretary, M. Goldberg; Asst. Secretary, B. Stein; Hon. Treasurer, Ph. Briook; Auditors, M. Lynn, H. Sless, and M. Goodman; Trustees, J. Taylor, A. Lepovsky, and A. Hertzberg; Collector, B. Stein. The following delegates were also appointed— to the Jewish Representative ‘Council: Ph. Shapiro and F. Babbin; World Jewish Congress: H. Sless and S. Lee; Board of Shechita : I. Kallinif Glasgow Histadruth: R. Jesner and M. Miller.