Archives & Special Collections
Hours, Policies and and Access
Mission Statement and Collection Policy
Donating to the Archives and Special Collections
Collections
History of UMass Dartmouth & the University Archives
Southeastern Massachusetts Historical Collection
Paul Rudolph & His Architecture
Archives of the Center for Jewish Culture
Franco-American Historical Collections
Congressman Barney Frank Archives Collection
Howard T. Glasser Archives of Folk Music and Letter Arts
Jewish Service in World Wars I and II
During World War I, local Jews served in all branches of the military. Forty five died for their country. During World War II countless more served, and twenty four Jews died. During the wars, local civilians participated in the War Chest, Liberty Loan drives, the USO, and Red Cross. During World War I, Jewish organizations entered floats in both the War Chest and Liberty loan parades, and on both occasions took first prize
Rabbi Bernard H. Ziskind of Tifereth Israel was called into the service as Army Chaplin in 1943, and an interim Rabbi, Rabbi Frank Plotke served in New Bedford from 1943 to 1946.
The Jewish War Veterans established a post (#154) in New Bedford in May of 1938. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was established at the same time. According to their bylaws, the purpose of the post is to sponsor entertainment for servicemen and veterans, to wage a battle against anti- Semitism and bigotry, to provide assistance to veterans and their families, to provide assistance to underprivileged children through the Child Welfare Program, to send aid to Israel in the form of medical equipment and supplies, and to provide scholarships.