An indication of the manner in which Jews come to the rescue of their more unfortunate compatriots is furnished in this town, the center of a large industrial district where thousands of Jews live.
Despite, however, the large number of Jews living here, only one Jewish family is entered on the poor relief list. In every other comparatively large racial group, several hundred families are being supported by the taxpayers.
The surprising part of the Jewish record is that Hammond has no organized Jewish welfare society. Relief work is accomplished through its synagogue, temple, and local B’nai B’rith lodge. Considerable individual aid also is given.
Hundreds of weary travelers, professing the Jewish faith, have found helping hands in Hammond. They have not had to go to the police stations or Salvation Army lodges for food or lodging.
This is all the more surprising, considering the fact that Hammond has suffered acutely from closed banks.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.