Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-10
ID MEET SOCIAL NEEDS
OF JEWISH SOLDIERS
s~5yys
Formed for Religious
~ Work Also.
HEAR j. e. LATHRoP
Head of Recreational Activities at
sCamp Lee Tells Of Important Part
~; Hebrews Play in Every Army in
&. European Struggle.

= sS>t european Struggle.
EspS
sATo meet the religious and social
needs of Jewish soldiers when they are
absent from duty at Camp Lee or oaun-
tico. prominent men and women have
formed the Richmond Petersburg He
brew Welfare Board. and to formally
lRnnch this work a meeting was held
yesterday morning at the Jefferson
Club. when many details for imme-
d!4te activity were worked out
Probably the most interesting fea-
tufe OF the meeting was an address by
John Z. Lathrop, representing the War
Departments commission on training
activities. Mr.. Lathrop is in charge OF
recreation work at Camp Lee. and as
such he will direct the social activities
not only Of Jews, but of men of al!
faiths
1.-THE Jews have a large part in this
var" said Mr.. Lathrop. I'm actions
OF the European armies. Jewish SOL
dfers form a major part of the forces.
Jewish soldiers are fighting in every
grand subdivision there. They are ac-
quitting themselves as men.
LOOKS TOWARD JEWS
I FOR EFFICIENT RESPONSE
I1OI . III LILO COuAbIys SohtluuCu Nii
Eathrop. cit will be the same The
glory of our arms on European battle
fields will be to largo extent in tho
sArptce which our Jewish soldiers will
Five for their country.
.But war Is not all fighting In tho
folds. 1t involves national unity, vast
economies. new efficiencies and prep
aration OF the men themselves, care
OF their bodies, Of their spiritual ma
i'll n,,r
ernmcnt recognizes that necessity, and
has. established agencies to look out for
those phases.
AT Camp Lee we are to have men
OF every faith. We are to have many
Jews. I know We have only to point
out the demands, to witness that eff
Client response which the people of your
faith are capable of giving. For the
world comedies that no people on the
faoe of the earth excel your own people
whom there is call for abilities to
meet emergencies.
.There should be provision for the
diversion OF all the men there and that,
ofscourse, includes the Jewish soldiers.
The Young Mems Christian Association.
Knights of Columbus and the Young
Women's Christian Association will
have buildings on the grounds. open to
sn who come. Paid secretaries will be
IA dltChOdHSc. III TIC CITY OIL ItltES-
burg. the War Department commission
ontraining camp activities has n rep
resentative, organizing along many
lines. II is my privilege to fill that
rcSition. Besides economic matters. we
are seeking to organize the social
forces for the soldiers.
In that work prominent Petersburg
Hebrews have vital part. II you throw
into the activities your resources.
money. men and thought. you can con-
tribute immensely to the desired result.
SUGGESTS THAT COMMITTEE
INVESTIGATE CAMP LIFE
Mobilize your assets Of entertainers,
persons who can sing, recite, or do
anything else that Will help pass the
nonotonous hours in camp or in town
Provide rooms where Jewish soldiers
may find writing materials. comfort ne
cessities. social contact
III suggest that there be named a
committee to inquire specifically into
the camp situation, and plan actual
work: that you authorize that commit
tee Immediately TO begin operations on
some limited basis at least as to funds,
to report later their detailed plans
ITO that committee pledge my sup
port. and such attention as will be nee
essary. We welcome them into the fra
ternity of cow6rkers.s We call you
brothers. We ask no higher privilege
than to know that your keen minds.
your always abundant impulse for SER
vice, your faculty of getting results are
In and Of this large e1tramilitary ac-
ttyity."
The welfare board will not attempt
to interfere with the camp life Of the
Jewish soldiers. but Its aims will be to
meet every religious and social re-
qutrement OF the men when they visit
the cities away from tho cantonments.
Edward EiEenbrum, OF Petersburg, is
Chairman OF the board: NJ. J. Straus. of
Richmond. first vice chairman; william
II. Schwarzschild. of Richmond. sec
ond vice-chairman. and DR.. E. n.
Caitsch, OF Richmond. secretary. Mrs.
Sam Cohen is chairman OF the ladies'
cRmmttee: Harold Bloomberg. chair
man OF tho headquarters committee
Mr. Schwarzschild. chairman of the f.
nance committee. and DR.. Calisch
chairman Of the religious committees