The Zionist Movement

 Zionism Comes to America

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, factions with in the Jewish religion began to emerge. Conflicting ideas over reform and Orthodox practices were a constant theological debate. The division in Europe tended to be along national lines, with the Eastern European groups having separate Orthodox congregations based on the national origin or into Hebraists and Nationalist groups. The later were largely responsible for the growth of Zionism.

Though the divisions between the reform and Orthodox factions of Judaism were strong in Europe (for example intermarriage between the two would result in severing of family ties), the American social landscape quieted these tensions. Thus, organized Zionism in America did not develop until the early decades of the twentieth century. As international events, like the Kishnev pogrom of 1903 and the Russian pogroms of 1905-06, occurred, they served to unite American Jews in the disgust over the brutality against their religious comrades. As immigrants, particularly from Russia, began to immigrate to Youngstown, with them they brought the dream of a Jewish state in the Holy land.      

From the very beginning, the Zionist designated themselves as separate local societies in America. As early as July of 1898, delegates from fourteen eastern states met in New York to form the Federation of American Zionists (the name was changed in 1918 to the Zionist Organization of America). However, this early effort did not solidify effective organization, despite growth in membership. Not until 1913 when Louis D. Brandeis took command of the organization would Zionism propel into its ‘golden era.’ After World War I, the international Zionist leaders, along with America leaders, began to unite for the progress of the movement’s ideals.[1] 

Zionism in Youngstown

The Zionist movement came to Youngstown in the early years of the twentieth century. In May of 1904, fifteen men gathered at 349 E. Federal St., the home of Louis Ozersky, to discuss organizing Zionist in Youngstown and the surrounding vicinity. The men call their group Degel Tzion (Flag of Zion). Louis Ozersky was the first president along with fellow officers, Meyer Altshuler- recording secretary, David Simon- financial secretary, and Isaac Eidelman- treasurer. Their goal was to promote community education and recruitment through the Jewish National fund and the Colonial Trust.

In January of 1935, Oscar Altshuler, president of the District of ZOA, called a meeting to settle on a community sponsored committee for the National Conference on Palestine. The purpose was to promote the importance of the conference to the future hope of a Jewish homeland and to garner support for a community-wide Palestine Day or “Mobilization Day.” Plans were also arranged for the election of Youngstown delegates to the World Jewish Congress.

The elections were held in June of 1937 with ZOA winning a majority of votes with 266. As result the delegates selected were: Dr.I.E.Philo, Rabbi Carl Manello, David Schneider, Oscar H. Altshuler, Sam Strassels, Sam Drabkin, Nathan Ozersky, A.I. Goldman, Morris Mendelssohn, David I. Fish, Dr. S. Farkas, Jacob Klivans, and Aaron Harr.[2] 

Tri State Zionist 1948 Convention. Acc. No. JA90-500P-65, MVHS Collection.

Oscar Altshuler Pre Kindergarten Beersheba. Acc. No. JA90-500P-51. MVHS Collection.

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