Leaders of Youngstown During WWII

Lois Friedman Davidow 

Born December 12, 1921, Lois grew up on the North Side of Youngstown. After attending Rayen and the Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans, she went on to graduate from the Ohio Institute for Medical Technicians in Cleveland in 1944.

After returning to Youngstown, she became involved in several community organizations, including work with the National Council of Jewish Women Juniors. During WWII, she served as hostess at the USO canteen on Phelps Street. Along with Adele (Lyman) Malkin and Peggy (Lyman) Wagman, the three women, under the Nu Kappa Alpha Sorority, became editors of the “Readers Indigestion.” The publication focused on gossip and news and was sent to all local servicemen overseas and in the states.

During the war she met her future husband, Sidney L. Davidow, a Major in the Medical Corps. After the war, the two opened a successful pediatric practice. They were married in 1947 and had two children, Terry and Kathy.[1]

Oscar Altshuler           

As president of the Youngstown Council of the AJC (American Jewish Congress), Oscar Altshuler was the Youngstown leader for the organization as it tried to unite American Jews. When a rally was scheduled at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the president of the American Jewish Congress contacted Altshuler for his help. The gathering was to encourage global unity of the Jewish people and encourage more involvement from the U.S. government in the fight against Hitler and the Nazi party.

In a telegram to the Council in Youngstown, Wise urged the Altshuler and the Jewish people of city to send telegrams to the president of the United States expressing their grief over the extermination of the Jews in Europe, proclaiming their support for the New York rally, and demanding action against Germany.  

Wise’s request was received by Altshuler, who supported these sentiments. He believed security of the Jewish people needed to be established under the United Nations and should be sought across the globe, including in Palestine. These beliefs only strengthened his leadership during the harsh years of WWII. His dedication to the creation of a Jewish homeland and his leadership during World War II made him an exceptional advocate and protector of the Jewish faith.[2]

Above: Page 1 of a telegram to Oscar Altshuler. Acc. No JA89-500P-17, MVHS Collection.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society educates and promotes an interest in the history of the Mahoning Valley by collecting, preserving, and developing material representative of the people who have inhabited the region.

Website Copyright 2008 ©  Mahoning Valley Historical Society

Website hosting  by Directed Technologies, Inc.