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Federation Star
ORGANIZATIONS
December 2021
www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771
JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL
Moments in history Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President
I
once read a story about an unremarkable NYC building that was once owned by Nathan Strauss, best known for his Abraham & Strauss department stores and co-ownership of R. H. Macy’s. This was Nathan’s first milk pasteurization station. He ultimately saved the lives of about 1 million American children. Nathan was brought to Georgia as a very young child by his Bavarian Jewish parents, who were escapees from the German revolution of 1848 and the economic crisis in its wake. After the South lost the Civil War and the Strauss family lost everything they built, they relocated to New York City. What followed soon after, was a rapid expansion of migration to NYC, with nearly 2 million Jews and about 1 million Italians settling in what is now known as the Lower East Side. Many of you trace your families’ American beginnings to NYC of that time. There, child mortality was 1 out of 8, and when Nathan’s 2-year-old daughter died, the distraught father was able to connect her death to contamination in their own cow’s milk. Because the
government had no desire to invest in milk pasteurization facilities, Nathan did, building 298 such facilities across the country and reducing infant mortality in half over the next 10 years. Then, the government took over and milk pasteurization became mandatory. Nathan’s philanthropy continued until his passing in 1931. He and his wife, Lina, became staunch Zionists in 1904. They built health and feeding facilities in Palestine and NY. At a dinner in NYC, 20 years before his passing, Nathan said, “I often think of the old saying, ‘the world is my country, to do good is my religion’ … This has been an inspiration to me … It is a religion I hope will have thousands of followers.” What does this have to do with us, you may be asking? Well, in Southwest Florida, early Jewish entrepreneurs made proportionately similar contributions in a variety of spheres. We know only of the most vividly remarkable stories, like that of Sam Posner’s store elevator and toaster. Or what the Immokalee schoolteacher, Sheryl Lipman, and her family did for the migrant workers. But we will gladly learn of any others. Our region is undergoing a rapid period of growth. The median age of the population is visibly changing. We can’t seem to do our work fast enough. Today’s children will become parents of future children and, ultimately, when someone
asks who built out Cape Coral, “the Rosen Brothers” answer will quickly roll off their tongues. But for now, we are still in the early stages of collecting and establishing the Jewish History of Southwest Florida, and we need your help. On Feb. 6, we are partnering with the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center to honor Mr. Jack Nortman and the premiere of The Society original production, SWFL Jewish Pioneers film, “Boxcar Education Giant.” Please save the date for this fabulous Sunday brunch. Buy tickets online at jhsswf.org or https://www.eventbrite. com/e/never-again-honoring-mr-jacknortman-joint-with-the-holocaustmuseum-tickets-186301742527. Call us for sponsorship and donor opportunities.
Help us fulfill our mission of historical preservation and education. Family membership is $54, individual membership is $36 and student membership is $18. Join us online by entering the appropriate amount or mail checks to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples, FL 34108. www.jhsswf.org; Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History http://jewish historysouthwestflorida.org/ The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
JEWISH WAR VETERANS
https://jwvpost202.wordpress.com/ 239.261.3270
Who we are Harve Sturm Commander JWV Post #202
J
ewish War Veterans of the United States of America is founded upon patriotism, comradeship and respect for our country and flag. Since its origin in 1896, JWV has fought against the forces of bigotry and antisemitism. The welfare of our country is of great importance for our organization. We dedicate ourselves to the protection of the constitution of the United States and its guarantee of liberty so that all men and women, regardless of race or creed, may live together in peace and harmony. We must be ever mindful that Judaism and democracy are bound by common principles. A knowledge of our own history as Americans and as Jews will bring us a true understanding of the role we play.
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Become a member
Martin Cohn Vice Commander JWV Post #202 Dignity in the daily walks of life, patriotic devotion to our country and loyalty to our traditions are our ideals. We have advocated the highest principles of our faith and the implantation of those ideals to the advancement of the American way of life. JWV Post 202 meets Thursday or Friday of the month. We welcome those who have served in the U.S. Military, combat not required. Non-veterans and friends who are patriotic and dedicated to our values are invited to join us as guests and patron members. In January 2022, we will report on local veteran activities attended and participated in. Contact us — Harve Sturm, Commander, jwvpost202@gmail.com, 239-261-3270.
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Commander Harve Sturm, Vice Commander Marty Cohn and WWII Veteran Armand Pepper
