A merica ffewish Periodical Cotter

CLIFTON AVENUE • CINCINNATI 20, OHIO

DETROIT JEWISH CHRONICLE and The Legal Chronicle

April 7, 1944

•

5

Jews in the Dominican Republic

By JULIUS MORITZEN

when the colony was first estab- tribute of their best Dominican along different lines.
prosperity.
lished some few years ago.
The Dominican Jews are whole-
Editor's Note—Julius Molitzen has been a frequent contributor
Whether it is as mechanics, General Luperon was born in heartedly with their fellow Dom-
to this publication. His articles about the Jews in the Dominican members of the one or other 1893 and during the sixties he inicans as working for the de-
Republic is based on many visits to the Republic in the profession, or as farmers, the took an active part in the island's feat of the common enemy. As
Carribean. He is personally acquainted with President Trujillo Jews of the Dominican Republic military and political struggles. a member of the United Nations
realize their responsibilities as in- In a message that he published the country was among the first
and high government officials.
dividuals and are trying to repay in the journal LaPaz he declared to declare war against the Nazis
There is little doube that of people of the two hemispheres. by their acts the gratitude they that the main need of his country after the United States led the
the little more than a million and
The festivities marking the feel for hospitality shown them besides the exercise of freedom way.
a half people of the Dominican observance of the Day of Inde- by native Dominicans who sympa- and justice, was immigration. He
Republic who observed the Cen- pendency, what with great pro- thize with them for what they had read about the plight of the
--
tennial of Independence, which cessions, speech making, and the have suffered in many instances Russian Jews at that time, and
began on Feb. 24 and continued outpouring of the masses in holi- before reaching the southern re- when he went to Paris on a
Passover Greetings to All!
through the month of March, day moods, found the Jewish ele- public. There is no doubt that political mission he met his old
none showed greater interest or ment well represented. Not only when once the sea lanes of the friend, Alfredo Herrera, who fur-
were more vitally concerned than in the capital, but in Santiago Atlantic are free there will be ther informed him about the
the Jews who, in the island that de Caballeros, the second largest a steady increase in new arrivals unfortunate situation confront-
0. K. CLEANERS
Columbus discovered and "loved city in the republic. Wherever in Santo Domingo, both in the ing European Jewry. As a result
& DYERS
more than any other spot on Jews have settled, most of them Sosua colony and other parts he declared that "they deserve
earth," had found safe haven permanently, their participation of the country. There is special our fullest sympathy. They are
from the persecutions of a Nazi- was their outward appreciation need for opening up new farm- our brethren and they are hu- MADISON 8560
and grateful acknowledgment for ing sections and the Dominican man beings. Besides, they are be-
controlled continent.
Alterations — Repairs
Whether it is the colony at what Santo Domingo means to government is prepared to assist ing persecuted. We shall make
Prompt Pick-Up and Delivery
Sosua, or the Jews located in the them in their newfound homes. newcomers in every possible way, them welcome in Santo Domingo."
Luperon contacted the Alliance
capital of Trujillo City, or in the And in it all the 'name of Gen- so that they can settle down to
8638 WOODWARD AVE.
Israelite Universelle and many
other towns, or farming districts, eralissimo Rafael Leonidas Tru- peace and comfort.
MORRIS GRIBOW
As is well known. it was Presi- prominent Jews in Paris with the
the hospitality shown them jillo Molina, the president, rises
through the Dominican govern- to their lips as the one individ- dent Trujillo who, by offering view of facilitating the departure
ment opening the country to ual through whom it was largely his land at Sosua, made possible of the persecuted coreligionists
them at a time when almost every made possible that the Jews of the establishment of the colony and gaining them entrance to
other land forbade their entrance, the old world might find refuge in 1941. This, however, was not his country. For reasons that are
the first time that Santo Domingo of historical importance, the proj-
constitutes a chapter in humani- in the new.
This writer, through repeated attempted to give the persecuted ect failed of realization. But
Passover Greetings!
tarianism that history is bound
to record after the torments of visits to the Dominican Republic, Jews abroad an opportunity to General Luperon will always be
the global war are forgotten and his acquaintance with President make that republic their home. remembered by Dominicans as
peace once more possesses the Trujillo and other high govern- The so-called Luperon Project of the man who first led the way
East Side Machine
ment officials, can testify to the 1882 was planned on an even for increasing the population by
fact that the Jewish contingent bigger scale than that which re- the infusion of new blood irre-
has the good wishes of the whole sulted in the Sosua Colony, spective of religious beliefs.
and Tool Co.
population and that the Jews are known officially as the Dominican
There is, then, a special reason
highly valued for what they are Republic Settlement Association why the Jews in that country
Sincerest Passover Greetings
9729 KNODELL
contributing to the progress of and of which James N. Rosen-
the republic. At the Sosua colony berg, the well known New York are grateful that in an hour
when persecution is no less ter-
RALPH W. SMITH
it is amply demonstrated how lawyer, is the president.
Ridal's Service
the Jewish element understands
Now, the man responsible for rible as when Luperon lived,
PLAZA 2014
Station
how to get the best possible from conceiving the first plan for President Trujillo made the Lupe-
the fertile Dombinican soil. Under settling Jews in Santo Domingo
"That Good Gulf Gas"
.able instructors many who never was General Gregorio Luperon, ron project come true, although
Brakes Lined and Adjusted
before knew what agriculture de- whose name and life history as t
Cars Washed
mands of the worker have found a poor, self-educated youth ought
pleasure and profit in cultivating to be revered equally with that
Cor. Milwaukee and John R.
PASSOVER GREETINGS TO ALL!
the fine land on the north coast of President Trujillo as Domini-
PETER RIDAL
of the island where the breezes an Jews assemble for worship
"
from the Atlantic make living c during
TRINITY 2-9698
the Easter Holidays, and
a pleasant experience. This writer pray for the welfare of the gov-
--, has before told the readers of ernment that gave them this
this publication about his experi-
-
haven of refuge where today
ences as a visitor to Sosua. He they can attend to their religious
can but repeat here that progress duties, and enjoy the freedom
SOCIETY OF TOOL AND DIE CRAFTSMEN
Passover Greetings to All!
advances steadily and that only and right to live as men and
the lack of shipping facilities pre- women who are ready to con-
•0:
vent the increase in the Sosua
•
population that was expected

JAMES G. BECK, Pres.

PEGGY ANN

Exclusive Frocks

9116 GRAND RIVER AVE.

Passover Greetings!

ROMAN

CLEANSER

TYLER 6.1827

—Whitens
Clothes
Safely!

•

HOTEL S

Passover
Greetings

ROOSEVELT

2250 14TH ST.
Opposite Mich. Central Depot

YORBA

Sincerest Passover Greetings

4020 W. LAFAYETTE

Near Ambassador Bridge

To You and to Those

REX

Redford

120 W. MONTCALM

Granite Works

Whose Happiness is

448 HENRY
Between Cass and Second

Authorized Dealer for
Rock of Ages Memorials

Yours, a Very Joyous

ROBERTS

23436 GRAND RIVER

Holiday.

Downtown Detroit

WILLARD

5725 Woodward, Near Genl. Motors

Conveniently
Located

Reasonable
Rates

OAP.

Grand Lawn Cemetery

Redford 0458

A Joyous Passover To All

WITH BEST WISHES THAT YOU AND YOURS
MAY ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AND
PEACE THROUGH THE
YEARS TO COME

Kline's

.

1223 - 1225 WOODWARD AVENUE

Gunsberg Star Kosher
Sausage Co.

1743 PINGREE AVE.

■ ■ .....

..........................

TRINITY 2.2940

.................

.......

-

