looking back

The Michigan District of the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring was likely
founded in the 1930s, though the organization’s records maintained
at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan don’t
reveal the exact date. The Jewish fraternal organization began in
New York in 1892 to assist Jewish immigrants by providing basic
sick, death and health benefits and supporting workers in education,

cultural diversions and trade union activities. As time passed, the
Michigan district branches continued to provide social, education,
recreational, cultural, fraternal and insurance benefits. Events for
families, youth, children and couples included plays, dances, vacations
and support for Jewish schools. The group’s records highlight the
“liberal” leanings of the non-political organization. •

The photograph features the 1938 Workmen’s circle chorus. Undated materials from their records note that choral
instruction was given in Jewish, Hebrew and English songs. Courtesy of Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
Thanks to Cinda Nofsiger, research archivist. Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, Michigan District. Records, Box 4.

From the DJN

Davidson Digital Archive

T

he Aug. 10, 1942, issue of the JN had a big headline:
“Britain Grants Jews Palestine Regiment.” This was a big
deal for several reasons. First, Jews had been fighting for
the British since the beginning of World War II in 1939. But, hav-
ing a Palestinian regiment was particularly symbolic.
In the British Army, the primary organiza-
tional unit was the regiment and had been so
for hundreds of years. Fighting men took pride
in their regiment membership, and they fought
and died for the regimental flag.
The Palestine Regiment only existed for two
years, but the more important result of their
experience was not demonstrated until after
World War II. Many future heroes of the IDF,
who fought in 1948, 1956 and 1967, made their
Mike Smith
Detroit Jewish News
bones while serving in the Palestinian Regiment.
Foundation Archivist
It is also interesting to note that an estimated

58

August 10 • 2017

jn

1,200 members of the Regiment were Arabs.
And, it wasn’t just the men involved in the action. The front
page also had a photograph of women in the military police as
members of the PATS (Palestine Auxiliary Territorial Service)
while men were fighting in the Palestine Regiment.
Inside the JN, there was an interesting story on page 10 about
Osias Zwerdling, a civic leader from Ann Arbor. Zwerdling was
the organizer and first president of the Beth Israel Congregation
in that city and a familiar face to students from Hillel at the
University of Michigan. Moreover, he devoted himself to numer-
ous causes ranging from the Joint Distribution Committee in
WWI and Navy Committees of the USO to the Boy Scouts and
Ann Arbor Family and Children’s Service.
It seems Detroit may have had Fred Butzel and Max Fisher, but
Ann Arbor had Osias Zwerdling. •

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives,
available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

Historic photos are curated by the
Jewish Historical Society of Michigan.

