looking back

When legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, who was Jewish, died Aug.
20, 2017, the JN ran two stories looking back at the man and his
career. Both stories mentioned that the star didn’t do much to sup-
port Israel.

U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman produced proof to the contrary
and sent in a photo taken in the home of his parents, Tom and
Sarah Borman, in 1957, when Jerry Lewis came to Detroit to pro-
mote the sale of Israel bonds. •

Attending the event were Joe Holtzman, Lou Berry, Nate Lurie, Jerry Lewis, Abe Kasle and Tom Borman.

From the DJN

Davidson Digital Archive

H

appy New Year! New Year 1943, that is. The front page of
the Jan. 1, 1943, issue of the JN features an interesting car-
toon — the usual baby bringing in the New Year; but this
year, he was ready for war work and carrying some serious tools.
The front page also displayed several other interesting head-
lines and stories. Two were about the effects of the war. The
North End medical clinic, which served Jewish
Detroiters, reported that 67 of its 100 doctors
had enlisted in the armed services, as well as
one nurse and a board member. In short, the
clinic had really done its part to win the war.
There was also a sub headline: “Nazis Boast
of Having ‘Cleared’ Jews from Hundreds of
Towns.” This was a stark reminder that the war
was far from over, especially for Jews in Europe.
Mike Smith
The main headline cited an encouraging story
Detroit Jewish News
about post-war planning: “JNF Record Land

Foundation Archivist

46

January 4 • 2018

jn

Redemption Program.” The Jewish National Fund of America had
just met in Detroit and approved a historic policy to purchase
land for thousands of Jewish refugees to settle upon in Palestine.
For a long time, I have intended to write about a weekly report
in the JN that was unique to the era: “Activities in Society.” This
appeared in every issue of the JN and kept readers abreast of such
local news as “Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Silberstein of the Belcrest
Hotel have left for California, where they will spend the winter
months in Los Angeles and Palm Springs,” or that “Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel W. Leib and son, Jeffrey M., have moved from 17574
Roselawn to their new home at 17165 San Juan Dr.” Who needed
social media in 1943 when you had the Detroit Jewish News and
“Activities in Society?”•

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.