Druskeniki

... The Zionist wave in Bialystok encouraged the founding of Chovevei Zion organizations in other com- munities. A convention of these groups was called in Druskeniki, and Odessa was selected as the center for the Zionist cause. In 1890 the Russian government for- mally recognized the Chovevei Zion organization under the name of ‘Society to Support Jewish Land Workers in Syria and Palestine.” At the 1890 convention in Odessa, the Bialystoker delegates were Rabbi Mohi- lewer, Dr. Chazanowicz and Izchok Ajzik Ben Towim. After the conference they traveled to Israel to see the work of the first Jewish pioneers. ...

... On June 22, 1941, some Jewish children from Bialy- stok were at the Druskeniki resort, a camp for young- sters. At five o’clock in the morning, our vacation turned into a nightmare. The skies darkened with Ger- man attack airplanes out to destroy us. We were besieged by bombs — powerless, isolated, and panic- stricken. Our screams resonated throughout the camp, joining the cries of three hundred children between the ages of eight and thirteen. ...