WOLF CZYNSKI THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIALYSTOKER SOCIETY IN ARGENTINA Establishing a Bialystoker organization in Argentina was attempted in 1922 and again in 1926, but to no avail. Only in 1930 were such efforts successful, and, in 1980, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of our organization. Our activities need not be described in detail but developed gradually from a shared perception that we Bialystokers in Argentina must help one another on all fronts, amid the prevailing crisis in this country. To this end we offered interest-free loans, as well as medical and legal assistance. The Bialystoker community has become an impor- tant factor in the Argentine Jewish population. Our society remained in contact with Bialystok, contributed relief assistance to it, and was in regular touch with other Bialystoker organizations in New York, Mel- bourne, Uruguay, Paraguay, and other countries. Volunteers who served as the welcoming commit- tee for newly arriving /andsleit in Argentina deserve much credit. Our landsmanschaft provided concrete financial and other assistance to them. Before the war, we established a library within our society. World War II plunged our membership into profound despondency, bringing our activities to a vir- tual standstill. Only when the grim consequences of the Holocaust became known did our compatriots reorga- nize to help surviving /andsleit make new lives for them- selves. They promptly acted to ease the situation of concentration-camp survivors and prevail upon other Bialystoker societies throughout the world to relocate these victims. Our Bialystoker community outshone other Jewish groups in its relief activities, as well as the speed with which it implemented them. In 1947, the first issue of our magazine, Bialystoker Wegen, was published, and continued without interrup- tion to the present day. This magazine became popular not only among our own people but among Bialystok- ers everywhere. In 1950 we celebrated our twentieth anniversary. Reports were delivered on the development of local tex- tile industries under Bialystoker auspices. We streng- thened our cultural program and increased national and traditional celebrations. We devotedly conducted annual Yizkor assemblies in tribute to our marytred brethren. Bialystokers in Argentina published books, wrote poems, composed music and published essays. Among them were Chajele Grober, Awrom Szewach, Henach Kon, Zusman Segalowicz, Jehoszua Rapoport, Dr. The Bialystoker Memorial Book Chaim Slowes and others. We were at the forefront of support for the establishment of the State of Israel and provided assistance to the fallen soldiers of its various wars. In 1957 our /andsmanschaft formed a credit union. At the same time we sponsored a memorial gathering saluting Ossip Dymow’s life and literary achievements. Subsequently building a “Bet Bialystok’? became popular, for which we formed a special committee. On December 10, 1964 we purchased a building at 622 Jean Jaures, our Bialystoker headquarters in Buenos Aires. We renovated the building to suit our needs. Bialystok- ers became increasingly active in carrying out these efforts, attempting to motivate the interest of second- generation Bialystokers. Unfortunately, this proved unsuccessful. Our Bialystoker family continues to be closely knit. We share joyous and sorrowful milestones. Celebra- tions are accommodated at our Bet Bialystok building. The Chazanowicz library received a large number of Yiddish, Hebrew and Spanish books from Jandsleit. Our friend, Izchok Czesler, edits an annual bulletin contain- ing the program for our third seder. A social club, ‘“‘Achvah,” enables Bialystokers and their guests to enjoy Sunday afternoons in our headquarters. We have hosted Bialystoker visitors from other countries who have relatives in Argentina or who are interested in observing what we accomplished here. Our guests invariably go away feeling they were warmly received and treated with proper Bialystoker affection. We offer lectures by our own people. In addition, our Women’s Organization plays an important role in our activities and deserves full recognition. Finally, we are indebted to many generous Bialy- stoker supporters who never failed to share their bounty with our organization. TELL THE NEW GENERATIONS OF THE HOLOCAUST AND RESISTANCE 195