In 1919, World War I came to an end. But Bialy- stok’s troubles began, for it was caught in a conflict between Russia and a resurgent Poland. At that time Mr. Sohn founded the Bialystoker Relief Committee in America and, despite the carnage, he went to Bialystok as its delegate, ignoring his personal safety. From then on he was perceived by Bialystokers and _ non- Bialystokers, Jews and gentiles, as a dedicated and pro- foundly humane man. He was the driving force, the inspiration, behind the Bialystoker /andsmanschaft’s far- flung philanthropic efforts. Bialystok disappeared in fire and smoke together with six million Jewish martyrs and thousands of other once-proud communities. Such widespread devastation tends to leave many cynical, without faith in God or man. Under such circumstances, we must have leaders who possess spirit, courage and vision. Our /andsman- schaft was fortunate in having such a leader in David Sohn. ZALMAN HELLER Under his guidance, countless Bialystokers in des- perate need received food and clothing packages, as well as many thousands of dollars in financial aid. Furthermore, he maintained 2 large personal correspondence with these unfortunates, encouraging and uplifting them. Often leaders lose some of their humanity as they gain power. Not so with David Sohn. The more influen- tial he became, the more his feelings for his fellow man deepened. He was blessed with personal magnetism, numerous talents and leadership qualities. He endeared himself to the landsleit with his beautiful Yiddish arti- cles published in the magazine he founded, the Bialy- stoker Stimme. Many of his contemporaries became deeply involved in the affairs of the Bialystoker Center and Home because of his example. David Sohn will be remembered as long as people understand what Bialystok and its heritage mean. THE FAMILY OF DAVID SOHN Many Bialystokers are familiar with David Sohn the public man, but few know about his private life. Sohn’s maternal grandfather, Mojsze Dowid Bia- lostocki, and his grandmother, Szejne, the well-known Zalman Kalisker’s daughter, were respected in Bialy- stok for their charity and good nature. They raised four daughters and one son in a traditional Jewish home. Their daughter, Nechome, David Sohn’s mother, was unusually bright and beautiful; all who knew her mar- veled at her intelligence. When she reached marriagea- ble age, her father insisted she wed a Torah scholar. Mojsze Dowid Bialostocki offered the winning candi- date financial support and a generous dowry. Nechome found such a man in Mojsze Sohn, eru- dite in religious studies, an expert in Hebrew and sev- eral European languages. Although ordained a rabbi at 17, he never practiced. His father, Mendel, came from one of the oldest, most honored Bialystok families. Mendel was well educated and one of the first silk manufacturers in Bialystok, starting his in 1842. With such a_ background, Mojsze Sohn was_ chosen Nechome’s bridegroom. After they wed, Nechome, not satisfied to stay at home, started a wholesale-retail meat supply business; the military was her main customer. She became one of the most successful businesswomen in Bialystok. The Sohns, who lived on Jurowcer Street, were unusually generous to the poor. Mojykze Sohn spent more of his time in the bet midrash than at the store and increas- ingly was honored for his scholarship and piety. Years 178 later in New York, he became one of the pillars of the Norfolk Street shu/, and was greatly esteemed by the community. David Sohn, the youngest of Nechome’s and Mojsze’s eight children, studied Torah in cheder and received instruction in Hebrew, Russian and German from private tutors. He read many books in these lan- guages and, as a young boy, developed a knack for writing. Various journals published his poems and short stories. He came to America in 1911, and became deeply interested in Jewish communal matters. In 1916, Sohn married Vera Epstein in New York. They had three children, Sylvia, Naomi and Mildred. Sylvia died in 1946. He inherited diverse talents and a sharp mind from his father, a kind heart from his mother. Alternately working as a furrier, reporter, raincoat maker and pain- ter, none of Mr. Sohn’s jobs satisfied him. He preferred serving the Jewish community, and after World War I he became active in relief work — helping Jewish war victims in Bialystok and vicinity rebuild their lives. With his organizational prowess and dedication, he inspired hundreds to join him in these efforts. But Sohn was not content with these achievements. Thus he conceived the idea of creating a Bialystoker Center that would represent /ands/eit throughout the world, and a home for the aged that would translate their humanitarian strivings into concrete action. He spent several years persuading Bialystokers all over the United States to finance building the Home. The Bialystoker Memorial Book