each other for orders, and graft was not unknown in obtaining a contract. Bialystok did try to export its goods to remote lands like China, India and England, but these ventures proved unsuccessful. Factories and manufacturers began to leave Bialystok. Some went to Rumania, like the Porecki brothers; others moved to Israel, Yugosla- PYNCHOS GINZBURG via, and Argentina. The Nowicks gradually sold most of their factories, but retained their millinery division. Porecki-Gawenski did the same, holding on to a small concern in Waszlykowa. Others went to Australia and other countries. Those who remained found themselves totally impoverished until the outbreak of World War 11: THE JEWISH SPORTS MOVEMENT In 1918, a Maccabee sports group was formed in Bia- lystok, headquartered at the Linas Hatzedek. No official approval for this club was granted by the Polish author- ities. Shortly afterwards, a second group, the “Record,” was organized. In 1920, under orders from the Polish government, these sports activities ceased. Several Bialystoker Jews made attempts to obtain the requisite permits from the Polish officials for Jewish sports clubs to function. Peti- tions were distributed and signed by the most presti- gious Jews, only to have their signatures voided by the government. Finally, although the authorities later con- ceded that all petitions were correct, they refused per- mission on the grounds that the name ‘‘Maccabee”’ was improper. The Jewish community responded by chang- ing the name to “Jewish Sports Club in Bialystok”’ (ISK). It still took two years for the permits to be granted. In 1921-22, ISK rented a building, with guarantees provided by Jakow Beker, leather manufacturer, and Szymon Sokolski, of Nadreczna Street. Soon gymnas- tics, soccer, light sports and bicycling departments were organized. A series of public soccer games was launched — in which Dowid Plawsk1i, Samuelke Hal- pern, Repelski, Dowid Gotlib, and Misza Wargaftik participated — as well as a marathon bicycle race through the streets of Bialystok, organized by Lejzer Plawskin. Once again in 1922, the Polish regime ordered the cessation of these activities. Many secret sessions were held among the Jewish leaders to formulate strategy with a view toward making this Sports Club legal. ISK was finally chartered in June 1923. With the help of its members, a wonderful place was secured to conduct gymnastics, light sports, soccer and tennis. Efforts were made by S. Lewin, P. Ginzburg, and Pej- sach Pomeranc, with the assistance of Jakow Beker, Chairman of ISK, and Szymon _ Sokolski, Vice- Chairman, to attract the support of wealthy Jews, like Nowick, Triling, Janowski and others, whose financial help would expand the scope of ISK’s activities. Many The Bialystoker Memorial Book Jews in Bialystok were interested in the club and became active members. Besides the executive board, a technical advisory committee of thirty, including the Meler (construction), Plawski, Krinski (dyeing), and Frejdkin (silk) brothers, and Henach Slon, was formed. But the involvement of the wealthy industrialists, while at first profound, soon diminished to the point where they withdrew entirely from ISK’s activities. There was disagreement subse- quently whether the wealthy should be excluded from further participation in light of their previous unreliability. In 1924, following tremendous efforts, the renowned Hakoach sports group of Vienna was invited to play in Bialystok. On the early morning of their arri- val, at 3:00 a.m., the entire Jewish population was on its feet, streaming to the railroad station to greet them. All the officers and members of Bialystok’s ISK Club, in uniform, marched proudly behind their flag to greet their guests with a band playing. From 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon until after the soccer game, Bialystok was empty; it was even impossible to hail a buggy. At the urging of P. Ginzburg, the young soccer team led by Gerszon Lach became a part of ISK’s soccer section. These youngsters beat the older teams. In 1927, because of S. Sokolski’s departure, A. Kniazew (administrator of the Jewish Hospital) was appointed ISK chairman and Henrich Zebin, director of the Manufacturers’ Association, vice-chairman. Kni- azew was the best chief executive ISK ever had. In 1928, ISK’s fifth anniversary was celebrated. A committee to plan the festivities consisted of Dr. Rej- grodski, Pejsach Kaplan, Dr. Wolf, Dr. Szacki, Morde- chaj Zabludowski, Racki, Wider, and others. The party, attended by 500 members and friends, took place the day before Shavuos. ISK expanded its activities until 1928, moving into several headquarters in different locations. Other sports were added, including chess and ping pong. The various clubs were well attended by men, women and children every evening. ISK enjoyed a fine income from its 31