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• Czyzewo
• Goworowo
• Mlawa
• Ostroleka
• Ostrów Mazowiecka
  • Chapter 1
  • Chapter 2
  • Chapter 3
  • Chapter 4
  • Chapter 5
  • Chapter 6
  • Chapter 7
  • Chapter 8
  • Chapter 9
  • Chapter 10
  • Chapter 11
  • Chapter 12
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 14
  • Chapter 15
  • Chapter 16
  • Chapter 17
  • Chapter 18
  • Chapter 19
  • Chapter 20
  • Chapter 21
  • Chapter 22
  • Chapter 23
  • Chapter 24
  • Chapter 25
  • Chapter 26
  • Chapter 27
  • Chapter 28
  • Chapter 29
  • Chapter 30
  • Chapter 31
  • Chapter 32
• Zareby Kosleine

 

Ostrów Mazowiecka

 

“Maccabi”
Translated by Ros Romem

In 1916 a youth sports association was organized in Ostrów that was later called “Maccabi”. The association attracted young Jewish boys and girls who were active under its flag and auspices and who were dedicated to sports. The Zionists considered these “national sports” and hence these associations were Zionist, the flag was the blue and white Zionist flag and even the uniforms of the members were white with the addition of blue.

The members participated in drill exercises, basketball games, all kinds of sports, learning Hebrew and teaching the members in a Zionist spirit.

Ajze Tejtel and others founded the local “Maccabi” club under the guidance of the German, Schulte. “Maccabi” put down roots and excelled at most of its performances, becoming stronger despite the obstacles to its development.
The youth of our town united and founded a sports club and it developed in a very positive manner. They took care not only of their own physical health, but also of many poor people in our town.

The latter naturally did not require exercises and wrestling bouts, but simply bread and a hot meal. Our youngsters established a soup kitchen where everybody could find a hot meal for two kopeks. Every day about six hundred people would eat there. The institution excelled in organization and cleanliness. Our youth were deserving of the thanks they received from all the residents of our town.

The “Betar” Movement
Translated by Ros Romem

Betar was included among the Zionist movements in our town and from the point of view of the Zionist awakening and national activities, its part was not small, until 1930 when it left the Zionist Organization. They took an active part in all facets of Zionist activities, especially Keren Kayemet. They excelled in fundraising for the JNF, more than all the parties, and there was a time when they were even in first place.

The members were determined and worked very hard to maintain national spirit which was part of their personality. The lives of the youngsters were interesting and rich as every meeting of a company or a battalion was important to them and they found the uniforms of every movement interesting.

Naturally all the movements aimed for “expansion” and parties and parades were organized. On Lag b'Omer they organized a march to the forest and returned towards evening with trumpets blaring and blue and white flags flying.

The conference, which took place in Ostrów Mazowiecka with the participation of the commissioner of Betar in Poland, Mr. Aron Prupes, who today is in Israel, was a great help in making a success of Betar's activities.

[Page 118]

A Few Words About the Initiator of this Book
By H.I. Glinka
Translated by Morris Roitman

We would be at great fault, if we failed to mention the character and personality of Arija Margolis (currently residing in Israel) or as he was better known in Ostrowa, Lejbl Margolis, in a book specifically dedicated to Ostrowa. A book whose aim is to perpetuate the city, its people and its institutions

It is no mere coincidence that Margolis toiled and stubbornly strove to have this book published. In connection with the Jews of Ostrowa, and this is said with all honesty, the name of Margolis is embroidered with gold letters. It was only natural that he would show such dedication in having this book published.

There was no Zionist institution, enterprise or, in fact, any Jewish (organization) that his participation in was merely minimal. In the Ostrowa Zionist movement, he served as a great leader, decisive in all areas and activities of the movement's management, heading and directing its functions. He fought for and protected the interest of the Jewish community in the city by serving as a city councilor for many years. Any Jew on the council knew that he (could) turn to Margolis. Even today, no matter is too difficult for him when it comes to aiding and helping a fellow community worker or leader. It is possible to state without exaggeration that Margolis was the most popular Jew and community worker in Ostrowa. His efforts to realize the dream of both the Zionist National Funds, i.e. Keren Kayemet l'Yisroel and Keren haYesod, can serve as an example and model (for us all). He did not flinch from communal work and efforts, even though on many occasions they took time away from his personal life as well as his time earning a living. His house was always open for any communal matter.

[In summary] this is only a general outline, and just a little trifle about the character of our dear Arija Margolis. It is fitting [here] to highlight his praiseworthy wife (lit. companion) who always stood by his right hand and supported and encouraged him in his important Zionist and Jewish endeavours.