Souvenir Review

Introduction

THIS souvenir review is the outcome of a keen desire of our congregational Committee to put on record the excellent war service contributed by the men and women of the Middlesbrough Hebrew Congregation.

It has been most pleasing and gratifying to us, in the compiling of these war records and activities, to note that out of a congregation of 130 families, 96 men and women served in H. M. Forces, and 16 in full time Civil Defence and Nursing. This high proportion proudly takes its place with the many other communities whose sons and daughters have contributed so nobly to the task of bringing about the defeat of cruel might, over merciful right.

I have been proud to serve this congregation for the third year in succession. I feel they have been most momentous years especially seeing the final Victory of the Allies, and we are already planning reconstruction in a form of a Communal Hall and Hebrew Classrooms as a practical rememberance and thanksgiving for the safe return of so many of our sons and daughters.

I have always been loyally helped and supported by the clergy Rabbi L Miller, Rev G Wulwik, and the Rev S Turtledove, and by my Treasurer, Mr Horace Benjamin, and Secretary, Mr Nat Craster, all of whom have worked hard for the welfare and well-being of this community, together with the excellent and loyal support of our two trustees Messrs M Marks, and P Simon, and a very keen and hard working Committee.

We have received much help in the preparation of this book from the individual members who have written the special articles, and from the secretaries of all the local societies.

In particular our thanks are due to the Rev G Wulwik for his hard work and original ideas in the compiling of this book. He has been helped by his wife, and by Miss Rita Benjamin, recently demobilized from the WRNS and their enthusiastic efforts and invaluable suggestions have helped in no small measure to the success of this book.

A HALSON

President of the Middlesbrough Hebrew Congregation