b'PA S T1920The Federated Jewish Charities and the United Hebrew Charities merged to form the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC).1924The AJCs second fundraising campaign, You Give, They IN THE BEGINNING to the Jewish Social Service Bureau Live, had a goal of more thanIn the early 20th century, East Baltimorehad never asked for help before. The $610,000, equivalent to more thanserved as the hub of Jewish life. Manyorganization provided shelter, clothing $7.8 million today. It would support 19 organizations.newly-arrived immigrants and theirand food as well as vocational advice and families settled in the neighborhoodstraining. Meanwhile, the Hebrew Free Loan 1931 bordered by the Jones Falls River, PattersonAssociation (HFLA) offered interest-free Baltimore was in the throes of thePark, Orleans Street and Eastern Avenueloans to help families pay their bills.Depression when AJC launched part of a bustling community anchored Justice Not Charity, raising $627,000, or more than $8 millionwith small kosher grocery stores, marketsDARK DAYS IN EUROPE The first fundraising campaign had in todays dollars, in one week toand synagogues. The Depression wasnt the only thing help those struggling. In 1920, The Associated Jewish Charitiesweighing on the minds of Jewisha goal of $500,000, or approximately 1937 was born, a merger of the German JewishBaltimoreans during the 1930s.$6.5 million in todays dollars.Federated Jewish Charities and the EasternAntisemitism was spreading in Europe, and With the rise of antisemitism inmany Baltimoreans had family and friendsThe money raised would provideEurope, Jewish families fled. TheEuropean United Hebrew Charities. The AJC helped them start over withnew organization was charged withdesperate to emigrate. a lifeline to Jewish Baltimore.financial support, job placementproviding for the entire Jewish community,The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society assistance and social services. with the ability to adapt quickly to new(HIAS), an Associated agency, worked 24/7 1949 and pressing needs. to locate relatives, handle applications for The Womens Division beganOn November 14, The Associatedcitizenship papers, interpret immigration G-Day, an annual citywide, door- launched its first campaign with a dinnerlaws and bring over as many people aspools to quotas in medical schools. Park for swimming, ball games and picnics. to-door solicitation for the Annualat the Lyric and a fundraising goal ofpossible, despite the quotas. In 1948, Israel gained its independence,Over the years, camp became a summer Campaign.$500,000, or approximately $6.5 millionIn 1939, as antisemitism spread in thisand many Holocaust survivors began tradition for generations of children.in todays dollars. This campaign, onecountry as well, the Baltimore Jewishto emigrate to the new country. 1951 of the first of many, would enable theCouncil (BJC) formed. Over the years,Baltimoreans raised money to support theTHE CHANGING ROLEThe Jewish Educational Allianceorganization to serve as a lifeline to thesethis Associated agency would fighthundreds of thousands of Jewish refugeesOF WOMEN(JEA), Camp Woodlands and the relocating to Israel from the DP (displacedIn 1949, 1,200 women fanned out across YM & YWHA merged to form new immigrants, providing financialdiscriminatory practices, that ranged from the JCC. assistance and employment skills, evenbanning Jews from public swimmingperson) camps. Baltimore, driven by male volunteer English classes, to help the new Americanschauffeurs, to knock on doors and raise 1953 integrate into their new land. BUILDING A COMMUNITY money for The Associated. In one day, they Camp Milldale opened inWhen the Great Depression hitDespite the hardships shaped by worldsucceeded in raising $45,000 for G-Day, Stevenson at Stevenson and events, the community still found time towhich would become an annual tradition.Keyser Roads. Baltimore, unemployment soared andrelax. Friendships formed over basketballYet, as Baltimore entered the 60s, small business owners struggled to 1960survive. In 1930 alone, it was estimatedgames games and love bloomed at dancesthe world was changing, and women The JCC opened a new building onthat 77 percent of the people who cameheld by the YM & YWHA (Young Mensdemanded more of a voice. As womens Park Heights Avenue. and Young Womens Hebrew Association)roles in the workforce changed,located on West Monument Street. FriendsThe Associated became a place where The Jewish Historical Society ofand neighbors flocked to the Jewishthey could connect and network. The Maryland was formed to buy andEducational Alliance (JEA) for sports, dramaYoung Matrons Committee gave way to restore Lloyd Street Synagogue, the third oldest standing synagogue inand classes. The JEA later merged with thethe Business and Professional Council, the United States. YM & YWHA to become the JCC. which transitioned into the Young To escape the summer heat, JEA CampWomens Leadership Council. Womens brought children by streetcar to Cliftonvoices were heard on community issues, 26 associated.org|CENTENNIALCENTENNIAL|associated.org 27'