“STEPCHILDREN? An Appeal on Behalf of the Institution of the Yemenite Jews of Jerusalem, Palestine” – By Maximilian Hurwitz, published by the American Relief Society for the Yemenite Jews of Jerusalem, Palestine, Inc. A special booklet advocating for the Yemenite Jewish community, calling upon the Jews of the United States to provide material and spiritual aid to this ancient Jewish community in Eretz Israel during its time of hardship. Features numerous photographs. New York, 1928 – Only edition.
A special publication in support of the Yemenite Jews living in Jerusalem. “With the aim of raising Jewish public awareness of the plight of our Yemenite brethren in Palestine, ” this publication seeks to raise $300,000 for a loan fund designated to support Yemenite families in the establishment of schools, orphanages, homes for the elderly and widows, religious and educational institutions for Yemenite Jews in Jerusalem, independent housing, and assistance in building homes for Yemenite immigrants. The first section of the booklet covers the history of Yemenite Jewry from the second century CE, the status of Yemenite Jews during the time of Maimonides, their economic conditions in the 19th century, their employment and political status, the persecution of Jews in Yemen in the early 20th century, and the severe poverty that ultimately led to their first mass migration to Eretz Israel: “The Jews living in Yemen are now at a great disadvantage, oppressed by a people who declare themselves holy and pious but are exceedingly cruel, barbaric, and harsh… The Jews live in dark dwellings like prison cells…”.
The second section discusses the Yemenite Jewish community in Eretz Israel after their immigration and the harsh living conditions they endured from the early 20th century. The booklet describes: The first Jewish settlements in Eretz Israel in the 19th century. The establishment of Yemenite agricultural settlements in the early 20th century. The first homes built by Yemenite laborers. The severe poverty faced by Yemenite Jews in Jerusalem and the colonies. The spiritual hardship, exemplified by the closure of a Yemenite Talmud Torah (religious school) with 300 students due to lack of funding: “Seeing that they are neglected and forgotten, the Yemenite Jews of Palestine, despite their proud independence and strong spirit of self-reliance that prevents them from depending on others, were forced to turn to us, their American brethren, for help. Therefore, they sent to this land one of their spiritual leaders, Rabbi Al-Ghabali (A delegate of Yemenite Jewry from Eretz Israel to the United States – At the end of the booklet, a photograph of Rabbi Ghabali appears), to acquaint us with their problems and needs and to enlist our sympathy and assistance…”. The author criticizes the Zionist leadership for failing to support Yemenite Jews and calls on American Jewry to take part in this critical fundraising campaign, warning that the existence of Yemenite Jewry was in real danger:
“It is clear that it would be a crime for the Jewish people to abandon the Yemenite Jews to the mercies of their ancient tormentors—the barbaric Arabs who now rule that unfortunate land. It would also be the height of folly not to help the Yemenite Jews who have already arrived in Eretz Israel become farmers and strong landowners—the backbone of any nation. And as a people who take pride in our deep interest in spiritual matters, it is equally clear that we must provide for their spiritual needs.”
The booklet ends with a heartfelt plea on behalf of Yemenite Jews:
“Shall it be said of Israel that it treats some of its most faithful sons not as children, but as stepchildren? The Jews of Yemen, who for two thousand years have upheld the torch of Judaism under the most difficult conditions, are waiting for your response.”
Accompanied throughout by rare photographs depicting Yemenite Jews in their traditional attire—a Yemenite Chayder, Torah students, Jewish artisans, and more.
28 [2] pages. Very good condition.
