The refugees in Hongkew formed a myriad
of associations to manage their resources and organise their lives. With
the help of the already established communities new institutions were created:
synagogues, Jewish schools, sports clubs and Zionist and socialist groups.
As poverty intensified, the American Jewish
Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint or JDC) played a key role in making
survival possible. Funds were transferred from the United States through
the Red Cross. By 1945, 11,000 of the 18,000 Jews in the ghetto depended
on Joint assistance.
Aided by organizations such as the Polish
Mutual Aid Society, which relied on local donations, the Joint set up communal
soup kitchens in addition to other welfare services.
Sport was a vital escape with many soccer
teams a feature of ghetto life.
The refugees quickly recreated a rich cultural
life. Music ensembles, writers’ groups, art clubs, theatre and cabaret
thrived. Many local musicians worked as music teachers as well as performing
in cafés. Adult education groups met regularly, offering such diverse
topics as current affairs, mathematics and chess. |