Żydowski Białystok: industrializacja, (e)migracja, filantropia

Abstract

Bialystok used to be a thriving industrial centre with a great potential. Developing through the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, it established its undeniable position in textile manufacture due to the industrious Jewish citizens who arrived in the city looking for a new life, work, or to set up their own plants. In times of hardship, Jewish people founded charitable organizations to support those in need. One of the first emergency care centres was put into operation in Bialystok, at the end of the nineteenth century. Lines Hatsedek initiated a system of organized aid to everyone, regardless of nationality and religion. Jews, who had trouble with finding employment, emigrated to America, Argentina or Australia. In new places, they arranged philanthropic centres called “The Bialystoker Centers” to support those suffering from poverty or war distress in the Old World as well as in the New One.