American Jewish Congress, Chicago Division records

Historical note

The national AJC was founded in 1918 in Philadelphia, a response to the worsening conditions of European Jews in the years before World War I. Its goals were to establish unity within the Jewish community and represent all groups of Jews in a democratic forum, and defend the rights of Jews abroad. The advent of World War II proved the organization ineffective in preventing persecution of Jews abroad, and as the organization evolved, its focus shifted to the elimination of discrimination for all Americans. The Chicago Division was officially established June 25, 1934, although it had been active informlly before this. Stephen Wise had been instrumental in getting this chapter founded, and his relatives, Milton and Rosemary Krensky, were among the early leaders. Sigmund W. David, Jennie F. Purvin, Samuel M. Blumenfield, Leo H. Lowitz, Nathan Raymer and James J. Glassner served on the first board. Its first actions were to organize meetings for German refugees to aid in adjustment.