I greet you, Mirer Young Men’s Benevolent Educational Society, in honor of your 50th year Jubilee

50 years ago, October 1903, our society, The Mirer Young Men’s Benevolent Educational Society was founded.  It is quite obvious that the founders were “greener” young men, new arrivals in a new land.

Naturally, the first thought was to gather amongst our own and familiar “landsleit” (people from the same town) and friends to ease the loneliness.  This was not necessary, as there was no question who would take on the responsibility, - if one of us was in need, he should have a place where to come, to his own people, friends from home will not let him down.  Thus our society started.

In the first ten years there were no great changes, but in the later years, the situation changed. The older members had married and had their own children, the worry of a livelihood and requirements were greater, and naturally the demand on the Society became more difficult.  We could not have had a great effect as there was a large immigration – every ship brought members and this more or less united us but the World War started and immigration stopped.  Our first pioneers were already grandfathers, the majority of us were old already, and it was difficult to play an active role.

I became a member in the month of March 1908.  I could not join earlier because I was too young.  When I came in that evening, I felt blessed by the friendly atmosphere.  At that meeting there were 70 men.  A month passed and one of the previous active leaders said to me, that I should become the Protocol Secretary.  I said to him:  How?  I am still young and inexperienced and the constitution says that for six months one cannot hold a position.  He declares, it is us, the members who are the constitution, and thus, from then on I held various positions, and helped to build this building, where today we are celebrating the Yom Tov – the Golden Jubilee – and there really is what to celebrate – compare it to a big tree with dear branches such as a Gemilat Chesed, Bikkur Cholim Fund, a fund that helps when in the event of illness and in need of a specialist and medication, the Bikkur Cholim Fund sincerely helps him.  Another important institution is the Emergency Fund, and more and more.  I could write a book of brotherly devotion in times of suffering and joy, also from the time when the Mirer Young Men were active in the business field, especially in helping our town Mir, from the First World War onwards.
On behalf of the above mentioned, and in the name of the Chevra Kadisha I wish everyone health and happiness on this momentous occasion.

OSHER SHWARTZ