stern European Jews that arrived. Their social history combined with the American Industrial Age produced an extremely diverse and distinct American Jewry by the end of theintercontinental migration, which coincided with the start of theGreat World War (World War I). Almost two out of every three newimmigrants called the big northeast municipalities (such as theLower East Side of New York) their new home. They would take anyjob available to support the family, and they worked in manydifferent jobs which were as physically demanding as they werediverse. The garment district in New York today was made from themeticulousness, the sweat, and the determination of the Jews. Lowpay, long hours, and disgusting working conditions characterizedthe average working day. Labor unions fought for these workers'rights and eventually won. There are stories of men in the LowerEast Side of New York who started to sell rags from a cart, andslowly moved up the ladder in time to run a small clothing shop.Like other Jews in America at this time, they sacrificed theSabbath to work during it, but it was for the good and the supportof his family. The 1890s saw the birth of many Jewish-oriented charities wereorganized to raising funds for medical and social services, suchas Jewish hospitals and Jewish homes for the aged. The AmericanJewish Committee was formed in 1906 to attempt to influence theAmerican government to aid persecuted Jewish communities overseas.B'nai B'rith, a Jewish fraternal society, was set up in 1843 byGerman Jews in America; in 1913 it instituted the Anti-DefamationLeague to combat anti-Semitism. Today the ADL combats not justanti-Semitism, but also racism and other discriminants. Furthermore, The B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation has put togetherHillel Houses at major college campus throughout the country toensure that Jewish college students get an adequate religiousexperience. Anti-Semitism in America did not become widespread until ...
