Establishment of the General Assistance Society of Israelites in Bucharest

The forensic doctor Nicolae Minovici (1868-1941) was charged in 1909 by the Police and the Capital City Hall to conduct a research on the beggars who crowded its streets.

In this regard, following the investigation of May 1909, Dr. Minovici found that most of the beggars found were Israelites, many fled from Russia, following the sad events there. Compared to this finding, the forensic announced the Israelite societies in Bucharest, asking them to be interested in the fate of these people.

Thus, on May 7, 1909, the foundations of the first Israelite Assistance Company in Bucharest were laid with the name « General Assistance Society of the Israelites ». From the press of the period, we find out that: « Last night, at 9 o’clock, the Israeli leaders from the Capital met at the house of Mr. Elly Bercovici in Calea Călărașilor No. 16 and chose through the acclaim of honor, Dr. Nicolae Minovici. Goldmann Secretary and members in the committee Mr. Louis Klingher, Dr. Steinhardt, Oscar Alpern, Adolf Bercovici, Noe Nathansohn, L. Apoteker, I. Sterian, Leon Schomfeld, Heinrich Lazarovici Klempfner, Dr. Heinrich Lemcu Pincu Lindemberg, I. Reicher, Iosef Weisann, Eisemberg and Max Lgner.

The members of this company were to pay at the headquarters of the company a certain tax, according to the power of each, instead, they will be issued a kind of stamp that they will stick to the entrance door to the home of the beggars, that those who live there do not pity. The newly established society was to take care of beggars, in an active way. The latter was to receive clothing, food, in exchange for their work. The stamp was the size of a step of 5 lei and appeared a woman giving help to beggars, and on the background we could see the company’s house, where the beggars were to be sheltered in the future.

In the same meeting, the honorary members of the gentlemen were chosen: Filip Focşăneanu, I. Făureanu, G. Grill, Emanuel Libros and Aer Kandel. At the same time, a commission made up of ten persons was decided, a commission in charge of registering members.

Also from the press, we find out that « Sunday, May 10, at 2 o’clock, members of the Israelite community were convened at the Great Synagogue, where the bases of the society will be laid. Dr. Nicolae Minovici will hold, on this occasion, a conference on the purpose of public charity. »

Sources:

In the morning, May 1909.

The national will, April 1909.

Photo sources:

www.bucureștiivichișinoi.ro

Prof. N. Minovici, L`AsSISTANCE SOCIAL IL YA VINGT-CINQ ANS en RoumanieBinderia Văcărești, 1931.

Ionuț Alexandru Banu, museographer Nicolae Minovici Museum, Urban Anthropology Section, The Museum of Bucharest Municipality