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Since childhood I
have loved the Theatre, and as I grew older my
love took on a greater depth. To me the people
of the Theatre were like one big family, my
family, their laughter and their tears were a
portion of my very life. I shared their joys and
their sorrows.
Often I have
wondered: when these actors become old, sick,
feeble and destitute, no longer able to perform,
when all the glamour has vanished, what will
become of them? Will these same people who
applaud them now, think of them when they can no
longer entertain? The life of the Theatre
is short-lived. No one is so soon forgotten as
the entertainer who gives of himself too
generously and so whole-heartedly.
What is to become
of these people, who, in their youth entertained
millions, but who now in the twilight of their
lives are playing their final scenes on the
empty stage of life? We owe them peace of mind
and kindness, and a wee bit of Heaven on earth.
To that end, I
was inspired to carry on the noble work of my
sainted father Reuben Weissman, co-founder of
the Yiddish Theatrical Alliance, and its first
President. In March 1939 I approached Dr. Elihu
Katz, head of the medical board of the Yiddish
Theatrical Alliance, and its most ardent
supporter, and laid before him my plans for the
establishment of a Ladies' Auxiliary.
At the annual
meeting of the Alliance, Dr. Elihu Katz proposed
this plan, recommended it, and it was
unanimously approved. One week later, with the
help of Rose Fox Cohen (the only woman then on
the Board of Directors of the Y.T.A.) and five
other women, the Ladies' Welfare League of the
Yiddish Theatrical Alliance was founded in
loving memory, and at the same time the Reuben
Weissman Memorial Fund for Hospital Aid was
established.
As its earnest
President for three years, I recognized the able
and ardent work of Anna Meltzer Ginsberg, who
retired from the Theatre at the height of her
brilliant career, retaining her warm and
tireless affection for Theatre People. This
affection and her deep sincerity illuminate her
splendid efforts in behalf of our Organization.
At my solicitation she became and now is our
President.
On the occasion
of our Fourth Annual Celebration, I am
privileged to extend to our Anna Meltzer
Ginsberg and the officers and members of the
Ladies' Welfare League, my sincere
felicitations, and as we enter our fifth year
your Grand President says, "Onward to Victory,"
Ladies' Welfare League, "Onward to Victory." |
