Those Who Were There to Help

From The Peopling of NYC

Clara de Hirsch Home was built for immigrant girls. She concentrated on vocational training and “uprooting evil” such as prostitution. The school gave opportunities for jobs and matchmaking. Lillian Wald is also responsible for Jewish prosperity. She founded the Henry Street settlement, and somewhat created a link between German Jews and Eastern European Jews. Other prominent individuals included: Isaac Seligman who designed model tenement on Cherry Street, and Felix Adler founder of the NYC’s first Kindergarten in L.E.S. Wealthy immigrants such as Julius Rosenwald (president of Sears) gave to Jewish charities, and to education for blacks. Progressives realized how essential their help would be in transforming poverty-stricken immigrants into “Americans.”