Respondent
Lebovitz, Eugene
Interview Date
July 8, 1969
Abstract
[T1S1] Notes building Materials of houses in Ponanok and provides biographical details. Hours of Hebrew and public school are specified. Respondent discusses the Yeshiva students in Europe and their motivation. Father's occupation, land and produce are discussed. Payments for Hebrew school are indicated; parents' attitude toward education is expressed. Respondent extensively recounts the financial support of the synagogue and cheder. Synagogue's building, layout and interior are described. Father's good relations with non-Jews are recounted; instigators and perpetrators of anti-Semitism in Austria- Hungary are specified. Hasidic rabbi's opposition to Zionist movement in Ponanok is discussed. Circumstances of Respondent's emigration are recounted; Respondent's childhood friendship with Isaac Klein and Klein family is mentioned. Respondent's relatives who previously immigrated to U.S. are noted.
[T1S2] Importance of family in European Jewish life is expressed. Respondent recounts experience in, and conditions of, Ellis Island holding cell. Respondent's reunion with siblings in New York and Pittsburgh are recounted; Respondent's impressions of the U.S. are related. Respondent's relocation to New York and attitude toward adversity are indicated. Respondent discusses job-seeking in New York City and recounts ruse through which he obtained work. Respondent's health problems and changes of work are explained. Respondent's response to anti-Semitism is recounted and illustrated. Respondent expresses attitude toward success and indicates donation to Elwood City.
[T1S2] Importance of family in European Jewish life is expressed. Respondent recounts experience in, and conditions of, Ellis Island holding cell. Respondent's reunion with siblings in New York and Pittsburgh are recounted; Respondent's impressions of the U.S. are related. Respondent's relocation to New York and attitude toward adversity are indicated. Respondent discusses job-seeking in New York City and recounts ruse through which he obtained work. Respondent's health problems and changes of work are explained. Respondent's response to anti-Semitism is recounted and illustrated. Respondent expresses attitude toward success and indicates donation to Elwood City.
Subjects
Ellis Island (N.J. and N.Y.); Emigration and immigration--United States--Personal narratives Jewish; Family life--Europe; Immigrants--Travel--Personal narratives; Judaism--Relations--Europe--Christianity; Jews--Education--Europe; Synagogues--Europe; Yeshivas--Europe
Birth Date
1906
City
Ponanok (near Mukachevo)
Country
Austria-Hungary
Emigration Date
1919-20
Profession
Stockboy, Jewelry worker, Insurance Salesman
Work
New York City, New York; Elwood City, Pa.
Residence
Hazelwood; Elwood City, Pa.
Occupation (father)
Farmer
Length (hours)
1
Interviewer1
Amper, Shirley
Indexer
Jelks, Clarencetta
Collateral Materials
Box 98 FF 3
Identifier
ais196440.261
Rights
All rights reserved. University of Pittsburgh
Reproductions