American Jewish Relief Committee for Sufferers from the War Medal Given to Non-Jewish Donors
caption:
Depicts the tattered and suffering figures of two children and a woman reaching up for help to a mother figure representing the idea of relief and aid. At her left is a globe representing the world-wide efforts of the Relief Committee. Behind her, rays of light represent hope. At either side, two seven branched Menorahs surmounted by Stars of David represent the Jewish auspices of the effort. In exergue, a wreath and branch represent the hope for peace.
Identifer: CJf - RFC2013191
Medium
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Description
This medal was issued in copper (50 mm) and designed by J. Kilenyi, an Argentine sculptor.
Upon the outbreak of World War I the American Jewish Relief Committee was founded. Alarmed by the suffering of Jews in wartime, such leaders of American Jewry as Jacob H. Schiff, Louis Marshall, and Felix M. Warburg, established this organization on October 24, 1914. At the same time the Central Relief Committee was founded by Orthodox Jewish leaders.
Very shortly thereafter, the American Jewish Joint Distribution committee was formed to distribute the funds collected by these two agencies. Popularly called the “Joint”, this charitable expression of the American Jewish community has been doing its humanitarian work to this very day, aiding needy and helpless Jews throughout the world.
The American Jewish Relief Committee found that many non-Jews also answered its request for funds. Some donated meaningful sums. The Committee therefore sought a token to express its appreciation to these donors. At the suggestion of August Kohn of South Carolina, a medal was struck in copper, and its recipients were restricted to non-Jews.
In awarding it, the qualifications were set so high, that only eighty-seven were distributed throughout the entire United States.
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