Page:Jews and Judaism in America (Ezra).djvu/8

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have practically demonstrated their loyalty to the land of their adoption by shedding their blood on the battlefields, and in various other ways, until, they are at present, second to none in their patriotism and zeal to their Motherland. This fact is admitted by no less a person than the present head of the Republic—Theodore Roosevelt. They have likewise contributed largely by their wisdom, broad-mindedness and public-spirited actions towards destroying to a great extent public prejudices towards them, and to-day they live on terms of perfect equality, harmony and brotherhood with their fellow-citizens of other creeds. To-day the Jews are represented in America in every walk of life, professional, commercial, educational, industrial and financial. This end they have achieved by dint of honest perseverance and labour.

The city of New York has a population of over 750,000 Jews, which is the largest assemblage of the race to be found in any place out of Russia. The history of the growth of Jews in New York falls into three periods; the first runs to 1812, when the community totalled 500 souls; the second, the period of German emigration, runs to about 1881; the third period extends from that date to the present time when the Jewish population is estimated at over 750,000. Very rapid is the growth of the community, which is mainly due to the persecution of the Jews in Russia and Roumania. New York possesses about nine homes and hospitals; about fourteen educational and charitable institutions; six clubs and thirty—five synagogues. It has been jocularly remarked recently that New York will soon have a right to be known as the "city of Synagogues." As far back as 1748, a Swedish naturalist, Peter Kahn, wrote: "There are many Jews settled in New York, who possess great privileges. They have a synagogue and houses, and great country, seats of their