Wizo- Youth's file / תיק – וויצו- נוער

✉️ Memories from the Theater Stage: A Letter of Longing from Russia

This collection of sources documents the activity of the Zionist women’s organization "WIZO" in Latvia during the 1930s, focusing on the "HaTzeira" group in Riga. The collection includes personal and official correspondence in German, Russian, and Hebrew, combining reports on cultural activities, Hebrew lessons, and lectures alongside the everyday experiences of the organization’s members. Among the documents is an illustrated humorous bulletin that satirically presents the challenges and achievements of the group, as well as short stories illustrating the social atmosphere. The archival documents shed light on Jewish communal life and on efforts to preserve Zionist identity among young women in Latvia before the war. In addition, the sources include historical overviews of the organization’s structure and its connections with other Zionist institutions in Europe and in the Land of Israel. In this way, the collection constitutes a multi-layered documentation of female Zionist cooperation that combines the public and the personal.

The documents presented in the sources portray a rich picture of the activities of the "WIZO HaTzeira" organization (W.I.Z.O. HaTzeira) in Riga, Latvia, during the 1930s. These activities combined Zionist work, Hebrew education, mutual assistance, and vibrant social life.

Activity of the "WIZO HaTzeira" Organization in Riga

The organization was founded in Riga in 1927 with the aim of organizing young women for Zionist work (O11-6f). Its activities included:

• Education and learning: Members of the organization participated in Hebrew lessons (with teachers such as Leitman) and English lessons (O11-2–02f, O11-3f). Lectures were held on Zionist topics, such as "The Goals of WIZO HaTzeira" and discussions on the situation in the Land of Israel (O11-3f, O11-4f, O11-6f).
• Cultural and fundraising events: The sources describe charity balls and themed evenings, such as "Oriental Café", decorated in an oriental style and including traditional costumes and cocktails (O11-3f). Income from these events was dedicated to supporting "HeHalutz" and settlements in the Land of Israel (O11-2-3f, O11-6f).
• Social life and leisure: Members of the organization visited theaters (such as "Lido" and "Maskoti") and concerts (O11-2–02f, O11-3f). Close social ties were maintained through extensive correspondence reflecting mutual concern during illness and the sharing of everyday experiences (O11-1f, O11-3f).
• Humor and satire: A humorous booklet titled "Wednesday at K.B" (an abbreviation of the group) presents the amusing side of the activity, including satirical songs about failed projects and playful awards for members of the organization (O11-4f).

Key Figures

The sources mention many women who were active in the organization, many of whom perished in the Holocaust or were harmed by the totalitarian regimes in the region, although the present sources focus mainly on the period before the war.

• Yehudit (Judit) Abramovič (Judit Abramovič): Chairwoman of the organization in Riga and a central figure in its leadership (O11-3f, O11-4f, O11-6f).
• Leah Berlin (Leah Berlin): An emissary from the Land of Israel who guided the members of the organization and assisted in promoting its Zionist goals (O11-2-3f, O11-3f, O11-6f).
• Genya Neiser (Genya Neiser): An active lecturer who presented reports on Zionism and the structure of the organization (O11-3f, O11-4f).
• Riva Rilishenat (Riva Rilishenat): Executive committee member and devoted activist (O11-4f, O11-6f).
• Sara (Sara): A letter writer encouraging participation in public activity (O11-1f).
• Rena (Rena): Recipient of many letters and a new activist at that time (O11-1f, O11-3f).
• Rosa Bilov (Rosa Bilov): Participated in artistic performances and fundraising events of the organization (O11-3f, O11-4f, O11-6f).
• Manya Chaikina (Manya Chaikina): Received a humorous "decoration" for exemplary conduct within the organization (O11-4f).
• Emma Rudova (Emma Rudova): An activist involved in criticism and writing (O11-4f).

Further Details on Important Sources

• O11-4f: This source is exceptional in its nature, as it constitutes a humorous internal journal. It reveals the group dynamics, the ability of the women to laugh at themselves (for example about failed fundraising projects), and reflects high intelligence and creativity. It includes fictional "bibliography" and "advertisement" sections that reflect the atmosphere of life in Riga.
• O11-6f: This document provides the official historical framework. It details the founding date of the organization, the number of members (about 300 at its peak), and the international connections of WIZO HaTzeira in Riga with the Zionist Federation in Latvia and the world center.

List of Sources

• O11-1f : Personal letter from Sara to Rena congratulating her on joining the WIZO organization and discussing the organization of a public lecture.
• O11-2–02f : Correspondence excerpts in Russian describing Hebrew studies, social life in Riga, and visits to cafés and theaters.
• O11-2–04f : Letter excerpts dealing with economic aspects of cultural life in Riga, including theater ticket prices.
• O11-2-3f : Correspondence discussing connections with the Land of Israel, financial assistance to settlements, and guidance from Leah Berlin.
• O11-2f : Letters dealing with the work of the organization’s executive committee and internal role changes.
• O11-3f : Detailed letters about the activity of WIZO HaTzeira, description of the "Oriental Café" event, language lessons, and the economic situation in Latvia.
• O11-4f : Satirical booklet titled "Wednesday at K.B" including illustrations, humorous songs, and playful reports about the life of the organization.
• O11-5f : Literary/allegorical Russian text titled "The One-Eyed, Two-Eyed and Three-Eyed Woman" found in the organization’s archive.
• O11-6f : Historical overview in Hebrew about the history of "WIZO HaTzeira" in Riga, the organization’s goals, and its leadership in the years 1930–1940.

O11-1f

O11-2f

O11-2–02f

O11-2-3f

O11-2–04f

O11-3f

O11-4f

O11-5f

O11-6f

** end of Wizo- Youth files **

**Press to go back to Organizations Table**