One notable Jewish aid institution during this period is the old Kupat Gmilut Chasadim, which was reconstituted after the First World War. It gave small business owners interest-free loans to rehabilitate their businesses. The People’s Bank (from the Yiddish: Folksbank), which was founded in 1928 with the help of the American Joint Distribution Committee, also gave Jewish merchants and artisans low-interest loans. Other “mutual-assistance organizations” were founded, as well, to help craftsmen, officials, factory workers, and shops.
The tailors were the first of the artisans to form their own trade union, and later, approximately 600 professionals established the Artisans’ Union. The union had professional sections for needleworkers, woodworkers, tanners and workers in the shipping industry . Store and office employees were unionized through the Sales Association.
The community expanded its activities in the field of aid and relief, and several new companies were established. Bethlehem was a company that provided food to the poorest individuals, while Linat Tzedek and the Jewish Women’s Association helped the ill and their families, and contributed to the maintenance of the hospital, the old age home and the orphanage. These institutions received support from the community and the municipality
