Association of Jewish Deaf-Mutes in Poland

In the interwar period the Jewish deaf-mute population in Poland was estimated at 4,000. The earliest attempt to organize deaf-mutes took place in 1916, in Warsaw, where  the deaf-mute society, “Spojnia” (The Union) was founded. Other local deaf-mute societies followed in Krakow and Lwow.

In 1930, “Zwiazek Zydowskich Gluchoniemych” (Association of Jewish Deaf-Mute Persons in Poland) was founded, with its seat in Krakow. More local branches were established in Lodz, Wilno, and Bialystok. The head of the association was Bogumil Liban, an industrialist from Krakow.

In 1936, the association was renamed “Ogolny Zwiazek Zydow Gluchoniemych oraz Towarzystw Sportowych” (General Association of Jewish Deaf-Mute Societies and Sports Clubs). The organization was comprised of 400 members.

The association endeavored to meet the needs of its members by trying to secure material aid for the needy, promoting special education, organizing cultural events, and popularizing sports competitions.

Among the important forums for contact were annual congresses of the association. The association maintained close ties to the Weltbund, the World Union of Jewish Deaf-Mute Persons, whose seat was in Berlin.

The association was active until the outbreak of the war in 1939.