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There was a very active Jewish community in Thessalonica. When I say active I mean it had many charity institutions to help the poor; as the community was so big, it had people from all social classes. There were lots of poor people, entire neighborhoods, and I know that the community would take care of them. It had institutions, old people's homes, orphanages, institutions for poor girls. There was also a big hospital named HIRS that was built by Baron Hirs, who was known throughout the Balkans. It was a big hospital and I think it still exists. There was the Mair Aboav; I think that was the name of the orphanage, Matanot Levionim [8], the Saoul Modiano care home.
I don't know how many rabbis there were in Thessalonica, or if there was a shochet or chazzan. There were Jewish schools, but my sisters and I didn't go there, so I don't know how many Jewish schools existed.
I don't remember the political atmosphere so much as I was too young. Before I was born there was a fire in Cambel. This group that was called 3E [9] had burnt a whole area but that was either before I was born or when I was really young.
I don't know how many rabbis there were in Thessalonica, or if there was a shochet or chazzan. There were Jewish schools, but my sisters and I didn't go there, so I don't know how many Jewish schools existed.
I don't remember the political atmosphere so much as I was too young. Before I was born there was a fire in Cambel. This group that was called 3E [9] had burnt a whole area but that was either before I was born or when I was really young.
Period
Interview
Lily Arouch