precedence as regards these flats. It is prohibited to transfer shares or contributions to another party, and those who disregard this will be stripped of their membership.
This is a typical conversation I witnessed between Mr G—member of the Board—and a “gentleman” from the city.
“I don’t actually understand the position of the Co-operative Board. Prohibiting the transfer of contribution is a blatant restriction of a member’s free will. It puts him at risk of being left without a flat. You would have to be crazy to pay extra here, while you could get money for your own flat. You probably know that Jews in the city centre have to pay extra for the flats.” And he adds quietly, “Why are you defending the Jews so much?”
[13] The Board Member tries to maintain self-control, his eyes are restless, he clenches his fist. It would not do to lose composure.
Even though clearly upset, he replies firmly: “If you’ve already signed a declaration, I will have it withdrawn immediately. We do not want the likes of you here in the Co-operative. There are no Jews or non-Jews here, only the Co-operative’s members. We won’t allow anyone to swindle our members.”
Surprise registers on the face of the “gentleman”, who, as it later turned out, did not consider himself an antisemite.
However, there were people “crazy” enough to pay such money. This gentleman turned out to be one, as well.
The attraction of living in the Co-operative and the pressures of one’s dependents were at once too strong even for a moderately cultured man to resist.
Before the deadline for moving to the Jewish district, it turned out that not everyone had a place to live.
The Co-operative’s efforts to secure state-owned or municipal houses for Jews became futile, as these buildings turned into Polish islands in the Jewish district.
A dangerous situation. Discontent among the Jews who are left without housing is growing, although, to think about it objectively, the Co-operative authorities can hardly be blamed. Again, meetings and conferences.
Or perhaps an unfinished house in the Jewish district can be taken . . . ? A Jewish Co-operative Estate could be established . . . ?
The Warsaw Housing Co-operative picks up the idea. Within a few days, representatives of the Co-operative are looking for an appropriate property
