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The years between 1939 and 1945 were difficult ones for the Jewish community. There was concern for family members who had remained behind - most of these people were lost in the Holocaust. This along with the strong patriotic ties to their adopted home led over sixty Jewish men and women in Saint to enlist in all branches of the services - army, navy and air force and the related women's divisions. A number of women also became nurses and served in hospitals for the wounded overseas.
Remarkably, all but one of these service personnel returned home. Dr. Frank Boyaner contracted pneumonia and died in an English hospital. One member served with exceptional service. Dr. Joseph Tanzman enlisted as a doctor and treated wounded soldiers throughout Europe. By 1945 he was part of the army advancing on Berlin to bring the war to a close. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and with the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his devoted service.
On the home front, Jewish citizens joined others in raising funds through Victory Bond campaigns, collecting various items for salvage and entertaining the troops. Many also participated in the activities of the Red Cross which organized fundraisers, blood donor clinics and other activities.
One lady stands out among those who supported local war efforts. Jennie Brownberg opened her home to visiting sailors and soldiers. Her home became a centre for home cooked meals and quiet entertainment. She also became the director of the Jewish Servicemen's Centre in 19 ___ and worked with the Red Cross.
J.J. Freedman became the chair of the War Salvage committee and Eli Boyaner served as president of the Red Cross.
In 1946, the members of the Shaarei Zedek Synagogue held a special service to welcome their service men and women home. A special plaque was unveiled at the service which listed those members who served.