Stanton Street Synagogue (180 Stanton St.) is hosting a memorial event to honor workers who died in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on Saturday, March 22, at 12pm.
They write:
Please join us as the Lower East Side remembers its own! The Stanton Street Synagogue invites the public to remember the 146 garment workers who perished in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Most of these people were young women and girls between the ages of 14-23 and most were recent Jewish and Italian immigrants. The fire proved so deadly, in part, because the factory owners would keep all exit doors locked, which they justified by claiming that it would reduce theft and prevent workers from taking unauthorized breaks.
Please join us at 12pm on Saturday, March 22, to honor their memory with a traditional kiddush (light meal) marking the anniversary of their tragic passing. We will be reciting special memorial prayers during our regular services (Saturday morning starting at 9:30) and the kiddush will be preceded by words of remembrance from our distinguished board member, Barry Feldman, along with other community members who have long been involved in preserving the memory of those lost in the fire.
We know that many of those who died lived in close proximity to our synagogue. Their ongoing struggle to earn a living as poor immigrants reminds us of the special importance and ever pressing need to defend immigrant rights, and the rights of poor people today. Join us to mark this important piece of history and to remember the many who were lost with few to mourn them. May we always remember and may their memory be a blessing for all of us.
