Israel Breslow
Encyclopedia
Israel Breslow was a garment worker, local union manager, union staffer, and Vice-President of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union
(ILGWU).
from 1922 to 1936 while working in Canada. In 1936, after moving to New York City and beginning work as an operator in the garment industry, Breslow joined Dressmakers Local 22. Breslow served on the local's executive board and as business agent, before eventually being elected manager of Local 22, serving in that role from 1958 to 1975. In 1962, Breslow became a Vice-President of the ILGWU.
He retired from the ILGWU in 1975, after which he became president of the Jewish Daily Forward Association. Additionally, Breslow was president of the Workmen's Circle from 1958 to 1962, and again from 1966 to 1970. He passed away in New York City, at the age of 79.
"Israel Breslow, Labor Leader Who Led Jewish Organization." The New York Times. 31 Jul. 1985.
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union
The International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union was once one of the largest labor unions in the United States, one of the first U.S. unions to have a primarily female membership, and a key player in the labor history of the 1920s and 1930s...
(ILGWU).
Biography
Israel Breslow was born in the Ukraine, emigrated to Canada, and settled in New York City where he had a long career with the ILGWU. Breslow was a member of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of AmericaAmalgamated Clothing Workers of America
The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America was a United States labor union known for its support for "social unionism" and progressive political causes. Led by Sidney Hillman for its first thirty years, it helped found the Congress of Industrial Organizations...
from 1922 to 1936 while working in Canada. In 1936, after moving to New York City and beginning work as an operator in the garment industry, Breslow joined Dressmakers Local 22. Breslow served on the local's executive board and as business agent, before eventually being elected manager of Local 22, serving in that role from 1958 to 1975. In 1962, Breslow became a Vice-President of the ILGWU.
He retired from the ILGWU in 1975, after which he became president of the Jewish Daily Forward Association. Additionally, Breslow was president of the Workmen's Circle from 1958 to 1962, and again from 1966 to 1970. He passed away in New York City, at the age of 79.
Sources
ILGWU. Communications Department biography files. 5780/177. Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives, Martin P. Catherwood Library, Cornell University."Israel Breslow, Labor Leader Who Led Jewish Organization." The New York Times. 31 Jul. 1985.