Syracuse, NY, Aug. 31, 1862
Editor of the Israelite:
I take great pleasure in informing you of the great patriotic movement of the Israelites of this city in the gallant and noble cause of the Union and Liberty.

The first meeting for this purpose was held on Sunday the 24th inst., 9 o'clock, A.M. in the Synagogue of the Society of Concord. A large audience assembled. The following prominent citizens were chosen officers:
F.D. Manheimer, Esq. President;
Jacob Levy and Joseph Falker, Vice-Presidents;
Baruch Stern, Treasurer;
B. Bronner, Secretary.

The chairman stated the object of the meeting, when immediately a bounty subscription fund to aid volunteering was opened. Also an enrollment list for a military company to be formed with the following prominent young men as follows: S. Light, Captain; Samuel Bronner, 1st Lieutenant; W. Harris, 2d Lieutenant.

Mr. Jacob Stone said: I am too old to volunteer for my country but the first young man who will do so shall receive $200 as my substitute.

His request was complied with. Many other young men signed the roll. The sum of nearly three thousand dollars was received in cash. Stirring war speeches were made, and thus a noble work was commenced.

We continued our meetings from evening to evening - always with a crowded house - and the patriotism manifested in their meetings was never witnessed in Syracuse. The most prominent Citizens and eloquent speakers of Christian denominations addressed our meetings, and the great hall of the synagogue resounded with high and patriotic works.
It seems as if the spirit of Judah Maccabee had come down to arouse his people and when I sat in the synagogue listening to the remarks of some able speakers, I rejoiced, for here in this house of Jewish worship, I see the Jew and the Gentile sitting friendly together, listening to one great object -aiding one noble cause, pointing to one noble work - the maintaining of our glorious republic -whose unsurpassed institutions give to us all: "Liberty - Equality."

We had another rousing meeting last night. The Reverend Dr. Deutsch addressed the audience in English, and his patriotic words and eloquent language were very much applauded and when the Reverend speaker sat down a storm of applause was raised and the cry of "go on - go on", was cheeringly heard.

Monday we opened our recruiting office - began to work - some of our merchants absented themselves entirely from their business, devoting their time to military business, and when the sun on Saturday evening went down of Onondaga's shore, the first company, Company A, of the Onondaga Regiment, got up by the Israelites of Syracuse, was mustered into the service of the United States, to the delight of all citizens.

Night closed upon us, when headed by martial music and the flying banner of the Stars and Stripes, we marched out on Mulberry Street - cheers on cheers were given - it was Company A of the 4th (149th Regiment) Regiment.

I rejoice in that movement; it shows the Israelite knows his duty to his government and country.

And our ladies? Were they idle? No, sir! They collected among themselves the sum of $200 for a regimental flag to be made by them to be presented to the 4th Onondaga Regiment.

The military committee had concluded that the Jewish Ladies of this city shall have the honor to make and present the Regimental flag - it will be done worthy of the daughters of Israel.

I know, dear sir, you delight in the honor and progress of our nation, and by letting this communication find a place in your valuable journal, you will oblige.
Your Friend,
Emeth