Khelman Yakov (1882)

Khelman Yakov (1882, Talsi — ?) — civic figure, Doctor of Sciences. Studied at the Slobodka yeshiva, then in Magdeburg, simultaneously beginning to work for the German press. Completed the philosophy faculty of the University of Basel. From an early age, actively participated in Zionist activities. In 1908, came to Riga and opened the “Science and Life” publishing house, which by 1913 had grown into a large enterprise. During the war, lived in Russia engaging in scholarly and cultural research. Participated in the “Seymovetets” congress (future social-Zionist party). In 1919, visited Riga as an envoy of the Moscow Jewish community and with special powers of the Soviet Commissariat for Foreign Affairs on refugee matters. Immediately after the Bolshevik occupation, became one of the most prominent civic figures in Latvia. Was one of the founders of the “Tseirey Zion” party; on behalf of it was elected at the founding assembly to the board of the Riga community, the Council of Communities, and the Joint committee. On his initiative, Riga's first Jewish newspaper was founded, and in independent Latvia — the newspaper “Idishe folks-shtime,” of which he was editor. After its closure, Kh. founded the newspaper “Dos folk,” which he later left. Was also co-founder of a series of other Jewish newspapers in Latvia. From 1926 — editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Frimorgen.” One of the leaders of the social-Zionist movement in Latvia. Participated in all Zionist congresses as an executive committee member and co-founder. Chairman of the Latvian society “League for the Defence of Workers in Eretz Israel.”

Lit.: “Idishe Tuer”