The organization began at a meeting at the home of Dr. James Horowitz, who had been an active participant in the Underground Railroad and was a volunteer surgeon during the Civil War. Among those present were Isaac Glauber; Mathias Buchman, Alexander Buchman, Herman Peskin, Marcus Feder, Sr., and Joseph Metzenbaum. Called the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the group’s purpose was to help settle fellow Jews fleeing from persecution in Europe. Many arrived penniless and in desperate need of help. Members of the Board of Directors did all the necessary work, both of investigation and relief—there were no paid officers or other employees.