President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation on this day, stating: "Whereas, in the various countries now engaged in war, there are 9 million Jews, the great majority of whom are destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; driven from their homes without warning ... causing starvation, disease and untold suffering; and Whereas the people of the United States of America have learned ... of this terrible plight ... I, Woodrow Wilson, do proclaim Jan. 27, 1916, as a day upon which [to] ... make contributions ... for the aid of the stricken Jewish people. Contributions may be addressed to the American Red Cross."