ostrovsky's activities as a supporter of organized jewish labor are augmented by his campaign for laborers' voting rights—deprived from the newcomers by the older jewish settlements taking advantage of the mandate's discriminatory set of laws. his modest mode of life, scorning all forms of luxury and excess, placed him on equal ground with the hard working and low earning inhabitants of his town. he nurtured good relations with the neighboring arab villagers, particularly with those of hirbet azun. he set high standards for the city as a 'green' settlement, promoted equality and the welfare of citizens, and laid the foundation stones of many public and educational institutions.