(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
Prohibition of the Yiddish language by Chinese authorities in the Far Eastern Republic of Harbin caused the protest of the Jewish population during the Feast of Lights celebrations.
Although the ordinance prohibiting the use of the Yiddish language in public places was issued in 1922, its strict enforcement did not begin until recently. Last week when Chanukah celebrations were arranged, the Chinese authorities insisted that Yiddish should not be permitted at theatre performances, concerts and public meetings, with the exception of synagogue services. The rabbis were compelled to deliver their sermons in Russian.
The prohibition of the Yiddish language was instigated by former Russian officials, members of the Black Hundred, who are employed in the Harbin government offices.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
