Only Small Number of Jewish Unemployed in N. Y. Apply for Public Aid

That only a very slight number of Jewish unemployed in New York City apply for public aid was brought out yesterday in an inquiry made by the “Jewish Daily Bulletin”. A major portion of the fifteen thousand unemployed members of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, reported in the survey of the unemployment situation made by State Industrial Commissioner Hamilton, are Jews. However, no mass suffering seems to be prevalent among the Jewish unemployed.

Figures from the Jewish Social Service Bureau, the relief agency of the Federation for the Support of Philanthropic Societies, show an increase in applications for aid during January. Of the 292 new applications 48 per cent were due to unemployment problems. Of the 1,066 families under care of the Bureau, 21 1/2% were due to unemployment, an increase of only 3% over the number suffering from unemployment during January, 1927.

When interviewed yesterday by the “Jewish Daily Bulletin” representative, Dr. Solomon Lowenstein, Executive Director of the Federation, attributed the small number of Jewish unemployed who have asked for relief to the fact that many of the Jewish labor unions are making provision for such emergency situations and many of the workers draw upon their savings, avoiding, as long as possible, application for public aid.