Director of American Jewish Joint Agricultural Corporation Here From Moscow
Satisfactory progress in negotiating the agreement with the Soviet Government for the extension of American participation in the Jewish land settlement work in Russia, was reported by Dr. Joseph A. Rosen, director of the American Jewish Joint Agricultural Corporation, who arrived in this country from Moscow on the Majestic Tuesday.
Dr. Rosen was met at the pier by Felix M. Warburg.
According to Dr. Rosen, the expected ratification of the agreement will result in the expenditure of $10,000,000 for new Jewish farm settlements. The greater portion of this fund has already been subscribed, $5,000,000 having been pledged by Julius Rosenwald, $1,000,000 by Felix M. Warburg and $500,000 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
“The political situation in Russia has improved since the recent conference of the Bolshevist Party,” said Dr. Rosen. He also confirmed the recent reports that Trotzky had been transferred from his exile in Turkestan to the Southern Caucasus.
“During the present year we have settled on the land 7,500 additional people,” said Dr. Rosen when asked regarding the condition of the Jewish colonies. “The poor crops in certain districts caused great hardships, it is true. On the other hand, we took immediate measures to relieve the suffering. The government also has done a great deal to alleviate the situation and tide over the needy settlers. The prospects for the winter crops are good.
“Where the situation is extremely bad,” continued Dr. Rosen, “is in the towns. Here the Jewish population is totally impoverished. The greatest need is for raw materials and larger credits to enable the artisans to continue at their crafts.”
Dr. Rosen returned to this country for a brief vacation before going back to organize the new program of agricultural work, as provided under the terms of the agreement now being completed. Under Dr. Rosen’s guidance over 100,000 Jews have been settled on the land in Russia during the past four years.
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.
