Leaders of the Joint Distribution Committee in America had a chance yesterday to hear a complete summary of the extensive JDC work in Europe, when Dr. Bernhard Kahn and Dr. Joseph Rosen presented their reports on the activities which they supervise in different countries.
At no other time has the J DC work been as important as at present when the Jewish communities of Poland, Austria, Germany and other countries are crying out for relief. It is not an exaggeration to say that the eyes of at least five million Jews are turned towards the JDC for assistance.
Few know that in addition to the relief granted by the JDC in various European countries, it also spent not less than eight million dollars in Palestine. This huge sum is never sufficiently emphasized by those who speak of Palestine achievements. Thus the false impression is created that the JDC spends its funds anywhere but in Palestine.
In the light of reports now coming from Poland, it is only natural that the JDC should concentrate its activities on relief for Polish Jewry, both by enlarging its highly useful credit work in Poland and by seriously considering the possibilities of helping Polish Jews to migrate to Biro-Bidjan.
Everybody knows that life in Biro-Bidjan is hard and full of difficulties. So do the Jews of Poland. Nevertheless, if despite this knowledge they still wish to go to Biro-Bidjan, there is no reason why they should not be helped to do so, especially since there is no other country where they are admitted freely.
It is of interest to note that Polish Jews, when settling in Biro-Bidjan, are not supposed to become Soviet citizens. They still remain foreign subjects and can leave the country whenever they wish—within two years, if they find their experiences in Biro-Bidjan disappointing.
It is, however, the authentic opinion of Jewish leaders who visited Poland and have also studied conditions in Biro-Bidjan that the Polish Jews, when coming to Biro-Bidjan, will not be disappointed. That is why the Biro – Bidjan idea should not be dismissed.
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.
