Italy which only a short while ago embarked upon an official program of anti-Semitism, is in the anomalous position today of being virtually the only country in Europe to which refugees from Germany can enter with a certain amount of ease for at least temporary haven.
Facilities for admission of Jewish refugees have even increased lately, resulting in the entry of more than 700 in the last month. Most of the refugees have only ten marks which they were permitted to take with form the Reich.
Care of the refugees is proving a difficult problem for the various Jewish relief committees, especially in Milan. A large number of the exiles are spending their nights on Milan park benches and are suffering form lack of food. Only a small percentage can be helped with the limited funds at the disposal of the relief committee, and many are consequently forced to apply privately for bread and other necessities.
Among the increasing arrivals from Germany are many who have come straight form concentration camps. Forced to leave the Reich, they have proceeded to Italy with the hope of obtaining visas here for re-emigration since some consuls in Italy are understood to be issuing such visas.
Despite privation, the morale of the refugees is generally good. The exiles gather at the Cafe Mucco in Milan and the Cafe Greco in Rome and exchange information and experiences, especially on the possibility of obtaining visas.
There seems to be no difficulty whatever for any Jew to enter Italy providing he is equipped with a German passport, even if the document is branded with the legend ”enemy.” No Italian is necessary for a German passport. “Stateless” persons are also admitted provided they prove that they are receiving at least $50 monthly form abroad and can emigrate within six months.
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.
