Relief work in most European countries has been continuing despite difficulties, and the need for aid far outstrips the capacity of all agencies concerned, the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds reports in a survey of overseas activities, which points out that “American relief dollars are not going into German-occupied territory nor are any of the agencies questioned breaking the blockade.”
Among non-sectarian organizations the American Red Cross spent more than $5,000,000 in the first year of the war, including $530,000 for Polish relief; the American Friends Service Committee’s work is now practically confined to food distribution in unoccupied France; the Commission for Polish Relief is shipping food into Poland, reports thus far showing no misappropriations of food.
Among Jewish organizations the Joint Distribution Committee continues to provide relief to needy and dispossessed Jews in most European countries and to assist many to emigrate without sending dollars to German territory. The World ORT Union continues to operate schools, workshops and colonies in England and in territory occupied by Germany and Soviet Russia. The HIAS-ICA is operating in Portugal, Marseille and Baltic countries, aiding Jewish emigration.
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, according to the survey, continues despite obstacles to gather authentic news from Nazi-held territories for the use of Jewish organizations and the press. “While the collection and dissemination of European news has cost more the income of JTA from abroad has been practically eliminated,” it was pointed out. The National Refugee Service, up to Sept. 1, resettled 3,771 refugees throughout the country.
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.
