Dutch Jews in Labor Camps Forced to Use Cupped Hands As Plates

Dutch Jews confined in labor camps by the Nazi occupational authorities are forced to use their cupped hands to carry their meals from the camp kitchen, since the authorities refuse to provide any eating utensils, according to a report reaching here today from Amsterdam.

The Jewish Community Council in Amsterdam, the report states, has received an appeal from the interned Jews asking for plates, forks and spoons. The internees write that if one is not able to carry the food – including liquids like soup – in his hands he receives nothing to eat.

The Jewish council, as a result of the reports reaching them from the various camps, has instructed all Jews who are to be sent to forced labor to take with them the following articles, if possible: strong, warm clothing, two blankets, a pair of pajamas, two sets of warm underwear, two pairs of stockings, one sweater with long sleeves, a pair of gloves, one cap, a shawl, two towels, some toilet articles, sewing materials and eating utensils. In addition, the men are advised to take two warm shirts and one pair of overalls, and the women, one warm blouse and one coat.