Repatriated Jews in Russia Are in Dire Need of Relief; Appeal for Aid Issued

Thousands of Jews in Russia, who are returning to their liberated homes in the Ukraine and Byelorussia, are in dire need of relief, it was reported here today by Samuel Chobratsky, president of the Moscow Jewish Community, and by Leo Gruliew, Moscow representative of the Russian War Relief.

The majority of these Jews were evacuated to the Asiatic part of the USSR. They left their homes at a moments notice, often with nothing more than the clothing on their back. Their present condition is reported to be “as bad, or even worse,” then when they first left.

Especially difficult is the situation in which the children of these Jewish families find themselves, even though the government is doing its utmost to help them. The position of the Jews still in Central Asia, in the Urals, and in other parts of the Soviet interior is also difficult. “The need of the Jews is very great and all possible aid should be extended to them.” Mr. Chobrutsky told the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The Moscow representative of the Russian War Relief, Leo Grullow, who frequently visits stricken areas, told the correspondent that reports which he has just received from Vinnitza, Proskurov, Mohiley, Kameneta-Podalak, Taine and other towns in the Ukraine where there was a large Jewish population before the war, all emphasize the great need for clothing, soap, medical supplies and other necessities, “The plain fact is that every area where the Germane stayed has been picked alarm,” Mr. Gruliow said. “In addition, areas where many Jews lived formerly have suffered heavily from actual warfare.”

Asked whether special Jewish aid is needed, Gruliow replied, “All aid is currently distributed by Soviet relief agencies without regard to race or religion, I have seen many Jewish people aided by Soviet agencies distributing food supplied by the United States.”

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency correspondent was informed that funds contributed by American Jewish groups are new being used for Jewish evacuees in the Saratov district. It was indicated that the question of admission of representatives of Jewish relief groups from the United States is not yet clear, and that “no definite reply to this question can be obtained at present.”