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Jews Sentenced by Polish Court Martial in England; Board of Deputies Seeks Their Release

April 7, 1946
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Notwithstanding the fact that Foreign Secretary Bevin has announced the dissolution of the Polish Army in Britain, a Polish court martial in Scotland last week sentenced three former Jewish soldiers to six months imprisonment each on charges of desertion, it was learned here today.

Two of the three convicted Jews had originally volunteered into the Polish Army. One of them, David Glicenstein Joined the Polish military ranks a volunteer in Persia in 1942, while the other, Simon Getreidehendler, volunteered in Canada before 1942. They left the ranks in 1944 because of the anti-Semitism which prevailed in their units, and have since remained with their relatives in England. They were arrested when they appeared voluntarily to notify the authorities that they did not desire repatriation to Poland.

Under Polish military law an appeal against the verdict of the court martial is possible, but the Board of Deputies of British Jews today took legal steps secure the release of the three, and have their sentences suspended until they are repatriated to Poland and stand trial there.

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