The handful of Jews living in the Russian zone in Germany in many ways enjoy greater benefits than those in the American and British zones, Jewish leaders told the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency during a ten-day tour of Soviet-occupied Germany. Nonetheless, nearly all Jews there said they would leave as soon as Soviet troops were withdrawn.
Every Jewish leader with whom the writer spoke praised the Russian authorities, both when Russian officers were present at interviews and at other times. Restitution of Jewish property has been progressing since the Russians took over the area from the Americans last July, it was pointed out.
Numbering about 1,000, and all of German descent, the Jews are organized into communities similar to those existing in Western Germany. They are concentrated mainly in the big cities, including Erfurt, Leipzig, Dresden and Weimar. Representatives from various cities hold regular meetings to discuss common problems.
Jews who returned to this area from different parts of Europe were at first billeted by the Russian authorities in the finest hotels available. They were then transported either to their old homes, many of which had been used by Nazi officials, or were placed in former Nazi homes. Everyone received more than enough clothing, as well as money grants. All Jews were either returned to their former businesses, or were given businesses taken from the Nazis. Top food priority was also extended to the Jews.
A large part of this program of assistance was carried on by Jews under supervision of the Soviet authorities, but it is now in great measure under control of the German Government, which is in line with the Soviet policy of giving the Germans greater control over their internal affairs. Jewish leaders declared, however, that they are able to appeal directly to the Russians should the Germans fail to cooperate with the Jews. This has not been necessary, however, the Jews added. Jewish officials responsible for Jewish affairs in the provincial governments have also extended a great deal of aid to the Jews.
Jewish leaders with whom the writer spoke also praised the efforts of the “Victims of Fascism Committee,” a non-sectarian group set up to help all persons persecuted by the Nazis. Wherever one travels in the Russian zone in Germany bright Committee posters appeal to the Germans to contribute funds to the Committee which allocates the money to all Nazi victims, regardless of race or religion.
Soviet authorities as well as Jewish leaders pointed out that there never were displaced persons camps in the Russian zone. Local Soviet commanders stated it was taken for granted that Jews should receive preferential treatment and that any display of anti-Semitism would immediately be prosecuted. The commanders added that to date there has been no real trouble.
Soviet officials denied any knowledge of Jews from Poland traveling through their zone. This was verified by the Jewish leaders who said that only a few transports had come through and these had been given aid by the Jewish communities before continuing westward. It was stressed that this occurred infrequently.
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.
