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Jews Continue to Flee from Hungary; J. D. C. Organizes Aid in Vienna

November 6, 1956
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Approximately 300-Jews are among the Hungarian refugees who crossed into Austria in recent days and who are sheltered in Austrian Government camps in various parts of the country. An unknown number of Hungarian Jews have found lodging with friends and relatives in Austria.

Although the Austrian Government is responsible for the refugee camps. Jewish communities in Vienna and Salzburg and the Joint Distribution Committee have gone to the aid of the refugee Jews. In addition, the Vienna community, largest in the country, has appealed to all Austrian Jews to rally to the support of the refugees. Charles Jordan, director general of the JDC, arrived here from the agency’s Paris headquarters to coordinate its programs in this country and to help direct aid to the Hungarian Jews.

So far, relief supplies for the Jews are adequate, but if the stream of refugees grows there may be a real shortage of food, clothing and medicines. As of now the border has been sealed by Soviet units.

The JDC wants to remove Jews from camps throughout Austria and take over responsibility for them from the Austrian Government. Meanwhile, it has sent a supply of kosher food to some 100 Orthodox Hungarian Jews who have been quartered in the Traiskirchen camp in Lower Austria.

Many of the Hungarian Jews have expressed a desire to go to Israel. The Jewish Agency is making arrangements for the early movement of these Jews to Israel. Others will be helped to go wherever they wish.

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