The Joint Distribution Committee, which was forced to close its offices in Poland at the and of 1949, will resume relief activities there to help Jews repatriated from Russia to Poland adjust themselves to new conditions of life, it was indicated here today in a statement issued by Charles Jordan, JDC European director, following his return from a two-week stay in Poland.
Mr. Jordan said that Polish Prime Minister Josef Cyrankiewicz assured him that the JDC would be allowed to conduct without hindrance a program of social assistance for Polish Jews repatriated from Russia. “As the major agency serving Jewish needs overseas, the Joint Distribution Committee welcomed the suggestion of Polish authorities that we send a mission into the country to discuss setting up a social assistance program on behalf of the 9,000 to 10,000 Jews among the Polish nationals recently repatriated, as well as for the many more thousands expected to arrive in the foreseeable future,” Mr. Jordan declared.
Pointing out that the JDC mission was well received in Poland and was given every opportunity to see the repatriates, speak to them and weigh their needs, Mr. Jordan said the repatriates are only “sketchily integrated” into the economy of the country. “They are largely unemployed and find it difficult to provide for themselves,” he continued “Housing has been supplied to them but it is definitely inadequate. In spite of what the government is doing, there are yet areas of need not being met. It is obvious that immediate social assistance in areas of housing, employment and child care should be provided We are willing to undertake such a program. The details are now being worked out.”
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.
