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Philadelphia Jews Complain of Anti-jewish Discrimination in Housing

December 5, 1958
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Specific complaints lodged by Jewish inhabitants of Philadelphia and its suburbs against owners, builders and their rental agents in refusing to sell new homes to Jews were revealed here today for the first time by the Jewish Community Relations Council.

The problem of housing discrimination against persons of the Jewish faith was presented by Robert K. Greenfield, chairman of the JCRC’s Committee on Fair Housing Practices, during his appearance before the Governor’s Citizens Committee on Discrimination in Housing which had been holding open public hearings in Harrisburg.

The refusals to sell homes to Jews were revealed to be new housing developments on the outskirts of Philadelphia, notably near Modia, Wynnewood, Drexel Hill and Cynwyd. Such discrimination is not limited to the suburbs, said Mr. Greenfield. He reported improper advertisements in Philadelphia newspapers which stated or hinted that the housing accommodations would not be sold or rented to Jews.

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