Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

32,000 Jewish Soldiers Killed in Battle for Poland; 61,000 Captured

September 16, 1942
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A total of 32,216 Jewish soldiers in the Polish Army were killed during the German invasion of Poland in September, 1939, it was revealed here today by Dr. Ignacy Schwarzbart, one of the two Jewish members of the Polish National Council, on the basis of data compiled by his office.

Dr. Schwarzbart also established that 61,000 Jewish officers and soldiers were taken prisoners by the Germans during the same period. The Jews constituted 12 percent of the Polish Army when it was reorganized in France. They constitute 15 percent of the Polish armed forces in Russia which are now being transported to the Middle Eastern front.

Under the scheme providing shelter for Polish refugees in Palestine, a total of 1,735 Jewish refugees are registered with the Polish authorities in Palestine today, Dr. Schwarzbart was informed by the Polish Government-in-Exile. Of them 905 are permanently supported by the Polish authorities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, including 94 rabbis and 148 relatives of Jewish soldiers in the Polish forces.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement