$7,209,460 Appropriated by J.D.C. for Three Months Work in 25 Lands

A total of $7,209,460 was appropriated in the first three months of 1956 by the Joint Distribution Committee for its activities in 25 countries, it was reported yesterday by the JDC. Nearly $1,000,000 of this sum was appropriated for the transportation of immigrants from North Africa and other areas to Israel, the report indicated. Under this program JDC expects to assist some 45,000 men, women and children to reach the Jewish State this year.

In addition to the emigration assistance which JDC is providing for the Jews of North Africa, the agency has appropriated $900,000 for medical, feeding, child care and other welfare programs in Morocco. Tunisia, Algeria and other Moslem countries. Some 100,000 needy Jews in these areas are currently receiving JDC assistance.

The largest single budget item during this period, however, was in Israel, where JDC spent $2,625,000 for its welfare program on behalf of aged, ill and handicapped newcomers, known as Malben. The agency will assist some 30,000 in Israel during 1956 in a network of old-age homes, hospitals, sanitaria, clinics, sheltered workshops and other institutions, as well as through a program of rehabilitation loans, vocational training and cultural and religious activities.

Other allocations during the three month period included $2,000,000 for JDC’s activities in some 14 countries of Western and Central Europe; grants for cultural and religious assistance; and a special appropriation of $50,000 to provide Passover foods and supplies to help needy Jews observe the holiday in traditional fashion.