African Jewish Leader Finds Refugees Strengthening American-jewish Life

Recent Jewish refugee immigration from ## to the United States should help to invigorate American Jewry, and deepen the Jewish content of its life, it was stated here by Joseph Milne, well-known South African Jewish leader, who has just returned from a two-and-a-half months’ visit to America, where he established contact with all major Jewish organizations.

“American Jewry was beginning to lose some of its original vigor through assimilation,” Mr. Milne declared, “and in the younger generation particularly, many were drifting away from Jewish life. The Nazi persecutions, and the destruction of European Jewry in the war, have re-kindled a stronger Jewish consciousness, and brought many young people into the fold of Jewish activity who were previously taking no part in Jewish life. With this awakened Jewish consciousness, the immigrants who have been coming over from Europe will act as a Jewishly stimulating force. Some of the great European Yeshivahs are now re-establishing themselves in America. Some of the famous surviving rabbis and teachers of European Jewry are in America. All these will strengthen American Jewish life.

“In general,” said Mr. Milne, “American Jewry is an integral part of the American scene. They are Americans, and they share in all aspects of American life–trade, industry, professions, arts and politics. American Jews fought throughout the ##, and in every way pulled their weight as Americans. Many of the refugee immigrants were most useful in the war effort. Their specific talents, and knowledge of European languages and conditions, proved invaluable.”