Annual Meeting of Hias Reports Jewish Migrations to Different Parts of the World

Urgency to continue the work among and for Jews who, notwithstanding the world-wide economic crisis, had to leave their native countries for new lands because of unbearable conditions, was the burden of the reports presented at the Twenty-fourth Annual Meeting of the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society of America (Hias), held yesterday at the Hotel Astor.

The proceedings were opened by John L. Bernstein, former president of Hias. Mr. Bernstein, in a brief address, dwelt on the importance of the gathering in view of prevailing conditions. He then introduced Abraham Herman, the president, who occupied the chair throughout the meeting.

Notable addresses in support of Hias work were made by the Rev. Dr. H. G. Enelow, Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El, New York; the Rev. H. Masliansky; Jacob Fishman, managing editor of the Jewish Morning Journal; Dr. S. Margoshes, editor of The Day; Joseph Schlossberg, secretary-treasurer of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America; John L. Bernstein, Jacob Massel, Mrs. Leon Kamaiky, president of the Rose N. Lesser Auxiliary, Sol Polakoff for the Hias Council of Organizations, and representatives of various organizations. Isaac L. Asofsky, the general manager, presented the report of Hias activities the world over.

Madame Sonia Yergin, eminent operatic singer, assisted by Miss Diana Graffman, rendered an enjoyable musical program.

Mr. Herman, the president, in his annual message, said that the economic situation did not improve in 1932, so that in respect to immigration into the United States as well as into other countries there has been no radical change. There was, however, continued Jewish emigration and immigration and Hias, in conjunction with its associates, the Ica and Emigdirect, rendered Jews who had to go to other lands, the utmost services through its offices in emigration and immigration countries. The magnitude and the value of Hias activities were not to be measured solely in numbers. Many factors had to be borne in mind. There were the ever-changing laws, regulations, orders and new requirements, making every case an involved matter. It became imperative, therefore, that these Jewish migrants be very carefully guided, advised and protected by responsible persons who were fully conversant with the laws, rules and regulations governing emigration and immigration in all parts of the world.

Dealing with specific work, Mr. Herman told of the efforts of the Society in Guatemala which resulted in Jewish immigrants being saved from expulsion from that country after a decree to that effect had been promulgated by the government. He further told that through the Harbin (China) office hundreds of Jews who fled from Manchuria were helped to settle in Southern China under most favorable conditions. Refugee Jews, mostly from Soviet Russia and Persia, were aided to go to Palestine and in Cuba most effective work was done in connection with difficulties that had arisen in consequence of the proclamation of martial law.

The following directors were elected: Dr. James Bernstein, Jacob H. Cohen, Philip Hersh, Mrs. Leon Kan#aiky, Rev. H. Masliansky, B. Shelvin, B. C. Vladeck, Albert Rosenblatt, Hon. Adolph Stern, Joseph Scholssberg, Morris Weinberg, Samuel A. Telsey, Dr. S. Hermann and Benjamin Winter.