Jewish refugees from Belgium, who have done a remarkable job in the diamond industry here, employing about 1,000 Jews and 1,500 Cubans, are not eager to return to their native country.
Reports reaching them from Belgium reveal that there is a good deal of anti-Jewish feelings there due to Nazi propaganda which has left roots in certain sections of the population. One report said that a hotel in Brussels refused to admit Jews which never happened before the war in the Belgian capital. The Belgian Jews here are also disappointed at the fact that German Jewish refugees in Belgium were interned after the liberation of the country.
At present there is a strike going on in the diamond industry here which, if not settled soon, may arouse anti-Semitic feelings. Cuban workers in the industry receive from sixty to eighty-five dollars a week, which is more than they get in any other occupation. They, however, want the same wages as the Jewish workers who have more skill and experience.
Much interest is centered on the question as to what will happen to the diamond industry here if the Belgian Jews decide to return to Belgium. Some local Jews are now financially interested in the industry and it is certain that they intend to keep it going.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
