Marking formal suspension of the activities on behalf of Biro-Bidjan, autonomous Jewish territory in the Soviet Far East, the American Biro-Bidjan Committee (Ambidjan) has decided to turn over all of its funds to the American ORT Federation, it was announced here today.
The first instalment of the Ambidjan funds has already been turned over to the ORT. The remainder will be transferred as soon as technical formalities have been arranged.
Transfer of the money was arranged at several meetings of leaders of both groups. The funds, it was announced, will be used for the ORT’s various activities in retraining East European Jews in artisanship.
A spokesman for the Ambidjan said that the action did not mean the committee was being liquidated. He explained that the committee, which was organized in 1935 “to study and facilitate” settlement of Jews in Biro-Bidjan, would remain in a “state of suspension” until such time as it might be needed again. Lord Marley is honorary president of the committee; former Congressman William W. Cohen is president and Max Levin is chairman of the Board.
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