The Canadian Jewish Congress announced today it has made representations to the Federal Government to instruct Canadian representatives on the executive committee of the International Refugee Organization to insist that the I.R.O. pay for the transportation of all displaced Jews to Israel.
The Congress pointed out that under the terms of its constitution, the I.R.O. is obliged to pay the transportation costs of displaced persons to various countries but, since the establishment of Israel, the U.N. relief agency has suspended sponsorship of refugees going to the Jewish state. The cost of the DP’s’ transportation–amounting to $1,500,000 per month–is being met by the Joint Distribution Committee.
Disappointment over the fact that Canada abstained from voting on Israel’s application for admission to the United Nations was expressed here today in a statement issued by the United Zionist Council of Canada. Lester B. Pearson, Minister for External Affairs, refused to comment on the action of the Canadian delegate at the Security Council, but emphasized that the Canadian Government “must recognize the fact that the state of Israel exists.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
