The official organization representing Polish Jewry–under Communist Party domination–has declared openly that one of its “standing principles” is opposition to the idea that Jewish emigration furnishes a solution to the Jewish problem in the country.
This policy was pronounced at a meeting of the executive committee of the Association of Jewish Cultural Organizations in Poland, held in Warsaw. The report of the main policy speech, delivered before the executive committee meeting by David Sfard, appears in the latest issue of the Warsaw Yiddish-language newspaper, Folkshtimme, received here today.
Before laying down the line opposed to Jewish emigration, Mr. Sfard reported about the economic and cultural progress among Polish Jews. During the six-month period ending October 31, Polish Jews doubled their membership in 11 cooperative workshops. Nine of the eleven cooperatives were making a profit. These cooperatives furnished work for Jews trained previously in vocational courses conducted by ORT.
Mr. Sfard reported that the sale and circulation of Yiddish newspapers and books in Poland has increased in the six-month period ending October 31 by 30 percent. He said there are in the country now more Jewish schools than there had been, as well as more pupils. There are in Poland now six Yiddish theatrical groups, a puppet theatre, six choirs and a number of youth groups and children’s theaters.
When he came to political affairs, Mr. Sfard told the executive committee: “It is our belief that Poland contains all the essentials for stabilization of Jewish life in the country. Our attitude is unalterably opposed in principle to emigration as a solution to the Jewish problem. However, we recognize the fact that some people wish to emigrate. We accept the Government’s democratic and humanitarian attitude on this issue. But it is a matter that must be viewed clearly from all aspects. Failure to view this matter clearly until now has been one of the negative aspects of our work.”
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