A problem has arisen in State services in Soviet-held Lithuania in connection with Jewish officials who refuse to work Saturdays, it was reported here today.
Thousands of Jews are employed in cooperatives and other Government institutions. While generally the Lithuania press does not attack Sabbath-observers, a group of Jewish Communists is campaigning against them, demanding that religious Jews either work on Saturdays or resign.
The position of many former Jewish leaders is tragic. Among those lining up daily at the labor exchange, without prospect of obtaining work other than snow-shoveling are Aba Yedidya, former president of the ORT and member of the Kaunas Jewish-Relief Board, and other members of the board.
There is also the problem of scores of German Jews so far permitted to stay in Lithuania as yeshiva students. Rumors that they will be deported to Germany are denied, but they are unable to obtain work because they lack the qualifications.
Jasmin, former board member of the Kaunas Jewish People’s Bank, has been appointed vice-director of the Lithuanian branch of the Soviet State Bank in Lithuania, the Kaunas press reports. Under the former regime he was known as the representative of the Communist wing in the Jewish Education Society.
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.
