Federation of Polish Jews Demands Full Equality for Jews in Post-war Poland

A series of resolutions demanding full economic, political and cultural equality for the Jews of Poland after the war was adopted here today at the 35th annual convention of the American Federation of Polish Jews, at the Hotel Pennsylvania. The convention, which is being attended by 400 delegates, will conclude tomorrow.

The resolutions demand: 1) Right of Jews to participate in all economic activities and professions and to secure government employment; 2) Cultural autonomy for Jews, to be secured by the formation of an autonomous federation of Jewish communities which will have the authority to regulate the internal affairs of Jewish life; 3) Cancellation by the Polish Government of all confiscations or transfers of Jewish property which occurred during the German occupation. Property belonging to murdered Jews who left no heirs shall be turned over to a central Jewish relief organization; 4) Full implementation of legislation restoring Polish citizenship to those Jews deprived of it prior to the war; and 5) Legislation making anti-Semitism a crime against the State. The resolution also decried any suggestions for evacuation of Jews from Poland after the war and asked Jewish representation on the commission set up to try war criminals.

At the opening session last night, the delegates heard a message of greetings from President Roosevelt. The President said: “The problems which confront you in the noble work of rehabilitation of the Polish Jewry provide a challenge, the poignancy of which fills men’s hearts with a determination so deep and strong that despite all odds the efforts will continue until the liberation of these innocent people is achieved.” Early today the delegates attended funeral services for Benjamin Winter, president of the federation, who died suddenly on Friday.