Little more than 4,000 Jews remain in Poland, most of them aged and living off meagre pensions, according to a group of Jewish immigrants who arrived here from Poland today. They were the first group of emigres from that country in many months although the Warsaw authorities began issuing visas en masse to Jews nearly two years ago. Polish Jews numbered more than 30,000 in 1968 when a wave of official “anti-Zionism” spread over the country in the wake of student unrest and thousands of Jews were purged from their jobs. Jews emigrated, but mainly to nearby Sweden and Denmark where they found hospitality and favorable conditions. Relatively few came to Israel which was disturbing to authorities here. One elderly couple that arrived today said there was still a synagogue in Warsaw but it was almost impossible to gather a minyan for worship.
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.
