Moses A. Leavitt, executive vice-chairman of the Joint Distribution Committee and former member of President Eisenhower’s Committee for Hungarian Refugee Relief, returned today from a South American tour with words of high praise for Brazil’s “warm and generous reception to refugees fleeing from Communism and anti-Jewish persecution.” He reported that since January 1 more than 3,300 Jewish refugees from Hungary and Egypt have found haven in South America. Of this total some 2,300 or nearly three-quarters have settled in Brazil with sizable numbers of Hungarian emigrants also taking refuge in Argentina and Chile.
On his continent-wide survey of Jewish refugee needs and services, Mr. Leavitt found that the newcomers appeared to have made a rapid economic and social adjustment. This is due in large part to the excellent cooperation of the Latin American countries,” he reported. “Particular thanks are due to the Government and people of Brazil.” Mr. Lea it stressed particularly the role played by Brazilian President Juscelino Kutischek and his Immigration Department in accepting the refugees. In addition, he noted, all sections of the local Jewish community have united in welcoming and caring for the newcomers.
Financial assistance, totaling as high as $1,000 for a family of four, is provided to the immigrants by the JDC, United Hias Service and other international and local agencies.
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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.
