A graphic picture of Jewish Congo refugees and steps taken to assist them, was presented today at a meeting of the South African Board of Jewish Deputies by its chairman Namie Philips.
Mr. Philips reported that immediate help was provided for the refugees when they streamed into nearby Rhodesia. Gustav Saron, general secretary of the Board of Deputies, was sent to the Rhodesian copperbelt area to cooperate with Jews there and the Israel Consulate in arranging urgent help. The South African Jewish Appeal also sent a substantial grant.
The Jewish refugees escaped with only the clothes they wore, Mr. Philips said. The first step was to house them either in Rhodesia or South Africa. The most pathetic of the refugees were Egyptian Jews who had migrated to the Congo because of Nasserism and now again had to seek new homes.
Mr. Philips paid tribute to the South African Government for “open hearted steps taken to assist the refugees.” He said that “the South African Government’s policy is completely open door for the Congo refugees with no distinction concerning race or creed.” Mr. Philips also paid tribute to the bravery of Elisabethville Rabbi Moshe Levi who refused to leave the Congo until assured that no member of his community remained in danger.
The Congo situation was described as “fluid” by the South African Jewish leader. He said some refugees had already gone back to their homes while others intended to follow as soon as they were assured that law and security had been restored. Mr. Philips said some of the refugees intended to settle in Rhodesia, some in South Africa, while others would go to Israel. He mentioned the public funds which have been established to help Congo refugees and called on the Jewish community to contribute generously.
Meanwhile, several Jewish homes here are extending shelter to the Congo refugees, while hotels are making rooms available. The Israeli Consulate here is also aiding the refugees by speeding facilities for Congo families in transit to Israel.
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