Jews who wish to emigrate from Poland to Palestine will not receive immigration certificates from the Jewish Agency unless they first master the Hebrew language, it was announced here by Isaac Gruenbaum. head of the immigration department of the Jewish Agency.
Mr. Gruenbaum, now on a visit here, emphasized that this retriction will enter into force in April of 1936.
“We do not intend to close the doors of Palestine. We insist, however, that prospective immigrants should be best fitted for life in the country. Knowledge of the Hebrew language is one of the major requirements,” Mr. Gruenbaum said.
IN LINE WITH RULING
The announcement by Mr. Gruenbaum is in line wdith a decision adopted recently by the Executive of the Jewish Agency in Palestine to give preference in granting immigration certificates to those who speak Hebrew.
Beginning next year every candidate for an immigration certificate to Poland will have to pass a special examination in the Palestine offices in Poland, as well as in other countries to prove sufficient knowledge of Hebrew before the immigration certificate will be granted.
Mr. Gruenbaum, addressing a Zionist gathering here, condemned the Jewish illegal immigration into Palestine. He pointed out that most of those who enter Palestine illegally are undesirable elements. He also emphasized that the Jewish Agency would have received more certificates from the Palestine government if there were no illegal immigration.
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