Hias Pleads for New Support for Emigrant Work Here and Abroad

An appeal to American Jews to extend further support to the immigrant welfare work in the United States and abroad was issued by Abraham Herman, president of the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society-in a statement announcing the agreement for three years signed by representatives of the Hias, Ica and Emigdfrekt.

“All who are conversant with the story of Jewish migration in the years following the war and the effect upon it by the restriction of immigration into the United States, cannot place too high an estimate upon the work which has been done on behalf of Jewish migrants everywhere by the combined efforts of the three greatest Jewish immigrant aid organizations with which a large number of local bodies are affiliated. Not only has duplication of activities been avoided but the fusion has also made it possible for the work to be carried on on a much larger scale, reaching every one of the new immigration countries. As a result, the foundation for constructive development of new Jewish centers in Central and South American Republics has been laid and contacts have been established with Australia, South Africa and other countries in which possibilities for large Jewish immigration exists. The decision of the conference in Paris to extend the agreement between the three organizations for another three years is the best evidence of the harmonious cooperation existing between them and which naturally reacts most favorably upon the lot of the unhappy Jewish wanderers,” Mr. Herman said.

“The ratification of the decision of the Paris conference,” he stated, “is dependent upon the support which American Jewry will give to Hias. Hias has no reserve funds and under the most favorable circumstances it is living, as the saying goes, ‘from hand to mouth.’ With such limited means, it is very difficult indeed to develop a proper program of activities for three pears and to commit itself to the obligations of the next three years.

“Not only does not Hias possess at present the funds that will be necessary in the very near future, but it is already facing now a deficit which threatens to increase as the months go by. The condition of the Jewish wanderers is more desperate than heretofore. While the number of Jewish immigrants who can come to this country is limited, the number of those who must leave their native countries is very large. The beneficent activities of the Hias combination cannot be over-estimated. In order that the work may be continued and be extended, it is absolutely urgent that American Jews who have at all times been ready to aid in the saving of their brethren shall immediately respond by generous contributions.”