Hillman Urges Bermuda Conference to Speed Aid for Jews; Willkie Lauds Palestine Work

Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, speaking last night at a “third seder” at the Astor, sponsored by the National Labor Committee for Palestine as a tribute to the Histadruth, urged immediate action on the part of the British-American Refugee Conference in Bermuda for the rescue of European Jews from extermination by Hitler.

Complimenting the Histadruth upon its aid to European refugees, Mr. Hillman said that Palestine had absorbed 38,000 refugees since the war started and was anxious to bring in more. “In this connection,” he added, “it is imperative for the Allied refugee conference in Bermuda to act promptly and with diligence. What Histadruth and other Jewish groups have been able to do for refugees in Palestine can be done on a larger scale.” Mr. Hillman announced that his union had voted to give $30,000 to the Histadruth for establishment of a vocational school in Jerusalem for the rehabilitation of refugee boys and men.

A message from Wendell L. Willkie expressed admiration for the work accomplished by Jewish pioneers in the upbuilding of Palestine and declared that “the continued barbaric program of extermination being carried out by Hitler against the Jewish people makes the work being done in Palestine today even more important than in the past, for there must be assurances now that homeless Jews of Central and Eastern Europe who survive this war can look forward to a homeland of their own in which they may find peace, security and happiness for themselves and for their children. Other messages were received from Sen. Robert F. Wagner and Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. The 6,000 guests each paid $25 to attend the “third Seder” which was held simultaneously in the Astor and Commodore.