Ica Allocates New Credit Funds to Promote Jewish Colonization in Russia

Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service

Credits to be used for developing its various activities in Russia were voted by the Council of the Jewish Colonization Association at its last meeting.

In regard to the new Jewish agricultural colonization movement in Russia, the Ica program provided for the settlement on the land of 600 to 700 Jewish colonists in the region of Mariupol and Zaporoje, in addition to the 300 Jewish families whose settlement has already been started. In all one thousand families of new Jewish colonists will be settled on the land by the Ica in these regions.

The Council has also decided to continue its activity with regard to the old Jewish colonies situated in Central Russia. The new credits will allow the Jewish colonists of Central Russia to develop special branches of agriculture, such as dairy farming and vine-growing. Work has been started for the installation of cheese-making, and butter factories, and of cellars for wine pressing. The Association will at the same time continue to cover the expenses of the colonists in providing seeds, live stock and implements.

The Ica is paying special attention to the development of the loan banks. The number of loan banks supported by the Ica will be augmented this year by forty, bringing the total number to 170.

Professional education is also given a prominent place in the new budget of the Ica. Twelve professional schools, teaching principally metallurgy, locksmith work and electrical engineering, will be granted new subsidies by the Ica. Credits have also been granted for the establishment of continuation schools.