The immigration of Jews from Poland to Israel will continue, Israel Barzilai, Israeli Minister to Poland, declared today in a statement to the press. Mr. Barzilai is now in Tel Aviv for his first visit since he was named Minister nine months ago.
Despite the fact that the Polish Government does not permit the emigration of Jews from the country, he said, special arrangements have been made for relatives of residents in Israel to come to the Jewish state under certain conditions. He estimated that the number of such relatives averages several hundred monthly.
Mr. Barzilai’s statement noted that as a result of the Polish-Israeli trade agreement signed on May 20, providing for a $15,000,000 exchange of goods, Israel is buying in Poland only commodities necessary to develop her industry and to supplement the supply of construction materials and machinery. The Jewish state, he said, is selling goods to Poland for which there is much competition in the world market. The agreement is designed to end “haphazard trade” and create good will, Mr. Barzilai added.
Touching on the situation of the Jews in Poland, the Israeli Minister declared that they are allowed complete freedom of movement and that anti-Semitism is combated with education and punishment and is considered subversive by Poland. Describing the difficulties he encountered in establishing his Ministry, Mr. Barzilai emphasized the friendly and understanding attitude of the Polish Government.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
