Internees in Britain Hold Service for Jewish War Dead

A special Jewish burial ground has been set aside in the Douglas borough cemetery, Isle of Man, in view of the large number of Jews interned on the island. The burial ground was consecrated by Rabbi Auckstein, representing the Chief Rabbi’s Emergency Council, who was assisted by Dr. Broch, internee rabbi.

Representatives of the Government and camp officers participated in special services for Jewish war dead. Capt. A. Nathan, officer of one of the internment camps, unveiled Mogen David (Star of David) standards.

Capt. Osbert Peake, Home Undersecretary, told Commons today the Government was proposing establishment of mixed camps for internees but was waiting to see how many internees would volunteer for the Pioneer Corps before making a definite announcement. Definite arrangements for mixed camps are impossible at present in view of administrative difficulties, he said.

The Council of the Federation of Synagogues has voted to lend the Government 15,000, interest free, for the duration of the war and empowered the executive to function with all the powers of the Council while the state of emergency continues.

The London County Council has opened five kitchens in the East End to provide hot kosher meals for nine pence to those without gas and water and to men whose families have been evacuated. The United Synagogue, in cooperation with other Jewish bodies, and the County Council, has opened a string of rest centers for homeless families of all faiths. Several Jewish settlements and communal centers are now devoted entirely to the work of housing, feeding and aiding homeless refugees. Rabbis and welfare officers are in attendance at each center to advise and assist families.