The return of scattered Jewish children to their homes or Jewish institutions will be accelerated by a special committee representing various organizations of Italian Jewry, Reuben Resnik, Joint Distribution Committee representative in Italy, announced today.
Many of these children have been cared for since the German occupation in the homes of friendly non-Jews and in non-Jewish institutions. Although this aid is much appreciated, Jewish leaders feel that the time has come for the Jewish communities to resume responsibility for these youngsters. Due to the efforts of the JDC, much of this work had already been completed in the Florence area and members of the JDC staff will assist in arranging facilities for the children in other areas, Mr. Resnik said.
The present plans call for re-establishment of the Rome Jewish orphanage and the development of what additional facilities may be needed. A Jewish day nursery, which opened this week, is caring for 1.50 children, mostly of working families which cannot provide proper care for them in the daytime. It is planned to expand its facilities, and the JDC is offering financial aid and the assistance of its staff members.
The Jews of Rome, and through them the Jews of all Italy, will pay tribute to the help given them by American Jews at a meeting on Feb. 25 honoring the JDC. The meeting is being arranged by local Jewish leaders.
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