The Joint Distribution Committee made public today its annual report showing that 164,000 Jews in 25 countries received JDC aid in 1955. Almost 100,000 of them were in Moslem lands.
The report states that $25,500,000 was spent by the JDC in its 1955 operations while its budget for 1956 is $29,200,000. The JDC receives most of its funds from the United Jewish Appeal.
Edward M. M. Warburg, JDC chairman, commented: “Ten years after V-E Day, it is a matter of considerable note that the aid of the Joint Distribution Committee should still be required by Jewish communities in 25 countries of the world. It is equally remarkable that in 1955 the number of men, women and children dependent upon J. D. C. for full or partial support should still be counted in tens of thousands.”
Moses A. Leavitt, committee executive vice chairman, emphasized that aid would be required for some time to come. He listed the major areas of need as Israel, where the committee helps the aged, ill and handicapped; Europe, where aid is required by 300,000, and North Africa, “the most unpredictable area” of Committee operations.
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