The Joint Distribution Committee will require $27,372,000 for its 1954 aid programs, it was announced at a press conference here following the close of a conference of JDC field directors from 18 countries which was also attended by 31 American Jewish leaders headed by Edward M.M. Warburg, chairman of the JDC.
The announcement was made by Moses Beckelman, JDC European director. He noted that the 1954 budget is more than $2,000,000 greater than the agency’s 1953 requirements. This rise was explained by the need to expand urgent feeding and medical programs in Moslem lands and to build new hospitals and other institutions required by the agency’s Malben program for sick and handicapped immigrants in Israel. At the same time, the JDC must continue to seek a final solution to the Jewish DP problem and maintain necessary assistance programs for Western Europe’s war-shattered Jewish communities until they can support themselves, Mr. Beckelman stated.
The largest share of the 1954 budget is earmarked for the JDC’s Malben program in Israel, it was reported. JDC plans to spend $13,725,000 next year to carry out essential medical and rehabilitation projects benefiting sick, aged and disabled immigrants to the country. Since the founding of the Malben program four years ago, more than 100,000 immigrants to Israel, including physically-handicapped newcomers and their family members, have received JDC aid.
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