The number of Jews requiring the assistance of the Joint Distribution Committee was larger in 1959 than in the previous year, even though 1959 was “a year of no great crisis and no terrible emergencies,” the JDC reported today. More than 214, 000 Jews, including 105, 000 who live in Moslem countries–principally in North Africa and Iran–received JDC aid during last year, the report said.
In a section on its activities in Moslem countries, the report stressed that “an atmosphere of insecurity” today surrounds the Jewish population in most Moslem countries, particularly those which are most strongly affected by Arab nationalism. “This is especially true in Egypt, where the Jewish community is being progressively cut off from the economic life of the country, and is apparently doomed to a purely vegetative existence,” the report says.
“In Algeria, the future is obscured by the continuing war between the Independence movement and the French authorities. In Tunisia and Morocco, however, the most immediate problems are the increasing economic difficulties, which have had a particularly unfavorable effect on the Jews living in both countries.” the report pointed out,
Moses A. Leavitt, JDC executive vice-chairman, revealed in the report that a total of $28,111,600 was spent by the organization in aiding Jews in 25 countries during 1959. JDC aid to needy Jews covered a broad range of needs. The largest number–85, 650–benefited from feeding programs, Mr. Leavitt indicated. JDC aid also included: cash relief for 38, 765; medical care for 30, 615; educational assistance for 70, 135; cultural and religious programs benefiting 36, 155; 5, 810 in homes for the aged; and 5, 220 children and young people receiving other kinds of aid.
Of a total of more than 47, 500 men, women and children who received JDC aid in Israel, some 24, 880 received the help of JDC-Malben, the JDC welfare program on behalf of aged, ill and handicapped newcomers to the Jewish State. The report noted that, under a new Malben policy which puts the stress on non-institutional care and indirect services, particularly for the aged, the year saw the continued expansion of aid. “Where only a few years ago there were thousands of aged on Malben’s waiting list for institutional care, today this waiting list is virtually non-existent,” the report said.
“A total of 19, 000 men, women and children in Poland are currently receiving and.” the report indicated, “including between 12, 000 and 13. 000 who were repatriated to Poland under the Soviet-Polish repatriation agreement. During the year,” the report noted. “JDC introduced two new programs in Poland. The first of these was medical care: the other was assistance to Jewish orphans. ” In addition, aid includes cash grants and grants to provide living quarters, as well as extensive feeding programs.
Edward M. M. Warburg. JDC chairman and honorary chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, stressed in the annual report that the “assumption of responsibility” by JDC for channeling the aid of American Jewry to needy Jews in other countries has taken the agency into some 75 countries of the world at one time or another. “In the 45 years of our responsibility we brought aid and comfort to some three and a half million persons.” he pointed out. “For our work we have had entrusted to us the staggering sum of more than $665, 000, 000. chiefly through the United Jewish Appeal. The sum is staggering precisely because we are a voluntary agency. The giving represents a unique and freely bestowed vote of confidence in JDC, and in its performance of its assigned mission.”
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