Jewish Emigration from Eastern Europe Must Find Outlet, Says Hias Director

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Greater attention for the Jewish emigration problem in East European countries was urged by Dr. James Bernstein, European director of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of America, Hias, in an interview with the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency here.

It is impossible to think that mere relief activity will help the situation of the Jewish population in the East European countries. Dr. Bernstein stated. The Jewish emigration problem is not an accidental one. It is erroneous to believe that when the general economic conditions in the respective countries will return to normal the Jewish emigration problems will be solved

Prior to the war, 50,000 Jews left Poland annually. In the post war period, the economic situation of the Jewish population has become critical beyond words, due to the fact that the manufacturing centers of Lodz, Kalisz and Bialystok have lost their Russian markets. In addition to the annual 50,000 emigration as in the pre-war period, there is a vast army who must emigrate. The situation in Russia is worse. The constructive relief of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee does not present a complete solution of the problem. Only Jewish emigration from Russia will improve conditions, he stated.

Dr. Bernstein expressed his conviction that thousands of Jews can find possibilities for starting life anew in many countries. particularly in South America, In the Republics of Argentine, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, as well as the Dominions of Canada, Australia and South Africa. What is imperatively necessary is that a special commission of experts visit these countries and study the possibilities for Jewish immigration there. It is also necessary to organize institutions in those countries similar to that of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of America which would be competent to take care of the new arrivals.