Jewry in Lithuania Divided on National Autonomy Question

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The question of reviving Jewish national autonomy in Lithuania, again made possible by the recent change in the Government, finds Jewish public opinion in the country divided against itself.

The controversy seems to center around the question of whether or not a new Jewish National Assembly is to be called into session. The society “Ezra” which assumed the functions of the Kehillah dissolved during the reign of the old government, has adopted a resolution to convene a Jewish National Assembly in Lithuania. The leaders of the Society pointed out that this step was necessary in view of the fact that the Club of Jewish Deputies in the Lithuanian Parliament represents only the Jewish middle-class, not including even the entire Jewish bourgeoisie, for the Orthodox group is not represented in it. The Club of Jewish Deputies opposes this step contending that the convening of another Jewish National Assembly in Lithuania would result in unnecessary noise, damaging the situation of the Jews in Parliament. The Club also contends that it represents 75 percent of the Jewish voters, and is therefore authorized to effect on its own responsibility the revival of the Jewish national autonomy, on principles which have already been approved by the Conference of Jewish Communities in Lithuania, and by the previous session of the Jewish National Assembly.

The Cabinet is now considering a new bill proposed by the Jewish Deputies with regard to the citizenship question. According to this bill citizenship would be granted to hundreds of Jews, at present domiciled in Lithuanin, who are unable to produce documents proving their previous residence in the country. The Jewish Deputies are consident that the bill would pass Parliament.