Jews constitute fifteen percent of the Polish armed forces which are now being trained in Russia, Gen. Anders, commander of the Polish Army on Soviet soil who is now on a visit in England, revealed today.
“Jews who belong to the Polish military units destined to fight on the Middle-Eastern front are leaving Russia for Palestine and other Middle-Eastern territories together with their Polish comrades,” the Polish commander stated. “The sacrifices which our fighting forces have gone through since the outbreak of the war have destroyed all old prejudices between Poles and Jews and created an atmosphere of mutual friendly understanding.”
Gen. Anders made it clear that there will be no Jewish units in the Polish army in the Middle-East. “There is only one Polish Army consisting of all devoted citizens of Poland without distinction of creed or origin,” he said. He emphasized that he personally has always advocated absolute equality in treatment of soldiers in the Polish army irrespective of their religion and will continue to do so. “In my orders to the army I took all necessary steps to ensure that this principle be fully realized,” he declared.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.