The approaching departure of the American Relief Administration from Russia does not affect the status or activities of the Joint Distibution Committee, the J.T.A. learns authoritatively here. The JDC is remaining in Russia in accordance with the agreement entered into with the Soviet Government.
It is probable that the Committee’s activities will be concentrated hereafter on the reconstruction rather than on relief phases, although relief too will be continued in many districts in the Ukraine where the feeding is still necessary, it is announced.
Virtual confirmation of this report was obtained by the J.T.A., prior to the receipt of this dispatch, from Dr. Boris D. Bogen, the JDC’s representative in Russia, who is leaving New York on Saturday to return to Moscow. “There can be no talk of liquidating the present program in Rusia”, Dr. Bogen stated, answering a question as to the JDC’s future plans. He continued:
“The ‘Joint’s’ independent program in Russia has proven highly successful. It must continue with the same temper. This program includes the care of dependent children, 50,000 of whom are in institutions supported by the JDC. It includes also the rehabilitation of the old medical institutions, as well as other Jewish institutions which have fallen into disuse, relief to families and individuals. In this work the JDC enjoys full cooperation of the Soviet Government’s agencies and the leading Jewish organizations.
“Individual Jews in Russia and Ukraine cannot today get along without aid. Famine or no famine, a good crop or a poor one, the Jew who must adjust himself to new conditions, requires the continued aid of organizations and individuals.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.