News Brief

Mr. Jordan, who negotiated with the Polish Government the resumption of the JDC relief activities in Poland, said that it is questionable how many of the 10,000 who have returned will resume their lives permanently in Poland. “Many, surely, will move on to other places,” he predicted. But now, as they return, they find a country whose economy is unable to absorb them even temporarily. Housing has been supplied to them, but it is far from adequate. There are few jobs and, in spite of what the government is doing approximately 50 percent of the repatriates are unemployed. In addition to the many areas of need not being met, in many cases they face, as well, the familiar, well-remembered hostility of their neighbors.

The immediate needs to be dealt with by the JDC,” Mr. Jordan continued, will necessitate the establishment of feeding programs in the schools; day nurseries for children, to permit mothers to supplement family incomes by working; the distribution of household supplies to families lacking even the essentials for hygiene, sanitation and comfort; the granting of loans to artisans; and the establishment of small cooperatives. In addition, the repatriates will look to JDC for the support of religious and cultural activities which they have long lacked.

“JDC has agreed to conduct this program at the request of the Polish authorities and with the full knowledge of the United States Government,” Mr. Jordan stressed. “For the moment, no provision is made for assistance to the other 40,000 Jews living in Poland, many of whom may also be in need,” he reported.