The fate of Europe’s 1,500,000 surviving Jews depends on a quick solution to the displaced persons problem and on continuing aid from the Jews of America, Dr. Joseph C. Hyman, vice-chairman of the Joint Distribution Committee, reported today after a four-month survey of Europe and Palestine.
“Only by giving the quarter of a million Jewish DP’s of Germany, Austria and Italy the opportunity to find homes in Palestine, where most of them wish to settle, the United States and other lands, will chaos be prevented in the camps,” Dr. Hyman stated at a press conference. “And only through increased support of the activities of the Joint Distribution Committee, through contributions to the campaign of the United Jewish Appeal, can programs be put into effect that will prevent the collapse of the remaining Jews on the continent.
“Two beacons of light offer hope to Europe’s Jews,” Dr. Hyman stated: “the hope of Palestine — for most of the 250,000 Jews trapped in DP camps — and, for the remaining Jews on the continent, the knowledge that their fellow-Jews in America will provide the help they need so desperately to effect a genuine revival. If the promise of Palestine is removed and if the JDC, as the chief instrument of help from America, is forced through lack of funds to curtail its program, darkness would set in and the result would be appalling.”
On his overseas survey, Dr. Hyman visited JDC installations and spoke with Jewish leaders in France, Italy, the American zone of Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Switzerland, Cyprus and Palestine. He said that he was “tremendously impressed” by the achievements of the Jewish pioneers in Palestine. “Here Jews are carving out a new chapter in the history of mankind,” he stated. “It is thrilling to see the unquenchable spirit and the vitality shown by these people.” Dr. Hyman also reported that the Jews of Palestine have received tremendous encouragement from the evidence of interest and sympathy which the American Jewish community has shown. “This continued interest is vital and must be sustained on a high plane of constructive assistance,” he stated.
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