Most of the 370 young men and women from Germany who entered Denmark before the war to receive agricultural training as Palestine pioneers are now working on Danish farms in various parts of the country, according to a report received here today.
Since, as a result of the war, they are unable to proceed to Palestine as planned, according to the report, the Danish police have agreed to let them remain in the country until they can emigrate on condition that they be supported by the Jewish community and would not accept work for which they would be paid. The German occupation authorities, it is understood, have made no objection to these chalutzim remaining in the country and have not interfered with their training.
The chalutzim, the report states, are fed and lodged on the farms where they work but receive no other pay from their employers. Pocket-money, work-clothes, shoes, underwear and other necessities are paid for by the Copenhagen Jewish committee. Orthodox chalutzim are placed on farms in groups as much as possible so that they can be lodged and fed in camps established by the committee. Here, the report states, they prepare their own meals and maintain their camps.
There are still about 175 Jewish children in Denmark who came to the country en route to Palestine under the auspices of the Youth Aliyah. They are being lodged with families throughout the country, especially on farms where they receive training for work in Palestine.
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.