Palestine War Industries Absorb 10,000 Unemployed

Unemployment in Palestine has been reduced between 10,000 and 12,000 through absorption of workers in war industries, Director Leib Jaffe of the Palestine Foundation Fund (Keren Hayesod), who is visiting here, reported today at a press conference.

Jaffe said many had found work in industries working for the forces, such as metal, optical, food and chemical industries. The potash industry is particularly active, adding workers and extending its shifts, he said.

There is no food shortage, although prices have risen, and rationing has not been introduced, Jaffe declared. He said cultural life was flourishing, with 50 periodicals issued regularly and the Bialik Institute having started publication of popular editions.

The friendliest relations prevail between the Jewish population and the British forces, Jaffe said. The Anzacs are particularly popular with children and with the Yemenites, from whom soldiers buy all sorts of souvenirs, including Hebrew prayer books.

Many farmers along the Australian forces show keen interest in Jewish agricultural development, Groups of 40 to 50 officers regularly visit colonies on Sundays and exchange experiences with Jewish farmers.

Relations with Arabs have also greatly improved, Jaffe said. Jewish teachers from Baghdad are employed in Arab village schools, acting as liaison officers between Arabs and Jews.

Jewish Air Riad Precautions Work, especially in Tel Aviv is most efficient and has been highly praised by the High Commissioner, he added.

Jaffe asserted that Palestine was looking to American and British Jews to take over the share of the 15 Nazi-occupied countries in building the national home. He said these countries had provided $50,000 to $60,000 of the Keren Hayesod’s income annually.