No Passover services were held in Prague, it was reported here today, because all synagogues and prayer houses were ordered closed and distribution of matzoth by the Jewish Community was prohibited by the police at the last minute, leaving the needy Jewish population without the means of observing the Feast of Liberation. On the other hand, Seders in Jewish restaurants were overcrowded.
The granting of exit visas from Bohemia-Moravia, suspended this week because of the international crisis, is expected to be resumed next week, but it is believed that Jews will not be allowed to leave the country in the event of an international conflict. Hundreds had been leaving daily before the suspension.
Meanwhile, the anti-Jewish drive is continuing full force. Insurance companies have stopped payments to Jews, with exceptional payments obtainable only by special permission of the authorities. Adolf Ruby, president of the Czech National Committee, broadcast an announcement of elimination of “foreign elements” — meaning Jews — from political, economic and cultural life.
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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.
