Regard for Jews’ Right to Work is Demanded in Polish Parliament

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Consideration for the rights of the Jewish working masses to obtain employment in the Polish state offices and public works was urged by Deputy Heller, member of the Zionist Socialist group, Hitachduth, in an address he delivered in the Diet during the discussion on the budget of the Ministry of Public Works.

Deputy Heller urged that the government grant support to Jewish invalids who served in the Polish army, that subsidies be granted to social agencies serving the Jewish working masses which were established in Poland with the aid of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and that the government give protection to Jewish emigrants. Deputy Heller cited the action of the Soviet government in assisting the Jewish population in Russia to change its mode of living and engage in new productive occupations. It is the duty of the Polish government to assist the Jewish population in its attempt at readjustment, he said. The Soviet government, which has ruined the Jewish population economically, found itself compelled to recognize the principle underlying the Zionist movement by adopting the colonization plan. The Polish government must do likewise and help in the transformation of the Jewish “luftmenschen” to enable them to engage in productive work.

During the discussion on the budget which took place in the Sejm, Minister of the Interior, General Skladkowski was severely criticized by the representatives of the Right parties. The Minister was defended by Deputy Gruenbaum. This was the first occasion on which Deputy Gruenbaum took a stand for a member of the government.

Deputy Gruenbaum stated that it was General Skladkowski who had removed from their posts the reactionary officials who made it impossible for the citizens to live in harmony. General Skladkowski’s goodwill, however, is not sufficient. He has not, for instance, abolished the Czarist disabilities, the deputy stated.

JEWISH COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES

The annual Talmudic festival with old fashioned pilpul and constructive halakhic discussion was decided upon and special committees on good will between Jews and Gentiles, on Halakhic Commission and Ritual Commission were appointed at a general meeting of the New York District of the Rabbinical Council of the Union of Orthodox Congregations of America. Dr. Leo Jung presided.

The publication of a monthly bulletin was decided upon. Rabbi Kahn of Arverne. L. I., is Secretary of the Council. Rabbi Alexander Rosenberg of Yonkers was appointed editor of the monthly.

The synagogue of the congregation Beth David. Miami, Fla., was dedicated last Sunday. Rabbi Murray A. Alster, rabbi of the congregation; Dr. R. N. Merrill, pastor of the White Temple: William W. Cohen, of New York, and Rev. Z. Masliansky of New York, addressed the gathering.

The Independent Order of Brith Abraham celebrated its fortieth anniversary on Feb. 7. Many telegrams and letters of congratulations were received at the headquarters, 37 East Seventh Street, New York, by Max L. Hollander, general secretary.

The order has 575 lodges and a membership of 150,000. Justice Gustave Hartman, of the City Court, is the grand master.

Forty years ago a group of twenty-five Jews founded the Order in a small room in a cafe at Ridge and Stanton Streets. Since then more than $20,000,000 has been devoted to benefits among members and to charity. Judge Hartman stated.