The interest of German-Jewish organizations was focussed today on Geneva, where a League of Nations committee of experts will meet Thursday with interested Jewish organizations for deliberations on the refugee problem.
Disclosure that the German Zionists have changed their attitude on emigration was made today by the Juedische Rundschau, Zionist organ, which pointed out that the situation of the Jews has reached the point where Zionist leaders in Germany are not particular whether emigration is directed toward Palestine or toward any other country so long as it proceeds rapidly.
Emphasizing that it speaks in the name of thousands of German Jews irrespective of party affiliation, the Rundschau appealed “to all nations” to open their gates to German Jewry.
The newspaper declared that as a result of the Nuremberg “ghetto laws” and the regulations recently issued implementing them, the situation of the Jews has become “unbearable” and that emigration is the only remaining hope.
“The main issue is,” the Rundschau stated, “that the League create opportunities for Jews to be admitted to any country.”
The paper disclosed that Dr. Arthur Ruppin, head of the World Zionist Executive bureau for economic planning has just returned from a tour of South American countries and will attend the Geneva deliberations.
The paper expresses the hope that Canada, Australia and South American countries will be induced by the League to permit immigration of German Jews and that the League will also influence the United States and Brazil, non-League members.
In connection with Palestine, Rundschau demands that the Palestine Government consider the present situation a “case of emergency” and admit qualified immigrants from Germany who are over the age limit of 35 – the limit set on immigrants in the laborer category.
The paper advocates erection of an international organization to supervise Jewish emigration from Germany and transfer abroad of Jewish money under an extended transfer agreement with the German Government.
“German Jewry is not in a position to wait any longer,” the appeal concludes.
The reference to an international organization adds point to the report yesterday that an international bank is being contemplated to enable emigrating German Jews to withdraw their capital to countries other than Palestine. German Zionist leaders are known to favor such a proposal since they feel that in the future only youths intending to become Palestine pioneers will go to the Holy Land, not the older people.
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