Religious Equality Law Pleases Jugo-slavian Jews, Who Get Complet Autonomy over Spiritual and Admini

“The Jews of Jugoslavia are deeply moved by the Government’s gesture in promulgating the statute regulating the status of the Jewish communities. They are grateful to King Alexander for his manifestation of good-will,” the official Jugoslavian agency, “Avala.” announced yesterday, circulating also an interview with Chief Rabbi Alkalay, saying that the Jews submitted their maximum desires, being afraid of modifications. “We were pleasantly surprised,” he states, “when the Minister of Justice and Religions accorded the Jewish religion equality with other religions.”

The new bill gives the Jewish communities complete autonomy over spiritual and administrative affairs with complete control of funds contributed by the state or individual members. The Jewish communities are to receive a share in the government’s religious budget in proportion to the Jewish population of the country. Municipalities will accord the Jewish communities a share in proportion to the Jewish population in the town. Jewish communities will be exempt from taxes and will receive other privileges.

Every Jew will have to belong to the Jewish community where he resides, as separatist communities will be allowed where one community already exists, Such separatist communities, orthodox and Sephardic, as already exist, will be allowed to remain.

The Federation of Jewish Communities, which is recognized as the governing body of all the Jewish communities, together with the Rabbis’ Synod consisting of six Rabbis will decide all the Jewish matters in the country. A rabbi appointed by the King from three candidates submitted by the communities, will be appointed State Rabbi and will enjoy the rank and courtesy accorded to a Bishop.