Russian Jewish Colony to Bear Zangwill’s Name

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

A review of the progress of Jewish relief work in Russia and in Poland was presented to English Jewry by Jacob Billikopf, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Federation of Jewish Charities.

A reception in his honor was given Thursday night by the United Relief Organization of Great Britain, under the chairmanship of Dr. D. Jochelman. In his welcoming address Dr. Jochelman declared that he had received a cable from the president of the Comzet, the Russian government department for settling the Jews on the land, stating that the department has decided to establish a colony which will bear the name of Israel Zangwill.

Mr. Billikopf stated that the economic conditions in Poland have improved slightly due to the British coal strike, which has resulted in larger orders being placed with the Polish industries. There is also a marked psychological improvement, due to the inauguration of the Pilsudski regime.

Speaking of the Jewish colonization work in Russia, Mr. Billikopf stated that Jewish religious life in the Russian colonies is fully preserved, except in those colonies founded by the Chalutzim, who are irreligious. The neighboring non-Jewish colonies maintain a friendly attitude toward the Jewish settlers. The harvest in the District of Cherson has exceeded expectations. Two hundred and twenty-five thousand puds were exported to Italy, for which the amount of $120,000 was realized, he stated.