German-Jewish refugees who were admitted to South Africa on temporary visas after they fled from the Nazis, and whose permits were extended during the war, are concerned over the increasing agitation by nationalist elements, who are demanding that the refugees be ousted.
Many of the Jewish immigrants served in the Union’s armed forces and others have established successful industries and commercial enterprises. Most of them want to become naturalized, but there is a great deal of opposition. The refugees are placing their hopes on Prime Minister Smuts and his United Party, since Smuts has frequently voiced his sympathy with, and admiration for, the Jews and is aware of their contributions to South Africa.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.