Discrimination in the sale and rental of housing accommodations to Jews is practiced to some degree 16 suburban communities surrounding Philadelphia, it was revealed in a survey just completed today by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia.
The survey was based on personal interviews conducted by the JCRC staff members in 36 suburban communities surrounding Philadelphia. Each person interviewed was asked if Jews are being denied the right to buy or rent housing accommodations in his particular community; if the discrimination against Jews is practiced openly or is it subtle; the nature of the discrimination and if the conclusion is based on rumor or fact; and what persons are alleged to be practicing such discrimination.
In all but five of the communities studied the respondents spoke of “unwritten agreements and understandings” among private homeowners and their brokers that their properties must be sold to white Christians only. Private homeowners are exempt from provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Law outlawing discrimination in housing because of race, religion, or national origin.
It is significant that Jewish families do reside in all the communities examined including the 16 where discrimination is said to exist. In order to ensure complete cooperation of all those interviewed, each was assured that names of persons would not be disclosed. However, specific and detailed information will be made known to the proper governmental authorities for appropriate action on their part where violations of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Law are found.
Four real estate firms operating in the suburbs were alleged to be violating the State Law by requesting information concerning the religion of prospective purchasers. One of these real estate firms is alleged to have told the respondent that the home “was not for sale to persons of her (Jewish) faith.” In one of the suburban communities, a large apartment house built a few years ago is alleged to be limiting the number of Jewish tenants. In another community, it was found that the residents of a recently-built large housing development have banded together as a civic association and adopted an “unwritten policy” whereby homes will not be sold to Jewish applicants.
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