Robert Szold, chairman of the board of directors of the American Economic Committee for Palestine, reported to supporters of the committee at a dinner at the Park Royal Hotel that “18,000 German Jewish immigrants who have brought $25,000,000 into Palestine in the past two years have been readily absorbed into the economic structure of that country.”
Mr. Szold outlined the activities of the Palestinian bureau of the American Economic Committee since the advent of the Hitler regime. Included among the German Jewish immigrants who came to the bureau for economic information were doctors, chemists, merchants, lawyers and manufacturers, he reported.
MANY GIVEN EMPLOYMENT
He pointed out that the immigrants, most of them possessors of more than £1,000, are opening up new establishments, which give work to scores of laborers. The dinner was Tuesday night.
“When a Jew comes to Palestine he displaces neither Jew nor Arab but makes room for more Jews,” Mr. Szold said. The audience cheered. “German Jews who come to Palestine,” he continued, “are of great assistance in the upbuilding of Palestine.”
SAYS YOUNG ARE HAPPY
He ridiculed stories of alleged discontent among the German immigrants.
“We hear stories that German Jews do not like Palestine. Maybe some would like to go back. But as far as the youth is concerned, they are happy. The youth will safeguard our Zionist ideal,” he declared.
An analysis, presented by Mr. Szold, showed that of the 500 German physicians who entered Palestine 300 are in some branches of medicine, sixty-five in agriculture and the remainder in scattered trades. Of 300 attorneys, 135 have applied for entrance to local examinations and fifty are in agriculture.
PAYS TRIBUTE TO JDC
Israel B. Brodie, president of the Committee, presided. In his opening remarks, he paid tribute to the Joint Distribution Committee and the Keren Hayesod for their work in the upbuilding of Palestine.
“Our whole movement is based on the faith and will of the Jewish people,” he said.
He stressed the importance of trades and crafts in the growth of the land.
“It is utterly silly to think that Palestine can be built up on agriculture alone,” he warned.
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