U.p.a. Agencies in Israel Spent $150,000,000 in 1949, Judge Rothenberg Reports

United Palestine Appeal agencies in Israel spent $150,106,580 during 1949, the major portion of which was contributed by American Jews for an over-all program of immigration, rehabilitation and resettlement, Judge Morris Rothenberg, U.P.A. acting national chairman, disclosed here last night in a year’s and report to the U.P.A. board of directors.

“The central theme of our program, which American Jews are helping to make possible,” Judge Rothenberg said, “is the return to full-fledged social and economic stature of tens of thousands of ill-fed, ill-clad, ill-housed Jews who have led a marginal existence for more than a decade.” Of the total sum spent this year, Judge Rothenberg reported that $58,460,941 went for the initial care and rehabilitation of immigrants including provision of clothing and medical care and their maintenance in camps.

For housing of immigrants, U.P.A. agencies spent $11,128,076 during 1949, with over 11,000 units completed. By the end of this month an additional 24,000 units, each housing an average of three immigrants, will be under construction. The continued influx into Israel, however, Judge Rothenberg declared, still makes it necessary for more than 90,000 immigrants to live in reception camps awaiting permanent resettlement. Agricultural development, including the establishment of new settlements and the expansion of those already in existence to increase the country’s absorptive potential, cost U.P.A. agencies $29,065,747.