Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Situation of Jews in Poland Described in Declaration of Deputies

December 12, 1924
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The legal, political and economic position of the Jews in the Polish Republic was vividly described in an official declaration read in the Polish Parliament by the Jewish Deputy Schreiber on behalf of the Club of Jewish Deputies. Deputy Schreiber explained the reasons why the Jewish members of the Polish Parliament voted against the government budget.

“The policy of the present Polish Government undermines the hope of the Jewish population that they will ever be able to enjoy the equality of rights guaranteed to them in the Constitution. The government, in spite of its many promises has not yet removed the old legal restrictions which originated in the time of the Czaristic regime.

“In the field of cultural needs, the Polish Government completely ignores the demands of the Jewish population. Jewish schools are refused subsidy and the existence of private Jewish schools is made difficult. In the private high schools practically a numerous clausus for Jewish students is being enforced”, the deputy stated.

In his declaration, Deputy Schreiber further described the economic position of the Jews in Poland, which, he stated, is approaching a catastrophic state of ruination brought about by the policy of the Polish Government. The proposed bill to withdraw the concessions on monopolized articles threatens the existence of tens of thousands of Jewish families. Government offices are completely closed to the Jews. Employment over which the Government has control is also withheld from Jews. Sekretarczyk, the leader of the Polish anti-Semitic-bands in Posen; who was sentenced to jail for his activities, enjoys freedom in spite of the verdict of the court, under the pretext that “the jails are overcrowded”, the declaration states.

The Sejm passed on the budget with a majority vote. An exception was made with one item amounting to 100 Zlotys which was taken out on the motion of the Left as an expression of lack of confidence in the Minister of Education. The resignation of Professor Miklaszewski is probable.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement