(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
A considerable increase in the number of those who leave the Jewish community was observed during the High Holiday season. The Austrian law requires a formal declaration by every citizen as to whether or not he wishes to belong to the religious community.
The movement away from the community is causing anxiety among Jewish leaders here. Hundreds of individuals, including whole families, as well as some who were born in America but who have come here, have deserted Judaism.
In some circles the movement is ascribed to the influence of the antireligious campaign carried on recently by the social democrats.
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.