The prospects for the Jews in the small towns in Russia were outlined by Chemerisky, head of the Jewish Section of the Communist Party, addressing the impartial Jewish labor conference now in session here to acquaint Jewish workers, Communists and non-Communists with the five year plan for industrialization.
“The small town,” Chemersky said, “is our weakest spot. It needs more attention because of its change in population, the young, able and healthy elements migrating to the cities and leaving behind the aged, invalids and widows who now constitute the major part of the residents in the small towns. This, of course, hinders economic development. We are trying to solve the problem by assigning land for cultivation near the towns and by creating collectives. However, we must admit that the measures will not be a complete solution: They will not discourage migration of the abler elements, although they may make life painful for those who remain.”
Mr. Chemerisky chided those who are inclined to belittle the prospects in Bidjan. He also criticized those who demand that henceforth emphasis be laid upon industrialization. “The factories should be open for the children of workers and the poor peasantry but not for the declassed.” he said. “Nor should the artisan cooperatives be open to all.”
The conference adopted a resolution against Great Britain and the Zionists in the recent Palestine events.
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.
