Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

40 Refugees, Left Behind, Leap into Black Sea As 450 Sail for Palestine

June 27, 1939
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Forty Czech and Polish Jewish refugees, desperate at being left behind when the Panama steamer Rim sailed for Palestine with 450 other Jewish refugees, threw themselves into the Black Sea early today as the vessel weighed anchor and steamed out of port. All were rescued by police and civilians. Several were removed to a hospital.

The group was among 140 refugees from Czechoslovakia and Poland who could not be accommodated aboard the Rim. Passengers on the vessel included 142 who had served terms in the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau, Germany. Some had been waiting for four months for an opportunity to leave Rumania.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement