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Evacuation from London Presents Problems for Jewish Children

September 19, 1939
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Evacuation of Jewish school children from British industrial centers in danger zones has created new problems for Jewish organizations.

One question is feeding of the children, which is presenting difficulties despite Chief Rabbi Joseph H. Hertz’s pronouncement last week that in view of the emergency Jews might eat everything except forbidden meats and shellfish. Many of the children are reluctant to abandon their religious customs.

In one instance, a number of children balked at eating non-kosher food offered them and indicated they would return to London rather than give up their religious duties. It is understood that new arrangements are being made in such cases, with children who insist on kosher food being placed where their requirements may be met.

The second problem raised by the evacuation is that of religious training. Religious school teachers are being sent into the reception areas and are registering Jewish children for classes in religious instruction. The classes will be conducted by teachers sent from evacuated schools in London, Manchester and other cities. Dr. I. Slotki, superintendent of Hebrew education in the Manchester municipal schools, is now on the south coast organizing religious education for evacuated Jewish children. Local authorities are cooperating by permitting use of school buildings for the classes.

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