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Jews in Liberated Italy Appeal for Aid from England and America

November 14, 1943
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An appeal from Jews in liberated Italy to the Jews of England and the United States asking for aid was received here today through Lt. H. Rieck, a member of the British armed forces. The Jewish lieutenant reported that an organization to deal with repatriation of the Italian refugees has already been established, but at present they are in great need of food and of funds.

Lt. Rieck described how he released the first 22 Jews from a concentration camp in a liberated place in Italy. “I went to the camp escorted by an interpreter,” he said. “There I asked the Italian colonel in charge to release internees. They were released within one hour and provided with food and funds to last them for a full week. It was on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and it would be difficult for me to describe the joy of the liberated Jews. I obtained a room for them, provided them with wine and a special meal, and shared in their happiness. It was the finest holiday I have ever experienced in all my life.”

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