Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Only Fraction of Jews in Northern Italy Still Alive, JDC Representative Reports

May 4, 1945
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Only a fraction of the pre-war Jewish population in northern Italy is still alive, it was reported today by Reuben Resnik, Joint Distribution Committee representative in Italy, who raced through the recently liberated cities with an artillery regiment of the 34th Division.

Resnik said that he found that only 400 of Bologna’s 1,200 Jews remained; in Kotena there are 150 of 300, in Ferrara 60 survivors of 600, 70 of Parma’s 600, and only 500 in Milan, which had a Jewish population of 10,000. However, Resnik said, 2,000 Milanese Jews fled to Switzerland and others may be hiding in the hills, and will eventually return.

The JDC worker secured the records of all property confiscated from Jews in northern Italy. He also has in his possession the records of all Jews brought to the concentration camps at Carpi and Salsa-Maggiore. These two camps were used as a “staging center” for the Jews who were deported from Italy.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement