Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Sommerstein Asks Curb on Anti-semitism in Poland and Haven for Jews in Palestine

May 15, 1945
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Disclosing that ninety-eight and one-half percent of the Jews who lived in Poland under the German occupation were exterminated, Dr. Emil Sommerstein, head of the central Jewish committee in Poland, has appealed for “energetic action” to curb anti-Semitism in Poland, and urged that emigration to Palestine of cause Jews who desire to go there be facilitated.

Addressing the national council of the Polish Provisional Government, Dr. Sommerstein said, according to the Lublin radio, that although the government has put into effect measures guaranteeing full political and legal equality for Jews, “energetic action is required to stop anti-Semitism.” He pointed out that the position of the Jews in Poland is very difficult, asserting that their physical condition is not very satisfactory, and their psychological state is even worse.

Recalling that in January, Premier Osubka-Morawski declared that Jewish emigation would not be hindered, Dr. Sommerstein said that “the time has come to resolve this problem; the democracies must take account of the Jewish people’s rightful claims to build a Jewish national home in Palestine.” He appealed to the new Polish government to use its influence to support the “just claims” of the Jews.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement