Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

German Jews Refuse Repatriation from Switzerland; Berlin to Name Rabbi to Municipal Committee

June 19, 1945
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

German-Jewish refugees in Swiss labor camps do not desire to return to their homes in Germany, it was established here today by a poll taken among the refugees by the Swiss authorities. A similar response was elicited fron non-interned refugees.

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Switzerland, as well as the World Jewish Congress, have been conducting a campaign among the Jewish refugees for a long time, persuading them not to return to Germany. The poll taken by the authorities was the subject of lively discussion both among the refugees and in the Swiss press.

A broadcast from Berlin today reported an announcement by Dr. Arthur Werner, the Russian-appointed mayor of the German capital, declaring that a rabbi will shortly be named a member of the municipality’s commission dealing with religious affairs. The broadcast said that the repatriation of German Jews from Theresienstadt is being speeded so as to bring the Jews back to their home towns before the end of this month.

“Municipal authorities in various cities of Germany are organizing auto conveys to bring the Jews back home from Theresienstadt,” the broadcast reported. “Some Jews have been brought to Jena, Erfurt and Chemnitz. About 4,600 are still awaiting repatriation. Of them, more than 2,000 are listed with the Jewish repatriation committee in Berlin.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement