The Jewish Agency representative here has received letter from a group of 65 Indian Jews who returned here from Israel, denying statements made in Parliament that they left the Jewish State because of a "color bar." The letter said:
"We, the undersigned returnees from Israel, desire vehemently to contradict this (Parliamentary) statement. Neither at work nor socially was there any trace of discrimination on account of color or origin. It is indeed contrary to the spirit which inspired the creation of the State of Israel and which continues to inspire the Government for the ingathering of exiles from all corners of the world.
"We regret the controversy attending our return to India. Our return was a confession of failure on our part to come up to the high standards demanded by a pioneering country. As you are fully aware, there are many of us today who would like to be given another chance to take part in the great work of reconstruction taking place in Israel. Had we the means, many of us would already have been in Israel today.
"If the Jewish Agency gives us another opportunity and pays our passages again, we would all go to Israel with a greater determination to make good. In the interests of truth, we would like you to convey this letter to all concerned. We feel that the good name of Israel should not be sullied by unjustified criticism of its government or people."
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
